Podcasts about christmastime

It's a brand-new episode — Brian is here to review the only new Hallmark Christmas movie of the week: Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!ABOUT MERRY CHRISTMAS, TED COOPER!A weatherman reunites with his high school crush while on vacation in his hometown.AIR DATE & NETWORK FOR MERRY CHRISTMAS, TED COOPER!October 25, 2025 | Hallmark ChannelCAST & CREW OF MERRY CHRISTMAS, TED COOPER!Robert Buckley as Ted CooperKimberley Sustad as Dr. Hope MillerMeghan Heffern as Kate CooperBarbara Pollard as Ruth MittensBRAN'S MERRY CHRISTMAS, TED COOPER! SYNOPSISWe're watching WKJU Channel 7 News and, most importantly, it's the weather with Ted! He clearly has some tension with news anchor Ken, who brings up Ted's string of bad luck at Christmastime. Ted insists there's nothing to it — he's not gonna let it bring him down. Ted LOVES Christmas!He gets a job offer from a bigger network in the state, but he's not sure if he's going to take it. He likes it at WKJU, even though everyone there is placing bets on what bad thing is going to happen to him this year. Ted says, “NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN!”The next day, he heads home for the holidays…but his car won't start. Again, could happen to anyone! So he hops on the bus, where he's greeted by his sister Kate. When they get to Kate's house, he discovers there's been a bag switch-em-up. Naturally, the next day he's rocking a tiny sweater — it's all he's got. That doesn't stop him from climbing the ladder to put up Christmas lights on the house… until he promptly falls off and takes a box of lights to the head.Off to the ER he goes, where he's checked out by Dr. Hope Miller — and they clearly have a past. Everyone reminds him that he had quite the crush on her back in high school. He also bumps into Miss Mittons, his old teacher. After getting cleared, he goes with Miss Mittons to help her pick out a Christmas tree. Needless to say, he ends up back in the ER and has to rock an eye patch during his first TV spot promoting the Gingerbread Invitational.He joins Miss Mittons' walking group to go clothes shopping and grab some hot chocolate. Of course, Hope shows up, and the two of them end up leaving together to grab a bite to eat. The night is fantastic — until he gets arrested for breaking into his own car. Then, the next day, he eats a peanut butter cookie and has an allergic reaction. Classic Ted Cooper.Kate is throwing a costume party. She's working overtime, so she calls Dr. Hope and invites her to come early. They look at their yearbook and admit they were both really into each other back then. Ted's like, “I wish we had this conversation in high school!” The party's a blast, and he wants to ask her out but chickens out. He ends up going to her house later that night and finally asks her out — and she's down to clown.They do a Christmas-themed escape room, and it's going great until they need help… but the helper has fallen asleep and doesn't hear them, so they end up trapped there overnight. They talk all night, and right when they're about to kiss — boom, the guy wakes up and interrupts them. But the vibes? Off the charts.The next day, Ted uses a rideshare to get to his news shoot, and a limo picks him up. He accidentally leaves his phone behind. Later, when Hope tries to call him, a woman answers — she's partying hard — and Hope thinks Ted is with her!Ted realizes his phone is missing and goes to leave a note on Hope's door, but the note blows away. Classic misunderstanding.Miss Mittons gives Ted his own track jacket and tells him not to worry — these things happen.Hope gets a call from the rideshare driver, who fills her in on what really happened. She and Ted meet back up, but even though it was all a misunderstanding, it leads to an argument. Hope tells him she wishes he'd fight for himself more — she wants to really know Ted.He takes that to heart. Ted tells her she's right — he's going to do better, he's taking the job he was afraid to take — and then they kiss… ON LIVE TV!The movie ends with a giant gingerbread decoration almost falling on him — but missing him. Bad luck: OVER! Watch the show on Youtube - www.deckthehallmark.com/youtubeInterested in advertising on the show? Email bran@deckthehallmark.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Christmas markets in Europe are completely magical! That Christmas magic you feel as a kid comes rushing back to life once you wander around the European Christmas markets, admiring the lights, enjoying the music, and eating delicious holiday cuisine.   After having visited many Christmas markets in Europe across Germany, France, Central Europe, and more, here are our Christmas market superlatives like best food, best decor, best vibes, best Christmas market mugs, and more!   Christmas Market Blog Posts: -10-Day Christmas Market Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/european-christmas-market-trip-in-10-days/ -Cologne Christmas Market: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/christmas-markets-in-cologne-germany-itinerary-cologne-christmas-market-map/ -Prague Christmas Market: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/christmas-in-prague-best-christmas-markets-in-prague/ -Vienna in December: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/vienna-in-december-best-christmas-markets-in-vienna/ -Alsace Christmas Market Itinerary: https://francevoyager.com/best-alsace-christmas-markets/ -Colmar Christmas Market: https://francevoyager.com/colmar-christmas-market-dates/ -Strasbourg Christmas Market: https://francevoyager.com/strasbourg-christmas-market-dates/ -Kaysersberg Christmas Market: https://francevoyager.com/kaysersberg-christmas-market/ -Obernai Christmas Market: https://francevoyager.com/obernai-christmas-market-dates/ -Ribeauville Christmas Market: https://francevoyager.com/ribeauville-christmas-market/ -Paris at Christmastime: https://francevoyager.com/paris-at-christmastime-best-christmas-markets/   Relevant Links (may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission-at no additional cost to you!): -Culture Craving Couple: https://culturecravingcouple.com/most-romantic-christmas-markets-in-europe/ -Bratislava in a Day: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/bratislava-in-one-day-vienna-to-bratislava-day-trip/   Traveling to France? Check out our Facebook Group called France Travel Tips to ask/answer questions and learn more! Don't forget to follow along! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwidehoneymoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwidehoneymoon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon World Wide Honeymoon Blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com France Voyager Blog: https://francevoyager.com Subscribe to the World Wide Honeymoon blog here for monthly updates and tips + get our FREE trip planning guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/o4e5c2

next up... Marah Carey!! Celebrate the holiday season with Mariah Carey’s Christmastime in Las Vegas, this November 28 – December 13 at Dolby Live at Park MGM! Your favorite holiday tradition with the best holiday songs and more, only in Las Vegas! Win a trip for two, including flights, a two-night stay at Park MGM, dinner before the show, and two premium tickets to see the queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, live in Las Vegas! Head to our website to enter for your chance to win! Celebrate the Holiday Season with Mariah Carey in Las Vegas! | 99.5 ZPL FMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your hosts discuss their favorite times to visit Disneyland and Walt Disney World and why the answer is Christmastime. 48 Minutes.

There's something extra special about historical romance at Christmastime, so chatting with Julie Klassen about A Sea View Christmas was guaranteed to be a fun time. Listen in to hear about Julie's latest novel. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Julie shared about research, the series, and how Christmas looked in Regency times.  A Sea View Christmas by Julie Klassen  The holiday stirs up excitement as fondly remembered guests come to stay and acquaintances grow into more. . . . With a promise to her youngest sister, Sarah Summers declares that this year's Christmas at Sea View will exceed all expectations. But an upcoming trip to Scotland--and the prospect of becoming reacquainted with dashing widower Callum Henshall--blows a flurry of doubts into her mind. Sarah had discouraged his attentions before yet soon finds herself once again torn between attraction and duty as alluring thoughts of a second chance at love weave their way into her practical heart. Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Georgiana eagerly anticipates the exciting Christmas of her dreams after last year's dull, disappointing holiday filled with endless chores. She enjoys all the promised parties, music, and dancing, but is taken by surprise when young love comes knocking. Does the festive romance of a Sea View Christmas hold the key to a happily-ever-after for both sisters? Spend the holiday season with the Summers sisters on the charming Devonshire coast, where family bonds are strengthened, love is rekindled, and Christmas joy abounds. Learn more about Julie on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Don't miss the Regency Facebook Group HERE! A Sea View Christmas is available at 30% off with FREE US shipping from BakerBookHouse.com Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /

The gang is BACK to help us finish breaking down the rest of the 2025 Hallmark Christmas movies! Did you miss part 1? Check it out HERE.This week, we cover...Thursday, November 27: We Met in DecemberStars: Autumn Reeser (Junebug), Niall Matter (This Time Each Year)On an unexpected layover in mid-December, Annie Lane (Reeser) and Dave Weeks (Matter) meet asstrangers in a beautiful hotel all decorated for the holidays. It's love at first sight, and they end uphaving a magical night of sharing hopes, dreams...and a perfect kiss. But when they fail to exchangenumbers and miss each other the next morning, Annie and Dave fly back to Chicago with no easyway to track the other one down. The only clues they have are those shared about plans for theupcoming holiday season, and the two embark on separate quests to find one another. Along theway, insightful wisdom shared during their time together leads Annie and Dave to make importantchanges in their lives, leading them both to find ways of making this Christmas special forthemselves, their families, and their loved ones.Friday, November 28: The Snow Must Go On – premieres at 6 pm ET/PTStars: Heather Hemmens (Christmas Under the Lights), Corey Cott (Season's Greetings fromCherry Lane)Isaiah Heyward (Cott) last appeared on Broadway almost 10 years ago. Since then, getting back onBroadway has been a challenge. To escape the grind of the city and re-evaluate his life, Isaiah visitshis sister, Jess, and teenage niece, Aurora, in upstate New York for the holidays. But his yuletiderespite is interrupted when he learns Aurora's high school may have to cancel their annual Christmasmusical because they can't find a director. With a nudge from Aurora and the school's guidancecounselor, Lilly-Anne Brigente (Hemmens), Isaiah decides to save the Christmas show and jumps inas director. Isaiah's situation gets a little more complicated when he learns that an influentialBroadway producer's daughter is in the school production, so Isaiah decides to cast himself as thelead in order to land a part in an upcoming Broadway show. But while the curtain rises on rehearsalsand the Christmas Eve opening night fast approaches, Isaiah finds some Christmas surprises of hisown, as he stumbles upon an unexpected romance with Lilly-Anne, creates an unanticipated bondwith his students, reassesses his priorities and ultimately discovers that the greatest holiday gift isfound when love, family, and friendship take centerstage.Friday, November 28: The More the Merrier – premieres at 8 pm ET/PTStars: Rachel Boston (Adventures in Love & Birding), Brendan Penny (Chesapeake Shores)Alice (Boston), an emergency room doctor at a small, rural hospital, always volunteers to work theChristmas Eve overnight shift and goes the extra mile to make the holiday merry and bright forpatients and staff. When the hospital gets snowed in, Alice and Brian (Penny), the newly hired top-rated cardiologist, find themselves in the middle of a bona fide baby boom when three women –including the only OBGYN for miles around – go into labor on the rarest birthday of the year. As theyteam up to bring these bundles of joy into the world as the night wears on, Alice, Brian and the restof the staff also work hard to make the holiday feel festive for all the patients. Though they may havedifferent approaches to medicine – and to life – there's a spark between them and by the end of theirshift it's clear that this may be the Christmas Eve that changes them both forever.Saturday, November 29: An Alpine Holiday – premieres at 6 pm ET/PTStars: Ashley Williams (To Barcelona, Forever), Laci Mailey (The Perfect Setting), Julien Samani(Holidate)A grandmother's last wish brings two estranged sisters Faith (Williams) and Kelly (Mailey), backtogether to travel to the French Alps for Christmas to recreate her first trip there with their grandfather.Facing all the challenges and wonder this unique holiday adventure brings, they learn to cherish theirsisterhood above all, while also making room for romance to blossom between Kelly and their Frenchmountaineer guide, Frederic (Samani).Saturday, November 29: A Grand Ole Opry Christmas – premieres at 8 pm ET/PTStars: Nikki Deloach (Curious Caterer Mysteries), Kristoffer Polaha (A Biltmore Christmas), RobMaye (Lioness), Eliza Maher (Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up), Luke Benward (Miss Valentine), SharonLawrence (Joe Pickett), James Denton (Desperate Housewives)Gentry Wade (Nikki DeLoach), daughter of late country music icon Jett Wade – half of the famed duoWinters & Wade – abandoned her dream of a songwriting career and distanced herself from herfather's legacy following his tragic accident 30 years prior. When the Grand Ole Opry invites her torepresent Jett at their centennial celebration at Christmas, she's hesitant to return to the placesteeped in bittersweet memories. Encouraged by her good friends, Gentry visits the Opry and, whileseated in one of the vaunted venue's oak church pews, is suddenly transported to 1995. Gentry'slifelong friend Mac (Kristoffer Polaha) a country music talent manager, finds himself in 1995 as well.Thanks to some Christmas magic, Gentry gets precious time with her father, creative inspiration tofinish the song she began decades earlier as a teen and learns surprising answers to questions abouther father that have followed her for the last three decades.Cameos by: Bill Anderson, Brad Paisley, Dailey & Vincent, Drew Baldridge, Jamey Johnson, MaggieBaugh, Megan Moroney, Mickey Guyton, Pam Tillis, Rhett Akins, Riders in the Sky, Suzy Bogguss,Tigirlily Gold, T Graham BrownSunday, November 30: The Christmas Cup – premieres at 6 pm ET/PTStars: Rhiannon Fish (A Prince in Paradise), Ben Rosenbaum (When Calls the Heart)After a knee injury threatens to cut her career short, Staff Sergeant Kelly Brandt (Fish) returns homein low spirits for the holidays. Her family tries to help by encouraging her to lead her hometown team in the annual Christmas Cup against the rival town. It takes a lot of work, but Kelly organizes herteam and gets them as competition-ready as she can with the help of Fire Captain Quinn Stokley(Rosenbaum). Sparks begin to fly with Quinn, and through the whole process, Kelly is reminded ofhow much she loves to lead, but her heart still hopes she will be cleared to return to serve. Kellyultimately receives the call she has been waiting for; however, it's not what she expects. With theMarines needing her to report to the Hawaiian base on the day of the competition, Kelly soon realizesthere is more than one way to serve a community.Sunday, November 30: Christmas at the Catnip Café – premieres at 8 pm ET/PTStars: Erin Cahill (Holidazed), Paul Campbell (Three Wise Men and a Baby)Olivia Pierce (Cahill) is a marketing executive from Oakland, California who is this close to realizingher dream of purchasing a condo, but she's a bit short on the down payment. When she learns thather late great aunt left her half of a cat café in upstate New York she thinks it's the Christmas miracleshe needed – as long as she can sell and close the deal before the holidays. Olivia's plan hits a bumpin the road when she meets Dr. Ben Kane (Campbell), the veterinarian who owns the other half. Thecafé serves an important role in the town – helping homeless cats find forever homes – and he hasno intention of closing up shop. Christmas is the most important time of the year as they plan manyactivities to help raise funds and get them into the black. Olivia and Ben strike a deal – she agrees tohelp him plan the fundraising events at the café over the next three weeks in exchange for Benpromising not to drag his heels on selling at the end of that time. Unless, Ben notes, she ends upchanging her mind – a lot can happen in three weeks, after all. As they work together and a sparkbetween them grows, Olivia becomes part of the neighborhood, gains an appreciation for the café'sadorable feline inhabitants and what it means to Ben, as well as to the entire community. And whenshe learns the surprising reason her great aunt opened the café in the first place, that just might bethe cat-alyst for change that will give them all a Merry Christmas.Saturday, December 6: She's Making A ListStars: Lacey Chabert (Mean Girls), Andrew Walker (Curious Caterer Mysteries)Falling on Santa's Naughty or Nice list used to be a call made by Santa and his elves. But with thenumber of kids worldwide skyrocketing, Santa has outsourced the job to the Naughty or Nice Group,a consulting firm that has cornered the market on determining a child's niceness thanks to an airtightformula. As a top inspector with the group, it's Isabel's (Chabert) job to make the tough calls, byassessing the children on her list and assigning a verdict. When she is tasked with evaluating amischievous 11-year-old Charlie Duncan, she expects a routine case. But things get complicatedwhen Isabel unexpectedly falls for Charlie's widowed father, Jason (Walker), and begins to questionthe rigid rules of her job. As Christmas approaches, Isabel must choose between following theholiday algorithm or following her heart.Sunday, December 7: Single on the 25thStars: Lyndsy Fonseca (Nikita), Daniel Lissing (When Calls the Heart)For Nell Duke (Fonseca), nothing is worse than being single at Christmastime because everywhereshe looks, couples are kissing under the mistletoe. After her family cancels holiday plans at the lastminute, Nell decides to spend the week of Christmas having fun on her own! When she crossespaths with her neighbor Cooper (Lissing), a financial analyst who prides himself on being happilyunattached, he notices Nell struggling with being alone and decides to share tips on how to keep theholidays festive. Cooper inspires Nell to challenge her insecurities and find happiness in being onher own. In turn, Nell helps Cooper realize he's missing out on real connection. In the funpartnership that forms, the friendly singles' Christmas together starts to feel like something more.Their special connection falls apart when Nell finds out Coooper only offered to help because he feltsorry Nell had to spend the holidays alone. To make Christmas truly magical this year, Cooper mustshow real growth of character while Nell finds her own strength in being single during the holidays.Saturday, December 13: A Suite Holiday RomanceStars: Jessy Schram (Chicago Med), Dominic Sherwood (Shadowhunters)It's Christmas week when Sabrina Post (Schram), arrives at the iconic Grand Fairbanks Hotel in NewYork City, ready to accept the ghostwriting position for the memoir of Grayson Westcott – a famousart dealer. As a struggling writer, Sabrina can't believe her luck: a paycheck and a stay in her ownsuite at the hotel. She feels like Cordelia, the heroine from her favorite series of children's bookswritten by Hazel Holley. What promises to be a perfect week is complicated when Sabrina meetsIan Turner (Sherwood), a handsome British visitor, at the hotel bar. When Ian assumes Sabrina isanother wealthy guest at the hotel, she doesn't correct him – a decision she doesn't regret afterlearning that Ian is a member of the British aristocracy. Or so she thinks. The truth is that Ian is nota wealthy lord but is the personal secretary of Lord Spencer Braxton. Ian is in town for the holidaysto oversee the installation of an exhibit featuring the Braxton Royal Jewels at the Avalon Museum. Asthe week unfolds, Sabrina shows Ian Christmas in New York and the two start to fall for each other.Sunday, December 14: Oy to the World!Stars: Brooke D'Orsay (Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane), Jake Epstein (The Hardy Boys)When water lines break at Temple Beth Am, it leaves its members in need of a place to celebrateHannukah. Across the street, St. Joseph's Episcopal Church is quick to open its doors and offershared space for the holidays. With the last night of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve falling on the sameday this year – something that rarely happens – the reverend and rabbi choose to offer a joint servicefor their congregations. But that means Nikki Roberts (D'Orsay), St. Joseph's youth choir director,must team up with Jake Cohen (Epstein), the substitute youth choir director from Temple Beth Am,and put on a single music program. These two are old high school rivals and together, they're readyto compete for the top prize. That's not helping matters at a time when partnership matters most.To lead a successful fundraising effort for the temple, Nikki and Jake have to put aside theirdifferences and learn how to work together. In doing so, they discover teamwork can movemountains and open hearts, including their own. On their big night, Nikki and Jake find a way to unite people through the power of song and prove that coming together is the best way for everyone tocelebrate the holiday season.Saturday, December 20: A Make Or Break HolidayStars: Hunter King (Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story), Evan Roderick (Arrow)Liv (King) and Daniel (Roderick) are hosting their families for the first time this Christmas and stressis at an all-time high. When unspoken irritations within their relationship finally reach a boiling point,Liv and Daniel find themselves at odds and decide they need to take a break from each other.However, relaying this news to their families will most certainly ruin Christmas, so they decide tomove forward with their original plans and will pretend to be a happy couple while everyone is underone roof. As they navigate the complexities of their respective families and work together to createa holiday celebration they'll all remember, Liv and Daniel begin to rediscover what they love abouteach other and may not have to pretend much longer.Sunday, December 21: The Christmas BabyStars: Ali Liebert (Bomb Girls), Katherine Barrell (Good Witch), Barbara Niven (Hannah SwensenMysteries)When a baby boy shows up on their doorstep days before Christmas with a note written specially forthem, Erin (Liebert) and Kelly (Barrell) must learn how to navigate their new relationship and careerdynamics while unexpectedly caring for a newborn. As the couple spends more time with the babyas a temporary solution until he can be placed permanently or they can find his mother, they beginto realize that they want to adopt him themselves and go about navigating the complicated world offostering to adopt all while their business is booming at the busiest time of the year, Christmas. Watch the show on Youtube - www.deckthehallmark.com/youtubeInterested in advertising on the show? Email bran@deckthehallmark.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Summary: When we think of Christmas, we picture the manger scene, shepherds in the fields, angels singing, and a star guiding the way. But what if we’ve been missing one of the most important parts of the story all along? In her new book, The Spirit of Christmas, award-winning author Cynthia Ruchti invites us to rediscover the Holy Spirit’s presence woven throughout the Christmas narrative—from Genesis in the Garden of Eden to the cry of a baby in Bethlehem. This conversation will open your eyes to the power, presence, and promise of the Spirit of God in ways that may forever change how you experience Christmas. Quotables from the episode: Christmas often stirs our hearts with nostalgia—decorations, carols, and retelling the story of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Yet, as beautiful as those traditions are, there’s more to the Christmas story than we typically notice. Before the babe was conceived, the Holy Spirit was already at work, setting the stage and preparing the hearts of the biblical characters we know and love. This season, let Him set the stage and prepare your heart too. In her book, The Spirit of Christmas, Cynthia Ruchti helps us uncover the often-overlooked role of the Holy Spirit in God’s plan of redemption, reminding us that the Spirit has been present from the beginning—guiding, comforting, and empowering. If you’ve ever longed to experience Christmas with fresh wonder and deeper meaning, this conversation will encourage you to see the season through new eyes. I have found it fascinating that over the course of my life and maybe others have been in the same boat, we might grow up understanding Jesus quite well, or, and we hear Jesus loves me from when we're newborns and aren't even aware, perhaps, of that. And then I personally had gone through some seasons of my life where I thought, "I think I understand Jesus pretty well. I'm getting a good handle on who is this Jesus. I'm not sure I'm as familiar with God the Father as I need to be." So, I had a season of my life that was in my early 20s where I dove in and thought, "I need to know you better, God, my Father," and took an approach as I looked at the Word and noticed that throughout the Old Testament, God described himself as a God of love, which I thought was a New Testament idea. I understood who he was as the majestic Creator, and I think probably it kept him a little distant from me because I saw just that. Then a relative of mine had a heart transplant and I took a fresh Bible, and I circled everywhere in the Bible where the word love or heart appeared because I wanted this person who wasn't close to the Lord at the time to know and understand that God has been talking about the subject of love for a very long time. He's all over the Bible, so page after page was filled with the circled or the little heart drawn around the word love or the word heart. Then there came a season in my life where I thought, "I think I better understand now. We will never fully understand, but I think I better understand. God the Father, God the Son. Do I really understand the Holy Spirit? I know he is. I believe what the Bible tells me about the Holy Spirit, but do I really understand his role or how the different roles of the Trinity make a complete God for us? So, I investigated that, and I watched for his presence, but not as deeply as I did after I was challenged to look for the Holy Spirit's presence in the Christmas story. There was an editor who challenged me with that at a writer's conference. I found it fascinating. I thought that would be a very interesting study. We assume, I think, in the back of our minds that maybe the Holy Spirit is that presence that comes upon Mary in that moment when she conceives Jesus, the baby Jesus, as an infant just minutes old. And then we're not sure where else he might actually show up in the Christmas story. So that was a challenge to me, and I thought it sounded fascinating, but I didn't take the invitation from that editor seriously until a couple of weeks later, when she wrote to me and said, "I want you to write that book." So, then I got very serious and started the deep dive research of where is he? And in some ways, it was kind of a where's Waldo of the Holy Spirit in the Christmas story. That's what began this adventure. And for me, it really did alter my view of how I approach Christmas now for many reasons. And that was one of the reasons that I wanted us to have this conversation because I don't think we're alone in that tendency to not really acknowledge the Holy Spirit as much as we acknowledge Jesus or God the Father. I grew up in a denomination that the only time the Holy Spirit got mentioned was when it was God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, period. So, I like that You took that editor up on the challenge to look for the Holy Spirit throughout the Christmas story. I wondered how far back I would have to trace to find the first evidence of the Holy Spirit and Christmas being linked together. And I realized it was in verse one. It was when the Spirit was hovering over the waters of a world that had yet to be created that was going to need a Redeemer. As we know, God has no beginning and no end, eternity past, eternity present farther than man can imagine. I realized that this in the formation with at creation, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, at creation forming a world that they knew was going to need a Redeemer and that that Redeemer was going to be thousands of years away from that moment. I saw the person of the Holy Spirit caring about what was going to happen all those centuries later, even in the creation process. How does that first crime connect to Christmas? There would have been no reason for Jesus to come as a human being if there were any way that we as humans could have behaved ourselves without him. And it wasn't very long into that early beginning creation story before that was so evident that without Christ present, without the Holy spirit present within us. We were never going to be able to satisfy what needed to be satisfied and keep us in a place where we could walk daily, in essence, walking by the Spirit like it talks about in the New Testament. When I began to put the pieces together of this incredible depth of story, this depth of even the communion of the Father and the Son and the Spirit, we saw the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament present in brief moments leading up to when Jesus would be born and then later on as we take that story even farther to his death and his resurrection and his intentional promise, “Hang in there people it's not only okay that I go back to heaven it's better for you that I do because then the Holy Spirit can come, reside inside you, and help you operate out of a place of knowing exactly my heart, knowing what God my Father,” Jesus said, “wants of you, and what will help you to live a life that will allow you to pillow your head every night in peace, no matter what's going on in the rest of your life.” The other thing that I really appreciate about Jesus knowing our every need is when he reminds us that he's got to send the Holy Spirit to remind us of all truth. As a neuropsychologist, that's one of the areas that I love to focus on the most because I have a short memory, and I need those reminders. I love how the spirit of Christmas is our reminder of the gift of the spirit. I didn't grow up in a denomination that had an actual practice of Advent, of intentional preparation for Christmas season. I knew the word, Advent. I knew it was a good word. I knew it was a healthy word and lovely, but we just didn't have that particular practice. We oftentimes, even with Lent, that was another, it seemed like it was for a denomination that was more liturgical, let's say, in thought. But I think more and more these days, we're realizing that every heart needs to be prepared. Every heart needs to “prepare him room” as the one Christmas carol says. It’s actually for any day, but when we think about Christmas in particular, it is so easy to get caught up in all the to -dos and all the menus and all the party planning and all the some-things we're very happy to participate in, some things that just seem like one more chore. And it's kind of this wild cacophony of noise and tension, and there may be relationships that are especially challenged at Christmastime, there may be work -related things that are especially difficult at Christmastime. That is not at all what this is supposed to be about. But we early church members apparently understood that we need time to get our hearts ready for this such, such a holy, holy season. And the Holy Spirit is part of that. As we take a look at what was the Holy Spirit's role in the original story that began way back at creation, but was threaded throughout Scripture as He was present in speaking to Isaiah about a virgin shall conceive way back then. And it didn't say shall conceive in the next day or two. Again, thousands of years from that prophecy, but the Holy Spirit was inspiring that prophet Isaiah to speak of that. And as we look at it in the time period in which those words were spoken, there was chaos. There was political chaos. There was trouble on every hand. There was the son of a king who was now the king, and he was being a lousy king. And this interesting thing: I think he wanted to do the right thing. King Ahaz, I think, wanted to do the right thing. He heard from God, but he didn't trust that what he heard from God was enough. He needed to find other voices that he would listen to. He was getting influenced by all kinds of other people. And Isaiah was trying to bring him back to, "No, there is one God, and you can trust him." And as the Spirit was inspiring Isaiah to speak the words, he was saying to King Ahaz, "Ask God, ask him for a sign, and he'll tell you.” Ahaz didn't have that kind of relationship with God. So, he said, "Oh, I don't want to test God in any way." And through the Holy Spirit's words, through Isaiah, we hear, and if we set it in modern language, we might say, "I'll give you a sign. A virgin is going to conceive and bear a son." And then, and we know some of the rest of that wording. How interesting that in a chaotic world, with a king who wasn't paying attention to the right voices, not unlike the worlds we might be operating in: maybe our boss isn't listening to the right voice, but we have to respond to the boss. Maybe our family members are all chaotic and confused and worrying about where are we going to set Uncle Ralph this Christmas, because he's going to torture these family members even with just teasing. That's the very world that a savior was promised to that world, promised by the Holy Spirit. And it's the same with us now. When I started to study, what was the Holy Spirit's role? He often came to those in the biblical story, some of it in the New Testament now, he came to those who were fearful. They were in danger for their lives. And the Holy Spirit would come on the scene and bring peace or hope or comfort. He would bring guidance where there wasn't any guidance. He accompanied Mary on her journey to visit Elizabeth. Nobody else did. We're not told anybody else was there on that journey, which was a long journey for Mary, except the Holy Spirit, who had to have been whispering comfort and strength, and “you will get through this. I'm here for you. I am with you. I am always with you.” And then Mary and Elizabeth met one another and the baby in Elizabeth's womb knew the Savior was being carried by this woman who couldn't even feel kicks in her own body yet. It was too new, too soon. So, as I look at whether it's darkness or depression or anxiety or legitimate fear or relationship troubles, those scenes were the scenes where the Holy Spirit showed up in the Bible. Those are the scenes I need him to show up in my Christmas. He is there. I just may not have observed that he was there, is there, and was there in the original Christmas story too. The Spirit of Christmas reminds us and brings us back to that recognition that he always was there, and he is there today. To us, waiting often seems purposeless and painful, yet the cry of “how long?” appears throughout scripture. I think one of the things that is toughest about any waiting time is believing you are alone in the waiting. I think honestly, whether it's waiting for a diagnosis or it's waiting for the medicine to kick in, or it's waiting for family members to reconcile, or it's waiting for the job that we believe is out there somewhere that we haven't found yet, whatever the situation is, I believe that what intensifies that waiting experience and makes it full of tension in the natural is the belief that we're alone. Even if we have a loving spouse to share with or we have other family members or a good friend we can converse with, deep down in our soul, it's that misunderstanding that makes us believe that we are alone. And the Holy Spirit is saying, "Untrue. This is untrue. I am here in the waiting, and that's what will make everything change." Mary had a long wait after that moment when the angel said, "You will bear a Savior." She had waiting even from those early days of raising this little baby. Before Jesus' ultimate ministry began, there was another waiting time where she was by his side before the ultimate reason he came to earth was fulfilled. Mary got to witness much of that, even being at the foot of the cross as she watched that ultimate moment then that we relate to Easter but it's so much part of the Christmas story too. As we discover where the Holy Spirit is present, we mimic what he did or what he said. If we see him as comforter, who can we be a comforter for? If we see him as a provider, who can we be a provider for? One of the tips that was given in the book as an idea was, do you really need your Christmas meal more than you need to give your Christmas meal to a family that has none? Can I have turkey any time of the year? Absolutely I can. Would it be a better move for our family to take our meal and give it to someone who has none? I would be acting like the Holy Spirit did and like the heart of Jesus is to forego a need that I think is a need of my own to meet somebody else's need. I make a parallel of the idea of if I'm looking for the Holy Spirit, what I'm looking for is the kind of fruit that he provides: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self -control. So, if I'm going to give good gifts like the Holy Spirit gives, how can I be peace for someone who needs it? How can I be a presence? How can I be evidence of faithfulness? That might be in a visit to someone who is ignored or overlooked during the holiday. We think of those things as philanthropic sometimes or we think of them as just plain old kindness but on the other hand if we see it as the kind of thing the Holy Spirit does, then we realize this is far holier of an act than just a kind deed. When we look at it from that approach and we take that approach we're fueled to be able to and do it more and more and enjoy the process and not see it as an obligation. It has always bothered me the idea of anyone spending Christmas alone. When we discuss the idea of the Holy Spirit is always present, what a better way to show that presence and that love that Jesus came to offer us by reaching out to those who might be alone, who are wondering “where is God today? Does he even see me?” Those are the people who are the most grateful for the smallest of acts because they feel seen. And isn't that what we all want? It's such a gift to know that we are seen by the Holy Spirit. The day after Christmas we're often sitting in a pile of opened packages and empty boxes and toys that the batteries have run out already, and maybe disappointments for how we hoped it would go that it didn't. There are people who are taking ornaments out of the box and it might be baby's first Christmas. We may remember that special day and the ornament brings us pain because hanging it on the tree may be a reminder that that child is no longer here or is estranged from us. Someone will have a Christmas like that. We intentionally set up the devotional to be a short read, one a day, so that for day after day after day of December, including the day after Christmas, there's a reminder of places you might not have thought to look, until I wrote the book. And then we also include a list of helpful hints. We include a downloadable that has to do with how many of these different roles did the Holy Spirit play in this actual event? Part of the advice and the very practical advice is maybe do what I did and make it an actual adventure. Take time to intentionally watch for his presence or be his presence. Let his presence in you shine somehow throughout the holiday season. It can't help but change what your Christmas looks like. One of the outcomes of my own journey to take a better, stronger look at what is this all about is that it really helps us to understand where the meaning of Christmas is and where the meaning isn't. The meaning of Christmas isn't how many parties can I get on my calendar. The meaning is likely more in what can I remove and not lose anything but instead gain. I might gain time that I needed. I might gain a more peaceful attitude toward this season. I might see that some of the things I have worked so hard to do or thought they were so important to make Christmas perfect, aren’t that important. How can we make Christmas any more perfect? Something that God did, that God was all over and did. What we often call essential to Christmas, whether it's that meal or the certain decorations or the tradition that we had of cutting down our own tree or the special hot cocoa that grandma makes; If any of those things are removed from our traditions, is Christmas still going to happen? Absolutely. What's our heart going to be like if we miss the cocoa? Not much difference. What if we miss the Holy Spirit in Christmas? That will make a huge difference - For sure. The idea that the Trinity loved what they created together despite humanity's fall is so powerful. We are the ones He came to save. The Bible would call us Gentiles; we were not born into the original children of Israel. We all can trace our lineage way back to the beginning, but we weren't considered the original children of Israel to which much of the Bible was written. But we are the ones he came to save. There's a verse in Galatians that I don't have memorized yet, but I want to, where it talks about God sent the Son so that we could have the Holy Spirit. When I stumbled on that verse, I thought, He sent Jesus to save us, yes. Jesus had to come as a human, had to leave everything he knew that was so perfect and come into this imperfect world and tolerate us. So, I'm now just fascinated by that idea that God the Father sent the Son to save the world so that we could have the Holy Spirit. That makes the complete picture. And that makes the waiting easier. It makes the feelings of defeat easier. And it makes those times of joy richer. The Holy Spirit, like God the Father and Jesus the Son, is always true to Himself. But that truth shows up in his behavior, we might say, throughout the Christmas story. And it will always be related to something that is so completely positive, but also so completely meeting the needs of the human heart, which is the need for his presence, the need for his comfort, the need for his peace. Scripture References: Luke 1:49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name.” Recommended Resources: The Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence Throughout the Advent Season by Cynthia Ruchti Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Cynthia Ruchti: Website / Facebook / Instagram / X / LinkedIn For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: Cynthia Ruchti is an acclaimed writer and speaker. A former radio producer, she is a popular media guest and has been featured on numerous TV, radio, and online outlets. Her written work has received recognition with Publishers Weekly starred reviews, Christian Retailing's BEST Awards, Readers' Choice Awards, Reviewers' Choice Awards, The Carol Award, two Christy finalists, and more. Her tagline is, "I can't unravel. I'm hemmed in Hope." Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Quo-Cast, Jamie Dyer is joined by Scottish Quo tribute band My Status is Quo. They discuss the band's upcoming gig, It's Christmas Time and much more!The Quo-Cast is a podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the legendary British rock band Status Quo. Featuring interviews with fans, tribute bands, and those associated with the band, it covers all things Quo—from tours and albums to singles, solo material and more. Exclusive content such as unboxing, commentary, insights, haul videos, and reviews are also available.Subscribe for early access to discussions, commentary, and interviews. Connect with us via:

SPECIAL EPISODE! Legendary writer/director Shane Black (LETHAL WEAPON, THE MONSTER SQUAD, KISS KISS BANG BANG, IRON MAN 3, THE NICE GUYS) joins Adam and Joe in the ArieScope Studio to discuss his career journey and his new feature PLAY DIRTY - now available on Amazon Prime. From his writing process… to feeling the very same “imposter syndrome” we all feel despite his many massive successes… to what goes in to creating a terrific protagonist and how he makes every character a memorable one despite the size of the role… to what it's like working with some of the greatest actors in Hollywood… to the cinema that inspired him and why many of his projects have had a Christmastime setting… to the production of PLAY DIRTY… to where the now iconic “Wolfman's got nards” line came from in his script for THE MONSTER SQUAD… to how he overcame his own demons and came roaring back, this conversation with one of the industry's most beloved giants is one that every filmmaker needs to hear. Watch PLAY DIRTY on Amazon Prime tonight!

During our 2-week trip to Japan, we got to spend 2 full days in Kyoto. And while it wasn't enough, we had a great time with the short time we had! So here is the ultimate guide to Kyoto including where to stay, things to do, where to eat, and more! Plus, this is what you can do with 2 days in Kyoto including a couple of day trip ideas.   Relevant Links (may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission-at no additional cost to you!): -Hotel in Kyoto (The Celestine Hotel Gion): https://booking.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/mqR6ZrbDBC -Shigetsu (at Tenryu-ji): https://www.tenryuji.com/shigetsu/ -Vermont Road Trip Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/vermont-road-trip-itinerary/ -Paris at Christmastime: https://francevoyager.com/paris-at-christmastime-best-christmas-markets/   Podcast Episodes Mentioned: -Japan Itinerary: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unique-2-week-japan-itinerary-for-first-timers/id1453905777?i=1000724676370 -Tips For Visiting Japan For the First Time: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-tips-for-visiting-japan-for-the-first-time/id1453905777?i=1000723666561 -Travel to Tokyo: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-to-tokyo-japan-the-best-things-to-do-in-tokyo/id1453905777?i=1000725828660 -5 Things We Wish We'd Done Differently in Japan + 5 Things We're Glad We Did: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-things-we-wish-we-did-differently-in-japan-5-things/id1453905777?i=1000727139434 -Vermont Itinerary: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ultimate-vermont-fall-road-trip-itinerary/id1453905777?i=1000534652652 -Travel to Stowe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-to-stowe-vermont/id1453905777?i=1000500167288 -Vermont Beer Guide: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ultimate-vermont-beer-guide/id1453905777?i=1000536228932 -Vermont Road Trip Tips: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ultimate-vermont-road-trip-tips-for-fall/id1453905777?i=1000497151145 -Travel to Kyoto (Amateur Traveler): https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-kyoto-japan/ -Travel to Normandy (Amateur Traveler Episode I'm in): https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-normandy/   Traveling to France? Check out our Facebook Group called France Travel Tips to ask/answer questions and learn more! Don't forget to follow along! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwidehoneymoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwidehoneymoon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon World Wide Honeymoon Blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com France Voyager Blog: https://francevoyager.com Subscribe to the World Wide Honeymoon blog here for monthly updates and tips + get our FREE trip planning guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/o4e5c2

Today we look at Micah 5, which contains some familiar verses that we often read at Christmastime. And yet, as we continue through this key chapter, we'll find out that God has a continuing plan for the Jews and that one day they will call upon Jesus as Lord. Join us as we study this exciting chapter! Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. In 2025, we were added to the "Best 100 Bible Podcasts" list from www.millionpodcasts.com. We are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Watch on Philo! - Philo.tv/DTHWe're in Lagos. There's no snow on the ground despite the fact that it's Christmastime. We meet Fiyin who is excited about the holidays. Why? Because this is the year that she tells her best friend, Elo, that she loves him! It's time! Spoiler alert, it's not time...for them. Elo tells Fiyin that he is proposing to his girlfriend he's been dating for 8 months that I guess Fiyin didn't know about. Fiyin wastes no time hatching a plan to ruin his relationship with her. We also be Fiyin mom, Gbemi. She literally bumps into her ex, Zach. He's a hot shot deal maker who begins to shoot his shot relentlessly despite the fact that she has a man friend- Toye. They all go to this birthday party and Filo's cousin, Ivie, meets this guitarist named Ajani. The sparks are flying and they agree to go out sometime. At this party, Zach and Gbeni end up kissssinggggggg. UH OH!!!We meet Elo's girlfriend and she's phenomenal. She basically brought the covid vaccine to Nigeria. She's a hero. IS that gonna stop Fiyin? Nah. Zach keeps shooting his shot, bringing a bunch of gifts to Gbeni. She finally comes clean and is like Zach is my ex-fiance. He is like I love you and want to be with you but you should take some space.Ivie and Ajani go out on a date and it's clear that they're from very different lifestyles but it works for them. There is this side storyline for Elo where his mom doesn't want to celebrate Christmas because it doesn't feel the same without Elo's sister who was killed a few years ago. Ultimately, she comes around to it and surprises Elo by decorating the house. Gbeni tells Toye that she wants to spend the rest of her life with him and they decide to get married on Christmas.After the wedding, Fiyin decides to shoot her shot, tell Elo how she feels, and kiss him. Obviously his girlfriend sees them. He tells Fiyin that she's so selfish. She realizes she goofed so she goes to make it right and they end up making it right. And Ivie tells Ajani to visit her in London sometime. 

Kevin O'Connor reacts to the 2025-25 NBA schedule and shares the games he's most excited for this season! Can a revamped Nuggets team challenge the defending champs in OKC? And is the NBA pushing the Chet Holmgren vs. Victor Wembanyama rivalry with home-and-home games at Christmastime? Plus, elite rookie matchups on March 3rd and the biggest ‘return' games of the season as KD returns to Oklahoma City and Myles Turner faces Indiana.Next, Kevin is joined by NFL Fantasy Football expert Danny Heifetz to talk 2025 fantasy draft strategy, quarterback sleepers, and rookie wide receivers to target—and avoid. Danny dives into the undervalued impact of running QBs like Justin Fields, and offers a bold sleeper pick for the Arizona Cardinals' Kyler Murray

Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” — Luke 22:8 At our house, busyness swirls as we prepare for big meals at Thanksgiving and Christmastime. Wrestling a big meal onto the table requires lots of planning. That was undoubtedly true for Jewish families looking forward to Passover as well. In our story today Jesus sends his trusted disciples Peter and John to make arrangements for the Passover meal they would share together. Many details had to be arranged in preparing this meal: securing a large room in Jerusalem; clearing all of the yeast out of that room; and buying wine, cakes of unleavened bread, and bitter herbs, among other things. Most important, they also needed a lamb that had been sacrificed at the temple. How could they do all that in so little time? Amazingly, Jesus had already foreseen every detail. Just as Jesus had said, Peter and John met a man carrying a jar of water in Jerusalem, and he led them to a house where they could take care of all their Passover preparations. The miraculous logistics of this story emphasize Jesus' divinity and power, as well as his attention to detail. Like Peter and John, we can be confident when Jesus gives us an assignment. No matter how difficult or complicated it may seem, he has already been working ahead of us, preparing the way and graciously providing an opportunity for us to be involved in his work of salvation. In your invitation to trust and follow you, Jesus, you provide all that we need for serving you in the world. Amen.

It's Christmastime, but don't get too excited for the merriment yet: college application stress looms over (nearly) everyone. Not Joey, of course, who's invited to a Yacht Club dinner for prospective students of Worthington University. She spends so much effort convincing Pacey to go that she completely forgets how much she clenches up any time she's near a cloth napkin or multi-fork table setting, and recedes into the background as Pacey charms the alumni rep. As for everyone else: Dawson watches Mr. Brooks's last movie, Turn Away, My Sweet and is blown away (my sweet) -- so much so, perhaps, that when he has to write his essay for his application to USC film school, he's only able to write around the prompt question of why he wants to be a filmmaker. Jack finishes all his applications and is concerned about the very vague answers Jen's giving about hers -- and about the silent treatment Grams is STILL giving her after the rave fiasco. Gretchen learns that the Leery Christmas parties she loved have a kid have been suspended in her absence the last few years due to...well, divorce; she convinces the Leerys to let her throw one at the house, which conveniently lets everyone use it to hash out their issues -- even Grams and Mr. Brooks! Dig out your mistletoe for Christmas in August, and our episode on "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"! JOIN THE AWT CLUB

OH DANG!! It looks like everyone's loved ones are GONE!! Guess we gotta head to the museum!

Happy Thursday, Christmas Fanatics! And Merry Christmas in July! Can you believe we're a mere month away from the Ber months? A mere five months away from the best day of the year? Where has the time gone? To celebrate the occasion, Julia, Thom, and Anthony gather for a very special bonus episode in which they travel to the Isle of New Berk at Christmastime - or should we say Snoggletog time? - to cover the 2019 animated Christmas special, "How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming"! Listen as they discuss their histories with this franchise, gush over the animation style, revel in how warm and cozy this special is, and fawn over Toothless! It's the perfect, festive stocking-stuffer to end your week with and celebrate this merry summer day! So settle back, relax, and enjoy! And, as always, thanks for your love and support, y'all!

With the Miner gonezo, the team talks about their next and possibly final moves.

The villain is almost slain! just a little more and Truck's Best Friends will be closer to solving this crazy mystery.

Jack and Annie are on another adventure to inspire someone to share their gifts with the world. This time, they're headed to Victorian England where they will assist the one and only Charles Dickens! What will HE need inspiration and help with? How can they convince him to continue sharing his gifts with the world?_______________________⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Podcast!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠_______________________Thanks for being here! We're the Holtzem Family. We love our family, and we love Jesus. We're hoping to bring some of our personal favorite things as a family, and some of our humor to you in hopes that it makes you smile, and maybe gives you something you can connect with.⁠⁠⁠Find more Magic Tree House Books Here⁠⁠⁠Connect with us further at;⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Holtzem Family on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Recipes and more about us online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Wholesome House⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Beverly Holtzem Art on Etsy

Welcome back to plan time! this time with some burning and throwing! Turns out the best way to beat that spooky miner is magnets again! With said magnets in tow, Truck's Best Friends makes their way back to the mining town and start getting their arsonist on.

Oh Crud! Phil is passed out after warping into a wall and the rest of Truck's Best Friends are being a little more reckless than they should be! Thank Keeper for Prince T, the gang would honestly be 6 feet under without him this time.

This month, Duane and Scott explore jazz Christmas music.Vote for your favorite song from this episode in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025.Songs played in the episode:Christmastime is Here by Steve HunterRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by New York Jazz LoungeFrosty the Snowman by Erik VeldkampGod Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Ramsey Lewis TrioDeck the Hall by Southside AcesThe Little Drummer Boy by Marcus MillerO Tannembaum by George Gee Swing OrchestraWinter Wonderland - Spyro GyraSilver Bells by Max AbramsJingle Bells by Diana Krall

Oh dang, this went from bad to worse. TBF is venturing deeper into the cave, getting split up and even getting stuck in walls, this might be the worst a hunt has ever gone! At least Chris the Bat Monster isn't here.

Have you ever had a divine encounter with someone who came into your life at just the right time, and you knew it was a “God thing”?I heard about a family that had a flat tire at Christmastime. They pulled into the closest repair shop they could find. The technician who came out to help them was named “Emmanuel.” He agreed to fix the flat even though the shop had just closed. Every Christmas, this family tells their “Emmanuel” story as a reminder that God is always with us.God orchestrates every meeting you have with someone for a purpose. Sometimes, that purpose is life-changing; other times, not so much. But they are all divine appointments.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

The Gang is back together and now searching deep into the mine! Truck got lost? Phil went to the past? This one is crazy

The gang get to quick work on this weird Pick Axe man dude. TBF head over to an old mining town, in search of the missing students and the new spooky guy.

It's time for a new hunt! That means a new monster and a couple of new victims, Oh no!! It's been a while since TBF have meet up and it's actually Christmas! after some catching up, the gang gives out some presents and even get some from everyone's favorite principal Prince T.

Ani-May 2025 continues! On this episode we're discussing Mobile Suit Gundam's "War in the Pocket" OVA from 1989. It's Christmastime on the Riah space colony, and eleven-year-old Al has made friends with Special Forces pilot Bernie, who's on a secret mission to destroy the Gundam being built in the colony. The two improbably become fast friends, and along the way Al learns some hard truths about all this war business he's dreamed so much about. It's a harrowing tale, and our resident Gundam expert Dr. Nick is here to explain all of it. And I do mean alllllll of it! So crack open a cold one and get yourself some burgers. It's gonna be a wild ride! Questions/Comments? Email us at XmasCreeps@gmail.comTweet us @ChristmasCreepsVisit us on the web at ChristmasCreeps.com! Join us on our Discord channel! Intro/Outro: Happy Christmas, You Guys! (Simon Panrucker) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

SPONSORS: HIMS - Start your free online Hims visit today at https://www.hims.com/CHUBBY   Hall Of Fame - Get a 7-Day Free Trial + 50% Off your first month of Hall of Fame with code CHUBBY. Just download the HOF app on iOS or Android, enter code CHUBBY and you're all set.   BONUS EPISODES: https://www.Patreon.com/chubbybehemoth   This week the boys are back together in London! Sam had three different suspects for the Markley effect, found out about Dud-man's new place fantasy, and did research with his pal Joe. Nathan had a Christmastime fever dream, was hoping the intermission was the end, and took a candy nap.   Nathan Lund and Sam Tallent are Chubby Behemoth   Mutiny Coffee: mutinyonmainstreet@gmail.com

Kerry and Collin plowed through this comedy starring Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito as two feuding neighbors at Christmastime. The experience of watching the film caused one of them to ponder, "why are we doing this podcast?" There are so many other questions, though. What makes the old, white iMacs so special? How long would it actually take to make an elaborate Christmas light trail, cook an even more elaborate dinner and then cover your entire house with Christmas lights? What did DeVito do to prepare in promoting this film back in 2006? All these questions, plus Kerry gives three movies from the "1,001 Movies You Mist See Before You Die" book. Are any of them worth seeing?  Recommended short film: "The Christmas Light Killer"  Book films covered: "Papillon" (1971) "Buffalo 66" (1998) "The Conformist" (1970)  

Farewell, Clint CarterToday we honor a local business owner, North Coast Blues musician, and well loved community member who was instrumental in organizing iconic music festivals on the Long Beach Peninsula. Farewell, Clint Carter. We miss you already. Clint passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer.He was also a person whose voice was heard every year on the Ship Report around the holidays.Today I'll share a Ship Report annual tradition (a little earlier than usual) - a song Clint wrote, and sang with the Ilwaco Merchants Association: the Crabpot Tree Carol. It's been a staple for years at Christmastime on the Peninsula, at the annual lighting of the Crabpot Christmas Tree.

[teaching text]4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”Exodus 19:4-6If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:14GOD WILL INSTRUCT4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.Exodus 19:44 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.'Exodus 19:4-6Too many people read the law of Moses thinking that it shows how they can be accepted by God. They get it the wrong way around. The people of Israel were redeemed by God, then they were given the law to keep as an expression of gratitude. This principle is the same in the New Testament: Christians are redeemed and then told how to live holy lives.David PawsonI appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.Romans 12:1"It is extremely important to remember that the Law of Moses was given to a redeemed people, not to redeem a people."IbidBeing a Christian isn't a spectrum; it's a position. Purpose of the Mosaic CovenantREVEALREFORMRELEASEThe Law reveals the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man“5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant,”The Law reforms the people to become holy mediators“you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;”The Law releases the blessing of Godand you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.'“Suppose that a father tells his son that, if he does his chores faithfully, he will reward him with a bicycle at Christmastime. The son is already a member of the family, so doing his chores faithfully has nothing to do with becoming a member of the family. It is simply a way by which the son can enjoy blessing in the family. Similarly, God told His children, the Israelites, that if they carried out the responsibilities that He was laying on them, they could enjoy blessings from His hand.”Thomas Watson8 All the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” Exodus 19:8Man naturally believes in, and depends on, himself. And he must learn, at bitter cost often, of his own helplessness.NewellIsrael's utter failureWhen the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2 So Aaron said to them, “Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden[a] calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” 5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord.” 6 And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.Exodus 32:1-6We are naive as Christians if we think that our thinking is not shaped by the cultural currents that surround us.Carl R. Truman17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 17:2012 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2:12-16

Hello you beautiful people!We start the show with the return of Jack Ask and my Canadian listener, Travis, wants to know what's the best dessert to have after your Christmas dinner.Then our podcast barman, Bob Baker, takes a look at the word Queue in Do You Hear What I Hear.This episode's version of A Christmas Carol is the Cbeebies Panto. It's not too bad and you can watch it here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBY_om7PNqUThen it's The Christmas Quiz. I scored 9, cause I'm clever. Email me with your score.Next up Bob is back with Where Are You Christmas and this time it's a village in North China that celebrates all year long.This episode's Christmas Not So Classic is Christmas Time by Bryan Adams. It gets airplay around the world, but never really made it here in the UK.  Have a listen here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amk7AiEI43IGet in touch:Email: totalchristmas@gmail.comWebsite: totalchristmaspodcast.comMerry Christmas!

The Podfathers clear out the voicemail backlogs with this pre-recorded end-of-year episode, covering everything from whether Eglon was fat or handsome to if the Orthodox believe in a kind of Calvinism to the unsettling logismoi of Wham! at Christmastime.

It’s Christmas time! We have a trip with Beanz today on what the new year will look like, with some news, some laughter and some fun sprinkled in. Are you ready to take a new journey? Are you ready for a change? Are you ready to approach life from a different perspective? Awesome! Stick around!! […] The post It’s Christmas Time, But There’s Still Some News appeared first on Radio Influence.

We have a lot of fun year-round, but at Christmastime, we get serious! It's time for Santa Crowder to give back to YOU, who make what we do every day so special. Please enjoy Louder with Crowder's PG-rated, heart-warming family Christmas special to close out 2024. From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas!

In episode 1794, Jack and Miles are joined by host of White Homework, Tori Williams Douglass, to discuss… What The F**k Is This Dude Doing With His Hair? Matt Gaetz Ethics Report Is Gonna Drop..., Music Experts Try To Explain Why The Worst Christmas Is So Bad and more! Matt Gaetz Ethics Report Is Gonna Drop... "There is no getting around the fact that he repeats the phrase 'simply having a wonderful Christmastime' 17 times": A music professor breaks down the theory behind Paul McCartney's Wonderful Christmastime “Santa Baby” is one of Americans’ most disliked Christmas songs Worst Christmas songs of all time revealed - and the results will surprise you The 20 Sh*ttiest Christmas Songs Ever Recorded Paul McCartney Song Named Most Hated Christmas Tune Tweet from @theryangeorge: Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" is about friends practicing witchcraft but then someone walks in and they have to suddenly play it cool LISTEN: Blame by GabrielsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now this is interesting. It says here…it looks like it says right here…that it's almost getting close to that famous time of year known as Christmastime! Ohhh!! Heavens to murgatroyd! Just what will we be doing in 9 days time! Well I know I'll be wiping the sleep from my eyes, bounding down the staircase, and getting MAD at my KIDS for not getting me any good TOYS! That is, unless…unless a Christmas miracle happens. But what would it be! Perhaps it would be, a simple episode of a show, from the mind of two Content Creators, who love their jobs and want to make the whole world smile. Or maybe it's THIS CRAP!!!Music for YKS is courtesy of Howell Dawdy, Craig Dickman, Mr. Baloney, and Mark Brendle. Additional research by Zeke Golvin. YKS is edited by Producer Dan. Social Media by Maddalena Alvarez.YKS Premium! It's like this…only even more wilder, uncensored, out of control, and amazing! Follow us on Instagram: @YKSPod, TikTok: YourKickstarterSucks and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more video stuff! This episode of YKS is brought to you by these fine brands:Factor - I actually LIKE paying for 100% of my lunch. Yeah, said no one ever. Well that's where the Factor YKS promo code comes in. Go to FactorMeals.com/50YKS and use code 50yks to get 50% off your first box plus free shippingRocket Money - What have you got to lose? Well, hundreds of millions of dollars if you're all the customers Rocket Money has helped to date! That's a lotta moola! Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com/YKS today!This holiday season, give the gift of stupid bullshit! Gift subscriptions to YKS Premium are now available at Patreon.com/yourkickstartersucks/giftSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A short story about a haunted fruitcake.

Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TVIN THIS EPISODE: Despite being in the middle of the first World War, on Christmas Day, 1914 British and German soldiers sang carols together, exchanged gifts with the enemy combatants, and supposedly even played a soccer game against each other in order to celebrate the holiday. (The Great War's Christmas Truce) *** The case was so mysterious it was even featured on TV's “Unsolved Mysteries” and “America's Most Wanted”: who committed the Christmas murder of Latricia White? And what happened to Lee and Chance Wackerhagen? (An Unsolved Christmas Murder Mystery) *** We're so used to seeing old St. Nick showing up with a big bag of toys for the kiddies – but what if he arrived with another bag full of switches for your parents to use the whole year through if you were on his naughty list? We'll look back at when Santa wasn't purely jolly and jovial, and when he arrived to dole out both presents and punishment! (Santa's Naughty List) *** The Los Feliz murder mansion became the site of a horrifying and sad Christmas tragedy for one California family. (Christmas At The Los Feliz Murder Mansion) *** A haunting holiday mystery took place in England in 1916 when a young bride simply disappeared without a trace. (The Vanishing Christmas Bride) *** A man tries to take on supernatural forces – and ends up as an undead creature who appears as a terrifying Yuletide spirit. (A Living Dead Yule Haunting) *** (Originally aired December 14, 2021)SOURCES AND ESSENTIAL WEB LINKS…“A Living Dead Yule Haunting” by Ellen Lloyd for Ancient Pages: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/39y7ubu5“The Great War's Christmas Truce” by Erin Kelly for All That's Interesting: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ytv6zdy2“Santa's Naughty List” by Troy Taylor: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yc5cszy7“Christmas At The Los Feliz Murder Mansion” by Colleen Conroy for Ranker's Unspeakable Times:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p99t2kw“An Unsolved Christmas Murder Mystery” from Mystery Confidential: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/pzzyfatw“Have Yourself a Flying Saucer Christmas” by Beth Colman for Mental Floss: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ycxv3w49“The Vanishing Christmas Bride” from Strange Company: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3nkcxes4Visit our Sponsors & Friends: https://weirddarkness.com/sponsorsJoin the Weird Darkness Syndicate: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateAdvertise in the Weird Darkness podcast or syndicated radio show: https://weirddarkness.com/advertise= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =Weird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library. Background music provided by Alibi Music Library, EpidemicSound and/or StoryBlocks with paid license. Music from Shadows Symphony (https://tinyurl.com/yyrv987t), Midnight Syndicate (http://amzn.to/2BYCoXZ) Kevin MacLeod (https://tinyurl.com/y2v7fgbu), Tony Longworth (https://tinyurl.com/y2nhnbt7), and Nicolas Gasparini (https://tinyurl.com/lnqpfs8) is used with permission of the artists.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =OTHER PODCASTS I HOST…Paranormality Magazine: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/paranormalitymagMicro Terrors: Scary Stories for Kids: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/microterrorsRetro Radio – Old Time Radio In The Dark: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/retroradioChurch of the Undead: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/churchoftheundead= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2024, Weird Darkness.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =https://weirddarkness.com/living-dead-yule-haunting/

Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamIN THIS EPISODE: Many of us are familiar with the flip side of Father Christmas – the darker entity who visits and kidnaps bad children, Krampus. But when it comes to true fear, even Krampus would run in terror at the sight of Iceland's Gryla, the Christmas Witch! With roots dating back to the 13th century, Gryla is not to be messed with! (Iceland's Christmas Witch) *** It was Christmastime, 1938, and 19-year-old Margaret Martin had just graduated from Wilkes-Barre Business College with honors and was eager to secure a secretarial job. Her eagerness would lead to her disappearance. (The Murder of Margaret Martin) *** Ask anyone over the age of twelve what they think about the existence of Santa Claus and you'll most assuredly get the same answer. But that has not stopped people of all ages reporting sightings of the jolly old elf, and some of the stories are downright creepy. (The Strange World of True Kris Kringle Sightings) *** Two murders committed in the same house during the holidays of 1928 appear to have resulted in the spirits of Christmas past haunting the place today. (The Hundley Murders) *** (Originally aired December 08, 2021)SOURCES AND ESSENTIAL WEB LINKS…“The Strange World of True Kris Kringle Sightings” by Brent Swancer for Mysterious Universe:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8kfyka“Iceland's Christmas Witch” by Alex Palmer for Smithsonian Magazine: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/57ntaeeu“The Murder of Margaret Martin” by Troy Taylor: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/7e6xxvph“The Hundley Murders” by Troy Taylor for his book “Bloody Illinois”: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3yb3fd2pVisit our Sponsors & Friends: https://weirddarkness.com/sponsorsJoin the Weird Darkness Syndicate: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateAdvertise in the Weird Darkness podcast or syndicated radio show: https://weirddarkness.com/advertise= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =Weird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library. Background music provided by Alibi Music Library, EpidemicSound and/or StoryBlocks with paid license. Music from Shadows Symphony (https://tinyurl.com/yyrv987t), Midnight Syndicate (http://amzn.to/2BYCoXZ) Kevin MacLeod (https://tinyurl.com/y2v7fgbu), Tony Longworth (https://tinyurl.com/y2nhnbt7), and Nicolas Gasparini (https://tinyurl.com/lnqpfs8) is used with permission of the artists.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =OTHER PODCASTS I HOST…Paranormality Magazine: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/paranormalitymagMicro Terrors: Scary Stories for Kids: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/microterrorsRetro Radio – Old Time Radio In The Dark: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/retroradioChurch of the Undead: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/churchoftheundead= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2024, Weird Darkness.https://weirddarkness.com/real-kris-kringle-sightings/

Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TVIN THIS EPISODE: We're all familiar with the poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas” – better known as, “Twas The Night Before Christmas”. But while we know the poem, we can't be quite as sure about who wrote it. (The Christmas Poem That Started a Feud) *** One of the great (and now, sadly, lapsed) Christmas traditions is the telling of ghost stories. On one particular year, a British teenager took this pastime to a whole other level. He didn't read about a Christmas Eve haunting. He experienced one. (The Phantom Choir of St. Albans) *** The past few years have made Krampus, the Christmas devil, a star of the big screen. But have you noticed that every version of him is different than the others? This may of course be in part to creative license, but it might have just as much if not more to do with the fact that none of the filmmakers had any idea of just what Krampus truly is, what he is all about, and how terrifying he can be. (Krampus, The Christmas Monster) *** Disaster strikes a small Illinois town on Christmas Eve, stripping away all that was merry and bright for the families who lived there. (The Christmas Eve Mine Disaster) *** (Originally aired December 09, 2021)SOURCES AND ESSENTIAL WEB LINKS…“The Christmas Eve Mine Disaster” by Troy Taylor: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p97f84v“The Christmas Poem That Started a Feud” by Henry Litchfield West for Victoriana Magazine:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/52y4uaan“Krampus, the Christmas Monster” by Garth Haslam for Monsters Here & There: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8r6ev4“The Phantom Choir of St. Albans” from Strange Company: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ycxyzk7pVisit our Sponsors & Friends: https://weirddarkness.com/sponsorsJoin the Weird Darkness Syndicate: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateAdvertise in the Weird Darkness podcast or syndicated radio show: https://weirddarkness.com/advertise= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =Weird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library. Background music provided by Alibi Music Library, EpidemicSound and/or StoryBlocks with paid license. Music from Shadows Symphony (https://tinyurl.com/yyrv987t), Midnight Syndicate (http://amzn.to/2BYCoXZ) Kevin MacLeod (https://tinyurl.com/y2v7fgbu), Tony Longworth (https://tinyurl.com/y2nhnbt7), and Nicolas Gasparini (https://tinyurl.com/lnqpfs8) is used with permission of the artists.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =OTHER PODCASTS I HOST…Paranormality Magazine: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/paranormalitymagMicro Terrors: Scary Stories for Kids: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/microterrorsRetro Radio – Old Time Radio In The Dark: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/retroradioChurch of the Undead: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/churchoftheundead= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2024, Weird Darkness.https://weirddarkness.com/krampus-christmas-monster/

Get tix to our Stiff Socks Tour at https://stiffsocks.com Support the pod and get so much extra content for $5/month at https://www.patreon.com/stiffsockspod Bonus eps also available on Apple Podcasts! https://www.apple.co/socks Stiff Socks tour dates: https://stiffsocks.com Knoxville, TN: Dec 11 Atlanta, GA: Dec 12

The new Netflix series Black Doves is a pulpy and stylish British spy show starring Keira Knightly and Ben Whishaw. Knightly plays a politician's wife who's been secretly funnelling information to a mysterious spy network for years, and Whishaw plays her old partner who's been out of the game. But when Knightly's character gets targeted, Whishaw's returns to protect her. It's all set in London at Christmastime, so if you like your holiday cheer spiced with British wit and gunplay, Black Doves may be for you.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Thanks for tuning in to 98.ATWWD where Christmastime is here and so is Episode 409. Today Em brings us the story of the haunted Sword Gate House in Charleston. Then Christine covers the heavy case of the murder of Erik Poltorak. And are you all as obsessed with gift wrapping rooms as us? Let us know! …and that's why we drink! Love our banter and want to hear more? Join us on Patreon for our weekly Yappy Hour bonus episodes on Mondays every week! Visit https://www.patreon.com/ATWWDPodcast to join today! ______________________ Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code DRINK at http://lumepodcast.com/DRINK #lumepodGift luxury this holiday season without the luxury price tag. Go to http://quince.com/drink for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order. Audible. There's more to imagine when you listen. Go to http://audible.com/DRINK and discover all the year's best waiting for you. DraftKings is offering a warm welcome to new players with $100 INSTANTLY IN CASINO CREDITS with just a $10 wager. Plus, EVERYONE can get in on the action with a holiday reward every week! So, sign up with code ATWWD because the holiday cheer is here! Only on DraftKings Casino. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit CCPG.org. Please play responsibly. 21+. Physically present in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia only. Void in Ontario. Eligibility restrictions apply. New customers only. Opt-in required. Casino Credits are non-withdrawable and expire in 168 hours. Terms at http://casino.draftkings.com/promos Exclusive $35-off Carver Mat at AuraFrames.com. Use code DRINK at checkout to save! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's finally here, friends! It's time to open Week 1 of our Advent 2024 study, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace with special guest Ann Voskamp. Together Raechel, Amanda, and Ann share in the longing for closeness with Jesus that comes with Christmastime, and encourage one another with personal tips for finding the hope of Christ in every season, including Advent.Open your Bibles with us this week! This episode corresponds to Week 1 of She Reads Truth's Advent 2024 Reading Plan. You can read with the She Reads Truth community on our site, app, or with our Advent 2024 printed or digital Daily Reading Guide. Use code GENESISPOD to get $5 anything in the Genesis collection at ShopSheReadsTruth.com.Big thanks to our episode sponsors!Hiya Vitamins—Get 50% off your first order at HiyaHealth.com/truthAG1– Subscribe and get a FREE $76 gift when you sign up at DrinkAG1.com/truthCompelled Podcast– Tune into episode #82 of Compelled, titled “Rwandan Genocide Survivor in Search of a Savior - Alex Nsengimana” on any major podcast platform or through CompelledPodcast.com.She Reads Truth on Instagram & FacebookRaechel Myers on InstagramAmanda Bible Williams on InstagramAnn Voskamp on InstagramThe Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas by Ann VoskampThe Keeping CompanyillumiNations*If you purchase something through our links, She Reads Truth may earn an affiliate commission.

In this special episode, Jen and Amy get a visit from a Hollywood darling we've loved in countless films and shows like The Descendants, Archer, 27 Dresses, Arrested Development and 13 Going on 30 to talk about her newest project based on the beloved children's book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Actress Judy Greer talks about what it's like to collaborate on such a treasured holiday story that she somehow missed out on as a kid but was lucky enough to discover when she was cast for the role. She sets the scene for what it was like to film the movie last fall in wintry Winnipeg with a cast full of kids on set and also takes a moment to share some highlights from earlier in her career. Also in this episode:  Amy and Jen talk about their mixed feelings toward pageants and public performances. As you might guess, one of them loves them, one hates them. In our GenXcellence segment, Jen and Amy recount their first movie-without-parents experiences. And we Rant or Rave about decorating the house at Christmastime. *** Thought-provoking Quotes:  “I directed so many programs with my sisters and my girl cousins, and my parents were very, very mediocre audience members. If you're going to have four kids, guess what you get to do? You're going to sit on the brown corduroy couch and watch our shitty programs. That's part of the deal. We practiced for six hours. I had choreography. At one point, I gave Lindsay an umbrella that she had to open at just the right lyric in the song and the bitch could not do it and it was so upsetting.” – Jen Hatmaker  “I think what's so beautiful about this story is that it's about unity, and compassion, and empathy. And it's about being welcoming.” – Judy Greer Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 48 Hours movie (1982) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083511/ Film Rating Guide - https://www.motionpictures.org/film-ratings/ Top Gun movie (1986) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092099/ The Shining movie (1980) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505/ Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - https://drafthouse.com/austin 37th Street Austin Light Display - https://www.instagram.com/37thstreetlights/ Arrested Development - https://www.netflix.com/title/70140358 13 Going on 30 movie (2004) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337563/ The Descendants movie (2011) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1033575/ I Don't Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star by Judy Greer - https://amzn.to/4hiDC0y The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids by Barbara Robinson - https://amzn.to/3YzrNfh The Best Christmas Pageant Ever movie (2024) - https://bestchristmaspageantever.movie/ Archer - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1486217/ Citizen Ruth movie (1996) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115906/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 Dallas Jenkins - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0420817/?ref_=tt_ov_dr_1 Pete Holmes - https://peteholmes.com/ Guest's Links: Judy's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/missjudygreer Judy's Twitter - https://x.com/missjudygreer Judy's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJudyGreer/ Movie Links: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bestchristmaspageantevermovie/ The Best Christmas Pageant Ever's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BestChristmasPageantEverMovie The Best Christmas Pageant Ever's Twitter - https://x.com/BCPEMovie Connect with Jen! Jen's website - https://jenhatmaker.com/ Jen's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmaker Jen's Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/ Jen's Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmaker Jen's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker The For the Love Podcast is presented by Audacy. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Stassi is back with C-O-Lo, sharing all the big moves as the podcast joins the Podcast One family! After a rare three-day social marathon and juggling 24/7 parenting duties with Messer's unpredictable nap schedule, Stassi dives into her fabulous night at Mariah Carey's “Christmas Time” tour show—she was there for all the holiday vibes, and every song was perfection. Then, they talk about  “nepo-babies” (they're here, deal with it!) and Stassi breaks down her unforgettable look for the Wicked premiere—and why it might just be the best movie ever. From Martha Stewart's effortlessly iconic doc to Blake Lively's latest fashion slay and Ryan Reynolds' surprisingly “serious” side, they wrap up a magical weekend filled with glam, gossip, and everything in between! This episode is sponsored by: Nutrafol - First month's subscription and free shipping at Nutrafol.com and enter promo code STRAIGHTUP. Caraway - Visit Carawayhome.com/STASSI10 for up to 20% off your next purchase. Limited-time offer. Chime - Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/ STASSI . Lightbox - New customers get 10% off their first order on lightboxjewelry.com. Use code STASSI10. Thrive - Go to ThriveMarket.com/stassi for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!