Happy Thursday! This week on ‘The List’ we are counting down some movies very near and dear to my heart! Since I am from the Chicagoland area, I figured we should rank our favorite Christmas movies set in this area!
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/TGI-Podcast-New.jpg10801080e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2024-12-04 23:33:062024-12-05 06:33:23The List: Best Chicagoland Christmas Movies
Merry Christmas!
It’s a packed show, and we start off with a not particularly good version of A Christmas Carol from 2001. It’s animated and has the voices of Kate Winslet, Simon Callow and Nic Cage as Jacon Marley.
You can watch here, or not, it’s your life:
Next up is A Story of Shame from our listener Nettie Tebeau.
Then it’s our yearly chat with Scott Newman of Tinsel Tunes. This time we look at the King of Christmas (at least in the UK), Cliff Richard. He’s been part of the Christmas number 1 four times and he’s also released a whole bunch of other Christmas songs (and 2 albums). We talk about 4 of his songs and you can check them out here:
Cliff Richard & The Shadows – I Love You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNRDiVcTrPI
Last episode we talked about The Unofficial Elf Cookbook by Bryton Taylor, and this episode we doing the draw to see who the lucky winner is. The name is picked out by Robin, one of the hosts of I’m Not Complaining with Robin & Juno.
Check out their podcast here:
Then it’s the Quiz and you can test yourself against our guest Mike Westfall from The Advent Calendar House Podcast.
Check out his show here:
https://adventcalendar.house/
Get in touch:
Email: totalchristmas@gmail.com
Website: totalchristmaspodcast.com
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/totalchristmas-scaled.jpg25602560e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2024-12-04 17:32:122024-12-05 06:32:50Episode 122 – The King of Christmas
In this bonus episode, join Duane as he unwraps 8 fresh Christmas tunes for the 2024 season, spotlighting independent and lesser-known artists. Get ready to discover your next holiday favorites! 🎄🎶
Step Carse – The True Miricle of Christmas
Annie Vander – Ornamental Christmas
Laura Pursell – Three Miles from Christmas
Stella Cole – It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Vanna and Me – Christmas Across My Mind
Alison Wahl and Brian Berggoetz – Christmas Is the Right Time for Us
Kerry Kearney – Santa’s Got a Brand-New Bag
The English Assassin – Peace at Christmas
What was Duane’s favorite?
What will be your new favorite?
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Tinsel-Tunes-New1.jpg20482048e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2024-12-04 16:31:312024-12-05 06:32:0172: New Music for 2024 Season
21 Days until Christmas.Love them, or hate them, reality tv shows are here to stay. There have been several Christmas themed reality shows over the years.
If you would like to pick up the Closer to Christmas Coloring Book that I released, for yourself, or as a gift for someone, you can do so, by clicking here: https://a.co/d/7n5QjOr… can follow me here: @closertoxmas You can also email me, I would love to hear your feedback. Email me at closertochristmaspodcast@gmail.com Please rate and review the podcast wherever you are listening, it helps spread the word, and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. To check out any visual component to this epidode, check out my Youtube page: / @closertochristmas…
And finally, and HUGE thank you to my brother, Kevin, for allowing me to use his music throughout my show. If you like what you hear, you can pick up his album on Itunes, which can be found here: A solstice night on Apple music or A Solstice Night on Amazon (https://amazon.com/music/player/album…)
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Christmas-Morning.png20482048e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2024-12-04 03:07:562024-12-04 06:08:1121 Days Until Christmas! (“White Christmas” Song Battle)
This week, the Christmas Cousins welcome Kira Dineen, award-winning host of the DNA Today podcast and a renowned geneticist, to unwrap a fascinating holiday mystery: could there be a genetic reason some people are extra into the holiday spirit?
Kira also shares her family’s cherished Polish Christmas traditions. Whether you’re a holiday superfan or just curious about what’s in your DNA, this episode is a festive, fun, and thought-provoking ride.
Audience Question:
Do you think your love for Christmas is nature, nurture, or both? Have any unique holiday traditions in your family been passed down for generations?
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ChristmasCousinsLogoSmallerFont.png10241280e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2024-12-04 02:07:262024-12-04 06:07:47Polish Christmas Traditions and Holiday Genes: Are We Wired to Love Christmas? w/special guest, podcaster & geneticist, Kira Dineen!
What’s up, dudes? Nicholas Pepin of Pop Culture Roulette, Jeff Loftin from Lost Christmas, and winner of the super secret listener contest Travis Van Hauen join me to talk about the early ‘80s fad Wacky Wall Walkers! Yes, we “Deck the Halls with Wacky Walls!”
When the King of the Wall Walkers discovers a new star, he sends his exploration team out to investigate. Arriving on Earth, they learn of Christmas, and set out to uncover its secrets and its meaning. By observing the inhabitants of the town, they subsequently begin to believe Christmas is about decorating and dinner. The octopodal aliens even sneak into a mall wearing Santa suits and out a mall Santa as a phony!
Meanwhile, a spoiled brat throws a fit and accidentally winds up with the leader of the group as a new present. He blackmails them into helping him earn money so he can buy a thousand dollar toy car. However, on the way back to the mall, the gang stops at an orphanage and learns the true meaning of Christmas. Consequently, the brat donates all the money and some of his old toys to the orphans, much to the delight of his exasperated parents. The Wall Walkers take Christmas back to their planet Kling-Kling.
Neon Nativity? Check. Interstellar travel? Yep. Tuna casserole? Oof! So grab your Santa suits and walk up the walls to this episode on “Deck the Halls with Wacky Walls!”
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/7418CA16-2CBF-45F1-893C-8E5ACBC3D471-scaled.jpg25602560e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2024-12-04 02:06:502024-12-04 06:07:13Deck the Halls with Wacky Walls (w/ Nicholas, Jeff & Travis)
🎄It’s 1984, and Santa’s in front of a firing squad because his executioner didn’t appreciate the socks he got last Christmas.
The slime is an extra festive shade of green in this Christmas episode of the show that defined Nickelodeon’s early years, featuring an all-star cast of the 5 most featured kid actors of “You Can’t Do That on Television.”
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Advent-Calendar-House.jpg20482048e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2024-12-04 01:05:592024-12-04 06:06:39You Can’t Do That on Television: Christmas
The creative team of Rankin and Bass have produced some of the most enduring, nostalgia-producing Christmas specials in television history. Historian and biographer Rick Goldschmidt joins Brian to tell the story of how an art director and an ad jingle writer became “the kings of Christmas.”
Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday’s Traditions makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life. Available in hardcover and audiobook. Find it wherever books are sold, like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/christmaspodcasts.jpg15001500e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2024-12-03 18:42:382024-12-03 18:42:38Christmas Podcasts Roundup – November 23rd through November 29th, 2024
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including Christmas! In this episode, we’re exploring the Lone Star State’s unique holiday traditions, shaped by its rich blend of cultures. From German-inspired Christmas markets to Mexican tamales and posadas, Texas celebrates the season in style. We’ll also uncover the story behind the iconic lighting displays in towns like Fredericksburg and Grapevine, known as the Christmas Capital of Texas.
Discover how cowboy boots meet twinkling lights, why luminarias line Texas streets, and the way barbecue becomes part of holiday feasts. Whether it’s dancing under the stars at a holiday rodeo or enjoying a Texas Christmas craft beer, Christmas in Texas is a celebration like no other.
At the end of the episode, don’t miss a special reading from The Lost Years of Santa Claus, the book that uncovers Santa’s hidden adventures and the stories that shaped his legend. Saddle up for some holiday cheer—Texas style! 🎄🤠
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Lost-Christmas-New.jpg15831583e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2024-12-03 15:48:172024-12-03 18:48:49Christmas in Texas: A Festive Fusion!
22 Days until Christmas. Have you had a mince pie? I have yet to try one, but always have wanted one.
If you would like to pick up the Closer to Christmas Coloring Book that I released, for yourself, or as a gift for someone, you can do so, by clicking here: https://a.co/d/7n5QjOr… can follow me here: @closertoxmas You can also email me, I would love to hear your feedback. Email me at closertochristmaspodcast@gmail.com Please rate and review the podcast wherever you are listening, it helps spread the word, and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. To check out any visual component to this epidode, check out my Youtube page: / @closertochristmas…
And finally, and HUGE thank you to my brother, Kevin, for allowing me to use his music throughout my show. If you like what you hear, you can pick up his album on Itunes, which can be found here: A solstice night on Apple music or A Solstice Night on Amazon (https://amazon.com/music/player/album…)
The Christmas Cousins are back, bellies full and stories ready! Join Cousins Chad and Seth as they recap their Thanksgiving celebrations—were there any hilarious mishaps, standout moments, or memorable dishes? Now that the turkey leftovers are gone, are the Cousins in full festive mode, or is someone still holding onto that pumpkin spice vibe? Tune in to hear how the Cousins officially shift gears to all things Christmas.
Audience Question:
What was your favorite Thanksgiving moment this year? Are you diving headfirst into Christmas, or are you still sneaking bites of pie? Let us know at ChristmasCousins@gmail.com!
It’s officially December which means it’s the perfect time to find some new original Christmas music to add to a playlist! Luck for you, we got you covered!
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Christmas-Morning.png20482048e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2024-12-03 03:08:502024-12-03 06:09:0922 Days Until Christmas! (Original Christmas Song Battle)
Happy Tuesday! And more importantly, Happy December! We’ve *officially* hit our favorite time of the year. To celebrate, we are covering a TGIF staple on the podcast with Family Matters!
This episode has great 90s decorations, some funny quips and we get a great lesson from Steve Urkel on the true meaning of Christmas!
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/TGI-Podcast-New.jpg10801080e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2024-12-02 23:08:192024-12-03 06:08:36Family Matters: Christmas Is Where The Heart Is
23 Days until Christmas. Each year, we have a tradition where we each make a christmas themed food, and post it online for votes who’s is the best!
If you would like to pick up the Closer to Christmas Coloring Book that I released, for yourself, or as a gift for someone, you can do so, by clicking here: https://a.co/d/7n5QjOr… can follow me here: @closertoxmas You can also email me, I would love to hear your feedback. Email me at closertochristmaspodcast@gmail.com Please rate and review the podcast wherever you are listening, it helps spread the word, and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. To check out any visual component to this epidode, check out my Youtube page: / @closertochristmas…
And finally, and HUGE thank you to my brother, Kevin, for allowing me to use his music throughout my show. If you like what you hear, you can pick up his album on Itunes, which can be found here: A solstice night on Apple music or A Solstice Night on Amazon (https://amazon.com/music/player/album…)
Well, our little Seasonal Sophomore, Cousin Seth, continues on his journey of holiday growth, exploration and drinking in public out of a beer stein with his first ever trip to a Christmas Market!
We cover all of the festive, cozy details in our latest episode!
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Christmas-Morning.png20482048e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2024-12-02 03:26:442024-12-02 06:26:5923 days until Christmas! (“Do You Hear What I Hear?” Song Battle)