Podcasts about european christmas

[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - get on the waitlist here!Travel Freely App - How we keep track of all our cards! And make sure to follow us on Instagram! @travelpartyof5 Contrary to popular belief, opening multiple credit cards doesn't automatically tank your credit score. I'm living proof – with eight new cards in just six months and an "excellent" credit score of 808 to show for it.The credit card journey has been quite the ride. Growing up with warnings about the dangers of plastic and experiencing credit card debt twice in my younger years made me initially hesitant. Fast forward to today, and I've completely transformed my relationship with credit cards, using them strategically to fund incredible family adventures through points and miles.My husband and I break down the eight cards I've opened since January – spanning Chase, American Express, and Citi – and reveal how diversifying across different banks has been crucial to approval success. We share the surprising factors affecting credit scores (like why my husband's 763 score gets fewer approvals than my 808) and how credit history length significantly outweighs the impact of new accounts.The most pressing challenge we're facing? Meeting a massive $20,000 minimum spend requirement on the Amex Business Platinum. We discuss our strategy, including prepaying bills, planned expenses, and the somewhat controversial world of buying groups. And no, despite my husband's suggestions, we won't be purchasing jet skis to meet the requirement!These strategic credit card moves have yielded nearly 700,000 points across various programs, funding upcoming adventures to Thailand, Japan, Yosemite, and European Christmas markets. We also tackle the counterintuitive decision to sometimes pay cash for flights rather than using points when the value proposition doesn't make sense.Want to learn how to leverage points and miles for your own family travel? Join my waitlist for personalized one-on-one consulting sessions where I'll help you maximize your redemptions and plan your dream trips.**Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you—if you use them. I only recommend products I truly use and love.**

Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn is joined by Joe Cheung to discuss his recent application for the Aeroplan card and how Joe is planning on taking his family to the European Christmas markets. The bulk of the show focuses on Shawn's Spring Break trip which included a same day audible from a road trip to a Dallas Fort Worth adventure. We discuss all of the bookings for the trip, how Shawn pulled it off on the same day, what the new Capital One lounge in Vegas looks like, things to do with kids in DFW and why traveling like this can be so much fun. Plus the BBQ.   Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that. Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License  

Cheryl finally went on her European Christmas Trip, 5 years after it was originally planned! She visited Prague and Dresden and saw countless Christmas Markets. Links to specific things she shared about below:  Prague Christmas Markets Dresden Christmas Markets Prague Food Tour Prague Medieval Restaurant Dresden Burger Restaurant Prague Zoo Dresden Zoo Dresden Palace Christmas Garden Jazz Dinner Cruise One-Way Sightseeing Tour from Prague to Dresden Tisa Rocks Bastei Bridge in the Saxon Switzerland National Park Meissen, Germany Sedlec Ossuary

T Lo return from their European Christmas vacation with tales of gluhwein and stroopwafels to tell. They check back in on the Justin Baldoni/Blake Lively drama surround "It Ends with Us," offer their thoughts on the Golden Globes and the Oscar race, talk about how the L.A. wildfires are likely to affect awards season, and make some predictions about Zendaya's wedding gown(s). 

Billi (@SGPSoccer) brings you a Christmas special edition of Scommesse Italia, covering 4 games from Serie A, before closing out with 4 handpicked bonus leans from across Europe.    Atalanta will be looking to return to the top of table and counteract Napoli's win today. Logic says Atalanta's ridiculous run of form has to end soon, but that's unlikely to be this weekend against Empoli at home. Atalanta have now racked up 11 successive victories in domestic football, while it's 13 wins, a draw and a defeat from their last 16 outings in all competitions. JOIN the SGPN community #DegensOnlyExclusive Merch, Contests and Bonus Episodes ONLY on Patreon - https://sg.pn/patreonDiscuss with fellow degens on Discord - https://sg.pn/discordDownload The Free SGPN App - https://sgpn.appCheck out the Sports Gambling Podcast on YouTube - https://sg.pn/YouTubeCheck out our website - http://sportsgamblingpodcast.comSUPPORT us by supporting our partnersUnderdog Fantasy code SGPN - Up to $1000 in BONUS CASH - https://play.underdogfantasy.com/p-sgpnRithmm - Player Props and Picks - Free 7 day trial! http://sportsgamblingpodcast.com/rithmmRebet - Social sportsbook - 100% deposit match promo code SGPN in your app store! ADVERTISE with SGPNInterested in advertising? Contact sales@sgpn.io WATCH the Sports Gambling PodcastYouTube - https://sg.pn/YouTubeTwitch - https://sg.pn/TwitchFOLLOW The Sports Gambling Podcast On Social MediaTwitter - http://www.twitter.com/gamblingpodcastInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/sportsgamblingpodcastTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gamblingpodcastFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/sportsgamblingpodcastFOLLOW The Hosts On Social MediaSean Green - http://www.twitter.com/seantgreenRyan Kramer - http://www.twitter.com/kramercentric Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA)21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800 BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI)

Billi (@SGPSoccer) brings you a Christmas special edition of Scommesse Italia, covering 4 games from Serie A, before closing out with 4 handpicked bonus leans from across Europe.    Atalanta will be looking to return to the top of table and counteract Napoli's win today. Logic says Atalanta's ridiculous run of form has to end soon, but that's unlikely to be this weekend against Empoli at home. Atalanta have now racked up 11 successive victories in domestic football, while it's 13 wins, a draw and a defeat from their last 16 outings in all competitions. JOIN the SGPN community #DegensOnlyExclusive Merch, Contests and Bonus Episodes ONLY on Patreon - https://sg.pn/patreonDiscuss with fellow degens on Discord - https://sg.pn/discordDownload The Free SGPN App - https://sgpn.appCheck out the Sports Gambling Podcast on YouTube - https://sg.pn/YouTubeCheck out our website - http://sportsgamblingpodcast.com SUPPORT us by supporting our partnersUnderdog Fantasy code SGPN - Up to $1000 in BONUS CASH - https://play.underdogfantasy.com/p-sgpnRithmm - Player Props and Picks - Free 7 day trial! http://sportsgamblingpodcast.com/rithmmRebet - Social sportsbook - 100% deposit match promo code SGPN in your app store! ADVERTISE with SGPNInterested in advertising? Contact sales@sgpn.io WATCH the Sports Gambling PodcastYouTube - https://sg.pn/YouTubeTwitch - https://sg.pn/Twitch FOLLOW The Sports Gambling Podcast On Social MediaTwitter - http://www.twitter.com/gamblingpodcastInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/sportsgamblingpodcastTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gamblingpodcastFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/sportsgamblingpodcast Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA)21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800 BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI)

In Episode 99 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Mike Zaccheo and Justin Walter dive into exciting travel updates and tips. Highlights include member Paul's recommendation to explore European Christmas markets, featuring Vienna's charm. News about Chase Freedom's Q1 2025 5x categories, Virgin Red's link to Virgin Flying Club for bonus points, and status match opportunities for Delta and Hilton elites was discussed. Southwest also announced the sale of A-List status, offering perks like priority boarding and same-day flight changes.In the main feature, Justin recounts his recent 6-night family trip to Europe, managing the logistics of traveling with seven people, including his sister-in-law's first international journey. He secured United Polaris business class tickets, enjoyed the Polaris lounge at ORD, and stayed at the Hyatt Regency Churchill in London with upgraded suites and stellar service. The family explored iconic attractions earning bonus points through Rakuten for ticket purchases. They wrapped up the trip with a positioning flight to Amsterdam.  While Justin and his travel companions had a smooth return flight to the U.S., his parents faced a different experience. Their itinerary was hit by a lengthy delay, resulting in an unplanned overnight stay in Chicago. This situation served as a reminder to stay calm and make use of available resources when irregular operations (IROPS) occur. On a positive note, they successfully filed a UK261 claim to compensate for the inconvenience. Justin concludes with practical family travel tips—plan your transportation, bring portable strollers, and use Uber for ease. Plus, Justin's tip of the week encourages listeners to jump on outstanding offers when you see them, like we did with the NLL Amex Business Gold recently.Links to Topics DiscussedChase Freedom Q1 2025 CategoriesLink Virgin red to Virgin Flying Club for 4000 pointsAA Announced 2025 Loyalty program changesDelta Status for Hilton Diamond membersWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

There is a dark figure from Alsatian yule folklore in northeastern France. According to legend, a wealthy and greedy man became infamous for his cruelty, blasphemy, and obsession with power. He was said to have made a pact with the devil to increase his wealth and influence. Still, his wickedness eventually led to his excommunication by the Church and banishment from society.Living in exile in the forest, this lord descended into madness and evil. He began dressing as a scarecrow, stuffing his clothes with straw, and luring children into the woods, intending to harm them. However, before he could carry out his plans, he was struck down by a divine bolt of lightning.Despite his death, the legend persists that his malevolent spirit roams the countryside during Christmastime, frightening children into behaving. Like other dark Yuletide figures, he is a cautionary figure. In some tales, he accompanies Saint Nicholas to punish naughty children while Saint Nicholas rewards the good. His eerie scarecrow appearance and sinister backstory make him one of the darker figures in European Christmas lore.Join Gary and GoldieAnn as they wander Within the Mists of France to find Hans Trapp, the Christmas Scarecrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is a dark figure from Alsatian yule folklore in northeastern France. According to legend, a wealthy and greedy man became infamous for his cruelty, blasphemy, and obsession with power. He was said to have made a pact with the devil to increase his wealth and influence. Still, his wickedness eventually led to his excommunication by the Church and banishment from society.Living in exile in the forest, this lord descended into madness and evil. He began dressing as a scarecrow, stuffing his clothes with straw, and luring children into the woods, intending to harm them. However, before he could carry out his plans, he was struck down by a divine bolt of lightning.Despite his death, the legend persists that his malevolent spirit roams the countryside during Christmastime, frightening children into behaving. Like other dark Yuletide figures, he is a cautionary figure. In some tales, he accompanies Saint Nicholas to punish naughty children while Saint Nicholas rewards the good. His eerie scarecrow appearance and sinister backstory make him one of the darker figures in European Christmas lore.Join Gary and GoldieAnn as they wander Within the Mists of France to find Hans Trapp, the Christmas Scarecrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Unscaled Travel Show, hosts Jeremy and Amy share their recent experiences visiting Christmas markets across Europe, including Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, and Lichtenstein. They discuss the unique charm of each market, the cultural significance of these festive gatherings, and the growing commercialization that threatens their authenticity. The conversation also delves into the historical roots of Christmas markets, tracing their origins back to the late Middle Ages and their evolution over centuries as community hubs for trade and celebration. ____________________________________ S02 Ep87 ____________________________________ Connect with us on social media:  Instagram: @unscaledtravelshow Twitter: @fullmetaltravlr Facebook: @fullmetaltraveler Website: ⁠⁠https://www.unscaledtravelshow.com/ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unscaled⁠

Send us a textImagine wandering through a European Christmas market, the air filled with the scent of spiced mulled wine, surrounded by twinkling lights and the joyful hum of holiday cheer. This episode takes you on a journey through these festive scenes, even touching corners of the world like the Middle East, where Christmas isn't traditionally celebrated but the spirit is universally embraced. We reminisce about family traditions that prioritize shared experiences over material gifts, like advent calendars and admiring dazzling light displays, capturing the heartwarming essence of the season.Turning our attention to the nativity story, we strip away the commercialization often associated with the holiday to focus on the profound arrival of Jesus. The narrative unfolds with a spotlight on the powerful angel Gabriel, not as a gentle cherub but as a formidable messenger of God's presence. We discuss the importance of directing prayers to God alone, underscoring a faith journey that encourages spiritual growth and service to others during the Christmas season. By exploring the stories of Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, we draw connections to our own roles in God's plan, emphasizing a deeper, faith-centered understanding of Christmas.Through the stories of Zechariah's leap from doubt to faith and Mary's unwavering obedience, we are reminded of the transformative power of saying "yes" to God's calling. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their relationship with Jesus, offering a message of forgiveness and grace that is available through His sacrifice. As we wrap up, we extend a heartfelt blessing for a Christmas season filled with peace, love, and the joy of community. Join us as we embrace the spirit of obedience and the blessings that follow, inspired by the timeless tales of the nativity.Cornerstonehttps://www.cornerstoneaz.org/Follow Jesushttps://www.cornerstoneaz.org/follow-jesusLife Groups https://www.cornerstoneaz.org/life-groupsGiving https://cornerstoneaz.churchcenter.com/givingChurch Center App - Download then add Cornerstone Christian Center in Avondale, AZiOShttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-church-center/id1357742931?mt=8&ls=1&ign-mpt=uo%3D4Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ministrycentered.churchcenter----Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cornerstoneazFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/cornerstoneaz.orgTwitterhttps://twitter.com/cornerstoneaz.org

Today Mike is chatting with Ian Scott of Quest Voyager about the Chamber's amazing European Christmas Markets trip in December of 2025! Pure Magic!

Directed by Dr. Robert Tueller, the Baroque Ensemble will perform authentic 18th century European Christmas carols in their upcoming concert.

Are you ready to give your clients a hassle-free, magical Christmas in Europe?I chat with Shelley Poten, managing director of Albatross Tours, as she shares insights on how travel agents can help their clients plan the perfect European Christmas getaway.Shelley highlights Albatross Tours' unique small-group festive tours, designed specifically for Australian and Kiwi travellers, and how agents can take advantage of their seamless booking process to provide their clients with a stress-free holiday experience.You'll discover the key benefits of offering Albatross Tours to your clients, from their carefully curated itineraries, handpicked hotels, and inclusive packages, to how their longer stays and no hidden extras provide incredible value for travellersShelley also gives tips on preparing for the 2025 festive season, with early booking options and exclusive pre-registration for agents.Tune in to learn how you can help your clients create unforgettable Christmas memories while simplifying the entire booking process for yourself, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic of Europe during the holiday season.What Christmas destination would your clients love the most? Let's connect on LinkedIn — I'd love to hear how you're helping them plan their perfect holiday!References Mentioned in the Show:Albatross Tours Australia: https://albatrosstours.com.au/ Albatross Tours New Zealand: https://www.albatrosstours.co.nz/ Connect with Shelley & Albatross ToursShelley's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleypotenReservations Australia: 1300 135 015Email: reservations@albatrosstours.com.auConnect with Charlie & Destination Webinars:Charlie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena/ Charlie's Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au Destination Webinars Library: https://www.destinationwebinars.com.au/webinar-library/ Destination Webinars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/destinationwebinars Destination Webinars LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/destination-webinars/   

Want to spend Christmas break at the European Christmas Markets?! Here is all the important info you'll need to know to plan your dream Christmas trip!

European Christmas Markets with Sherry Norris at Altair Travel: McGraw Show 10 - 29 - 24 by

    Jane Dutton ( Standing in for Relebogile Mabotja) speaks to Gabbi Brondani the Writer and Travel Correspondent about must-see European Christmas Markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Time To Talk Travel podcast hosts Desiree Miller and Nasreen Stump are joined by Liz Owens, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Vacations By Rail. They dive into how to book a train vacation, how rail travel fits into the slow travel trend, the difference between escorted and non-escorted itineraries and how rail travel tour companies can help you pack more into a vacation than you ever thought possible!We cover: -Rail Travel as the ultimate way to see the National Parks-The Pacific Northwest as an underrated destination-Why rail design in Europe and the US is different-The importance of customer service and customer experience in every itinerary-How and why rail travel is becoming more popular-Using rail to make trips like European Christmas market tours possible-Itinerary building and how team collaboration is important to the end users experience-How being a part of the Great Rail Journeys family of brands gives them access to 50 years of expertiseLook for last minute availability and specials on trips with Vacations By Rail. Listen on the following platforms:SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon MusicYoutubeor at TimeToTalkTravel.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter.Visit HashtagTravels.com for more travel stories and destination ideas.Find us on social:LinkedInTikTokFacebookInstagramTwitterWe include transcripts to make our podcasts accessible. Transcripts are lightly edited during the course of episode development to correct spelling for the names of places and clarity. There may be further grammatical or spelling errors that are not addressed. Please know the transcripts are a guide/raw product not a polished piece of journalism. Thank you!

This week I am sharing all the details about visiting 5 MORE European Christmas market cities!

Welcome to part 4 of my Christmas Market series! In this episode, I will discuss the details of visiting 5 European Christmas Markets.

This episode is part 3 of my European Christmas market series! Listen to all things related to housing, travel, and other logistics of visiting the Christmas markets.

In this episode of 'The Vacay', Sophie Jackson delves into the enchanting world of European river cruises, particularly focusing on the magical Christmas Markets along the route from Budapest to Amsterdam. Joined by Janeene from Helloworld, they explore the allure of these markets adorned with twinkling lights, offering warm mulled wine, and boasting festive stalls brimming with delectable food, charming decorations, and unique gifts. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with holiday cheer and unforgettable experiences along the picturesque European waterways. Tune in to 'The Vacay Podcast' for an exploration of natural marvels and cultural treasures, thanks to nib & helloworldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to week two of a four-part series covering everything about visiting European Christmas markets! This episode is all about what you should and shouldn't pack on your European Christmas adventure.

This week is the first episode in a four-part series about everything related to visiting European Christmas markets! In this episode, I will discuss why you might want to visit Christmas markets and what to expect on this magical vacation.

Coming into 2024 like a wild mess!

Coucou everyone! Grab a glass of glüwein while Kate takes us to Part II of Christmas traditions in Europe! Catherine then tells us all about gift giving in the Middle Ages - do not be shy to "pillage" your boss' house. Naturally, we segue to casting the new Bond film! Dev Patel as Bond anyone?? Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! Main topic sources: Women's Christmas Nollaig na mBan Christmas Carp Old English Crackers Yule Lads Andrezejki Minitopic sources: ⁠Holiday Gifts in the Middle Ages What Did People Gift Each Other for Christmas in the Middle Ages? Recommendations: Kate's recommendation - "Rye Lane," 2023 Cat's recommendation - "Saltburn," 2023 Don't forget to follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ :) Cover art and logo by Kate Walker Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre Theme song by Lumehill Thank you all - ciao! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/europhile/support

Join me this week to learn all about the planning process for visiting European Christmas Markets!

Happy Holidays, listeners! In the spirit of the holiday season, Carli and Sophia will spend this episode walking you through the top Christmas markets in Europe. From food and drinks, to lights, to history, to winter amusement parks, we will cover it all and help you decide which markets to visit.    Please note that we are taking a break in two weeks for the holidays, but we will be back on January 9th with our first episode of the new year. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season. See you in 2024!  

Tanya joins us again this week as Nicole’s European Christmas vacation continues. She spent time with the Toyota Sequoia and the Honda Civic sedan. Meanwhile Sam spent a week with the updated BMW X5 eDrive50 that went 45 miles on a charge of the new larger battery pack. In the news, friend of the show… Read More »Are We Ready To Swap?

Hello Great Minds!It's that time of year, Luke's Birthday, and that means that the show is the hands of our Shots Regular Guy! Luke leads us in a chat on some unique Christmas Traditions... I don't know why European Christmas is so violent, but it made for a quick, fun chat! Key Topics: Yule Cat, Krampus, Pooping Log Support the show here...Patreon Link - https://www.patreon.com/dgmhhistoryCheers!Be sure to follow DGMH on Twitter & Instagram @dgmhhistoryJoin the DGMH Facebook group @ "Drinks with Great Minds in History"Music:Hall of the Mountain King by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3845-hall-of-the-mountain-kingLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Artwork by @Tali RoseSupport the showSupport the showSupport the show

Today's conversation for Tourism Tuesday with Justin Kerns from Winchester/Frederick County Convention & Visitor's Bureau also featured Andy Gail from Literacy Volunteers and Donnie McGhee from The Ivy Chest. The group gave many of the details for the Winchester Winter Village that will kick off in Old Town Winchester on December 8, 2023, and run through December 10, 2023. The event will resemble a traditional European Christmas market with food and crafts vendors located throughout the Old Town Walking Mall. Many shops will be fully decked out for the holidays and offering specials for shoppers young and old. On Friday, December 8th enjoy a grown-up good time with the Second Annual Santa Crawl in the evening to benefit Froggy's Closet. On Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th bring out the whole family to enjoy a tented Santa's Village area with Santa, elves, crafts, and even an appearance by the Grinch! Take a complimentary horse-drawn wagon ride from Shenandoah Carriage Company on Saturday between 3-6pm to enjoy the beautiful Old Town lights and displays. Horse-drawn wagon rides will be complimentary and first-come first served and handled by the carriage company staff. There will be live caroling and music, demonstrative vendors, and you can grab a warm serving of gluhwein, a traditional hot mulled spiced red wine, from a participating restaurant and carry it with you as you shop. Several restaurants will also be offering kinderpunch, a warm spiced cider just for kids! If you know of someone who needs a special message of hope, good wish, or prayer, stop by the Wishing Tree area near the Godfrey Miller Center, write out a wish for them, and place it on the tree. This will be an open-air market and will be free for everyone to attend! For more information, download a map, or find other things to do in and around Winchester, visit: https://visitwinchesterva.com/  WINTER VILLAGE HOURS: Friday, December 8, 4-8pm (including a 5-9pm Santa Crawl to benefit Froggy's Closet) Santa Crawl info and how to get tickets: https://www.facebook.com/events/199021756569484 Saturday, December 9, 11-8pm (Kinder Village with Santa 12-5, carriage rides 3-6pm) Sunday, December 10, 11-4pm(Kinder Village with Santa 12-4)

Where is the BEST place to celebrate the holidays? EUROPE! Let's face it, Europe does Christmas the best. You simple can NOT beat the European Christmas Markets. In this episode of the Passports and Coffee Podcast, we are talking all things European Christmas Markets. Combined we have traveled to 8 different countries and we are sharing our favorite European Christmas Markets with you! From the most popular Christmas markets in Germany to the lesser known like the one in Tallinn Estonia, this episode will make you want to book the next flight to Europe to celebrate the holidays! So grab yourself a cup of holiday cheer and let's share our favorite Europe Christmas Markets with you! For more in-depth details about European Christmas markets, check out the full show notes on the Passports and Coffee Podcast website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join Us on a Group Trip to COSTA RICA Travel besties we are hosting a group trip to Costa Rica in May 2024 and we want YOU to join us! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check out our itinerary and to reserve your spot today! Want a say on where our next group trip is? Fill out a quick 2-minute survey ⁠⁠here⁠⁠! Want to be one of the first to sign up for a future group trip? Join the email list ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to be notified of our group trips and to snag an early bird spot! Want to support the podcast? Fuel an episode and ⁠⁠⁠⁠buy us a coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠! Follow the Passports and Coffee Podcast on Social Media ⁠⁠⁠⁠I⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nstagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with your Co-Hosts on Social Media Kayla: ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cheraya: ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passportsandcoffeepodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/passportsandcoffeepodcast/support

Good News: Ocean conservation gets a hand from the UK government, Link HERE. The Good Word: A splendid quote about autumn from Rainier Maria Rilke. Good To Know: An odd fact about the start date of autumn… Good News: Great progress inthei fight against sarcoma using artificial intelligence! Link HERE. Wonderful World: Check out the […]

Massholes weekend so you know we're on the zoom! The Notes: Ollie is fact-checking! Will hints at that which should not be named and his education on human sexuality! Professional Triviadore! Will did the monkey dance! Engagement party musical theater Bataan death march! Are you Scottish? #DDHaggisFriend! Learn how to fix a jacket, lads! You won't go jacketless with this man! The Brits appreciate time management! A romantic night of burning effigies! A representation of Guy Fawkes set aflame or an old man watching from nearby while he smokes an unfiltered cigarette!? European facts! 73% of Europeans have sex standing up! US Christmas vs European Christmas! Herr Dingle Klaus and Ivan Drago! Literal holiday minefields! Riot styles from across the world! Bad apples! Say the whole phrase, guys! Applepocalypse! We dodged an apple bullet there, guys! Not enough people have “apple” in their names! Australian sex facts! Don't go against the grain unless you don't want to get pregnant! Condom licenses! The sex prisons of Australia! Always put a little wall around your pond! What have we learned here today, class, before we hand things back to your teacher!? Contact Us! Follow Us! Love Us! Email: doubledeucepod@gmail.com Twitter & Instagram: @doubledeucepod Facebook: www.facebook.com/DoubleDeucePod/ Patreon: patreon.com/DoubleDeucePod Also, please subscribe/rate/review/share us! We're on Apple, Android, Libsyn, Stitcher, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Radio.com, RadioPublic, pretty much anywhere they got podcasts, you can find the Deuce! Podcast logo art by Jason Keezer! Find his art online at Keezograms! Intro & Outro featuring Rob Schulte! Check out his many podcasts! Brought to you in part by sponsorship from Courtney Shipley, Official Superfan Stefan Rider, and listeners like you! Join a tier on our Patreon! Advertise with us! Check out the Lawrence Times's 785 Collective at https://lawrencekstimes.com/785collective/ for a list of local LFK podcasts including this one!

Christmas Markets Episode 05: Show Notes Nothing quite rivals the European Christmas markets during the festive season. Trevor recently went on a multi-city Christmas trip with his family, spanning three generations. In this episode, we hear about his travels from Paris to Berlin and on to Vienna and Prague. Trevor shares his observations of the Christmas markets in each city, as well as his accommodation and culinary experiences in each destination. This is timely as it's a great time to start planning for a 2023 Christmas market trip, as reward availability is just opening up. Tune in to learn about the point redemption opportunities involved in Trevor's recent trip and how to do Christmas markets in style! Key Points From This Episode: [00:18] Introducing today's topic: Christmas markets. [00:38] Why now is a good time to plan for a Christmas market trip. [01:08] Trevor's past European Christmas market experiences. [02:07] How many times he traveled to Europe in 2022! [02:44] The point redemption opportunities involved in his recent Christmas market trip. [07:54] Trevor's Christmas market food experience in France. [11:05] His Parisian hotel experience. [12:58] Trevor's German Christmas market and hotel experience in Berlin. [17:14] The pros and cons of the hop-on-hop-off bus in Berlin. [19:28] Trevor shares his observations of each market he visited in Berlin. [25:00] A recount of his stay in Vienna. [33:21] The benefits of staying 60 nights in the higher program. [35:05] The connectability of Vienna. [35:34] The multiple Christmas markets in Vienna and their unique features. [37:18] The Viennese food that stood out to Trevor and his family. [37:57] How he traveled to Prague. [39:34] Why he chose to stay in the Hilton Old City. [43:38] Trevor's overall feeling about his recent multi-generational, multi-city trip. Correction: When discussing the Andaz Vienna am Belvedere's Executive Suite, Trevor stated it may have been 1,100 square meters; it was actually 108 square meters, which translates to 1,162.5 square feet. Tweetables: “Hotels can be a dime a dozen, but if you want a specific hotel, when you're talking about the holiday season, you need to start really early.” —@tmount [0:00:53] “German Christmas markets are really the Christmas markets in Europe.” — @tmount [0:13:28] “Not every market is open every day, at least in Berlin.” — @tmount [0:23:53] “The Christmas markets in Europe are so beautiful and they're so doable with a little bit of planning ahead.” — @tmount [0:44:34]

Wines: St. Christopher Glühwein and Chateau Des Antonius Bordeaux Superieur, 2018For our 2022 Christmas episode, we compare a store bought mulled wine to one we made ourselves using a Bordeaux.We discuss mulled wine (vin chaud / glühwein) recipes, origins and European Christmas markets as we wish you and yours a Happy Holiday Season!!Stay in the know and join our WTF Cru.About UsBuy us a Mimosa!Wines To Find Podcast,  Finalist in the 12th Annual TASTE AWARDS  in  four categories. -Best Drink or Beverage Program-Best New Series-Best Single Topic Series-Best Food or Drink PodcastWe have been listed in the Top 50 wine podcasts! https://blog.feedspot.com/wine_podcasts/Music from https://filmmusic.io "Night In Venice" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Thank you for making us part of your wine story. If you enjoyed this episode, please write a review and share with your wine loving friends and family. To connect with us or to inquire about being a guest on Wines To Find, visit our social media pages Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winestofindpodcast/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/winestofindpodcasts/Til the next glass ~ Cheers!And, remember, join us next time on Wines To Find!Sandy & Michelle

Join us as we explore the Christmas markets of Germany and Austria on a river cruise along the Danube. Spaces: https://queerspaces.com/s/queertravelchat Download the Callin app for iOS and Android to listen to this podcast live, call in, and more! Also available at callin.com

Ben and Alex bring you a semi-seasonal episode! They discuss why people are tripping balls on salad, the scariest why to interrupt a wedding, the dark counterparts to jolly St. Nick, and the biggest breakthrough in clean energy... ever? Pull up a chair, put someone on your lap, and hear about what they want for Christmas!Support the show

Are you wanting to plan an epic Christmas family vacation? How about traveling to Europe to explore some of the charming Christmas markets? Jennifer Girod, from Travel Family Style joins Lisa to share great ways to plan a Christmas market vacation. She talks through how to pick where to go, when to start planning, where to stay, plus what to expect at the markets.

Welcome to my Christmas Special Episode! Here I talk about what Christmas means to me and go over some of my favorite Christmas travel stories, European Christmas markets and a lovely day with a lovely lass at the Vienna Christmas Markets. :)Enjoy! :)(Cambodia stories will be back shortly.)To leave a comment, go to: https://nofairytaletravels.substack.com/

Learn about holiday traditions observed in France, Norway, Greece, London, the Spanish Basque Country, and small-town Italy. From festively decorated Greek boats to dishes of fresh oysters and fermented trout, and Santas who live not on the North Pole but on a farm or in the woods, Christmas is a little different across the pond. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Episode 55 Happy Holidays to all our Lil’ Spooky fans! In this episode, Colleen talks about Krampus, the mildly disturbing European Christmas monster and other strange Christmas legends. Are you looking to learn about cryptids, urban legends, and conspiracies? Can you handle the occasional dad joke? We got you covered! A Lil’ Spooky is hosted […]

If you don't celebrate Christmas, you might be wondering what's going on when you notice somebody dressed as Santa on a surfboard in December. Australians have embraced some European Christmas traditions, but have also created their own. The good news is, there are many ways of doing Christmas in Australia. - Ger hûn Kirîstmes (Christmas) pîroz nakin, dibe hûn ji xwe bipirsin Baba Niwêl çima di heyva Kanûnê de li ser şepolên deryayê yariyan dike.Australiyên ku hin kevneşopiyên Christamas ji Ewropiyan wergirtine, herweha kevneşopiyên wan bi xwe jî hene.Nûçeya baş ewe ku gelek rê hene Christmas li Australya were pîrozkirin.

Coucou everyone! Happy Holidays! Both Kate and Cat celebrate Christmas, so cozy up to enjoy Cat's tour of Europe as she shares sweet, scary, and silly Christmas traditions from the continent and beyond. Then, hear Kate tell us the origins of our favorite word - ciao! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram :) Christmas sources: Wacky Christmas Traditions in Europe Feast of the Seven Fishes 10 Christmas Traditions From Europe to Try at Home Boxing Day Ten European Christmas Traditions Minitopic sources: Ciao wiki Recommendations: Kate's Recommendation - Youtube Playlists with names like playlist to give you the feeling of a dance off with mr darcy & this playlist will make you feel like a 19th century villain Catherine's Recommendation - @thepastcapsule on TikTok Cover art and logo by Kate Walker Mixed and edited by Catherine Roehre Theme song by Lumehill Thank you all - ciao!

Just in time for Christmas, we're excited to welcome our highest-profile guest to ever appear on No Blackout Dates. That's right. Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, Jolly Saint Nick, the Big Man himself…Santa Claus is here to ring in the holidays. Tim and Eben hounded the North Pole's PR office for months to get this interview, and after speaking with Santa for 45 minutes, it's easy to see why he's so tough to schedule. The man is busy – producing all those toys, managing crews of elves around the globe, and splitting domestic duties with Mrs. Claus once the working day is through. The guys press Santa on all the things you've always wanted to know, including how to get off the naughty list, the craziest things kids ask for, and whether or not the reindeer carrying his sleigh this year are the same nine troopers who've been at it since the 1600s. The crew also delves into the ins and outs of Christmas cookies and discusses everything from Santa's diet to where he vacations once the holiday season is through (hint – Santa tans just like the rest of us). Ole' Saint Nick turns out to be exactly how you've always imagined him – jolly, genuine, and always down for a good chuckle. For any still in doubt about his existence, just listen to that wicked Nashville accent – who would go out of their way to fake that?In Hot Takes, Eben discusses his acceptance of Santa Claus as someone who didn't grow up celebrating Christmas. Tim wonders about the best way to handle awkward encounters with people you didn't expect to bump into this holiday season. And the guys break down what makes a Christmas movie a Christmas movie (sorry, It's a Wonderful Life).Relevant links: The North Pole Santa at work Santa's Instagram Martha Stewart's favorite Christmas cookie recipes Tim's Instagram Eben's Instagram No Blackout Dates Back Catalog News of the day:  Zurich's pop-up holiday hotel rooms are festooned with nipple cushions and lava lamps 7 amazing European Christmas markets you need to go to this holiday season BONUS: 9 of the most beautiful Christmas trees around the world

If you don't celebrate Christmas, you might be wondering what's going on when you notice somebody dressed as Santa on a surfboard in December.Australians have embraced some European Christmas traditions, but have also created their own.The good news is, there are many ways of doing Christmas in Australia. - ඕස්ට්‍රේලියානුවන් ඇතැම් යුරෝපීය නත්තල් සම්ප්‍රදායන් වැලඳ ගත්තත් ඕස්ට්‍රේලියාවේ නත්තල සැමරීම සඳහා බොහෝ ක්‍රම පැවතීම සම්බන්ධයෙන් තොරතුරු දැනගැනීමට SBS සිංහල Settlement Guide වෙත සවන් දෙන්න.

That's right ladies and gents, we went to a Christmas market just to get the inside scoop for ya'll. We ate food, took in all the string lights, spent money on things we don't need, and pined over some hot chocolate. We'll break it all down for you and let you know if you should spend your hard earned free time to trek into the city and visit one yourself. Then we'll break it down even further with some insider info Jamie got from a German colleague who knows the ins and outs of authentic European Christmas markets.

Soundscapes: Epcot Festival of the Holidays Part 1 Follow along with the show notes below! Want More Here With The Magic? Visit The Website: https://herewiththemagic.com Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/HereWithTheMagic Connect on social media: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/herewiththemagic Facebook Community: https://www.herewiththemagic.com/community Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herewiththemagic/ We invite you to join us for Here With The Magic's 12 Days of Christmas! Beginning on December 12th, we will be covering over 8,000 miles and presenting 16 shows (4 of which will be exclusive to Here With The Magic Café Members) from exciting, festive locations! To learn more and to RSVP, click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2824527467846040   ---------- (4:17) For centuries, the Winter Solstice has marked the emergence of religious and cultural celebrations all around the world. For millennia, it has been a time of reverence for and connection with nature, a moment to align ourselves with the natural world, the seasons, and the spiritual connotations of the Earth. It has also served as a period of acknowledgement and gathering across diverse cultures and belief systems that exist in different parts of the world. As yet another calendar page reaches its end, we find ourselves once again in the imminence of the Winter Solstice, the holiday season, and all of the joy and anticipation it brings. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, the New Year or the age-old festival of the Winter Solstice, whether you participate in religious traditions or not, the act of gathering together with friends and loved ones to share a joyful, sensory experience is a recurring theme found the world over, in holidays both old and new. Here at EPCOT, the Festival of the Holidays promises that same feeling of joy in each of the eleven represented nations. Though each has its own unique culture and customs, a sense of familiarity propagates throughout every narrative. Weaving in and out of each story like the sweet aroma of holiday treats, the infectious, abundant merriment found Here could only inspire curiosity and an appetite for discovery. (6:00) Our yuletide celebration begins at the forecourt of the World Showcase, where an unseen orchestra welcomes us with a symphony of classic holiday carols. Encircling the vast Lagoon is a collection of the most renowned destinations, their talismans and notable landmarks towering high over the heads of awestruck travelers. Each have gathered for this International Festival of the Holidays, to share their cherished traditions and divulge the legends that have been passed down through the generations. With so many enchanting stories to step into, this crossroads begs the question: where to begin? Clockwise, of course! (7:12) The vibrant tapestry of color and music emanating from our left draws us into the heart of a joyous celebration in Mexico - ¡Feliz Navidad! All around us, the vibrato of mariachi song mingles with vivid hues of fuchsia and yellow to join the traditional red and green. Poinsettia flowers thrive in the warm, sun-bathed climate, and the intoxicating aroma of arepas, tamales, horchata and jalapeño engage our senses and hold us captive in their assertion. The Mayan pyramid which stands sentinel at the heart of the pavilion carries on the Navidad festivities with vivacious decor to echo the mood redolent throughout the pavilion. Inside the eternally twilit Mercado, we find a host of holiday merrymakers shopping and dining by the waterside canal, taking leisurely boat rides or sampling the nation's finest tequila. (9:00) This pavilion is alive with laughter and memories in the making, and we get to catch a glimpse of what it might be like to celebrate the season in Oaxaca or Mexico City, wandering the open air markets and listening to the animated excitement of the locals as they share their plans for the holiday with one another. (11:33) Back outside in the real-time sunshine, the talented vocalists and violinists of Mariachi Cobre regale us with beautiful holiday songs. Their jubilant geniality and heartwarming song lifts our spirits as their music soars and lilts around us. Dancers join the mariachi to tell the tale of Las Posadas. (12:34) Las Posadas is a ritual reenactment of a very select part of the Christmas story, wherein Mary and Joseph, imminently anticipating the birth of their son, earnestly seek lodging in Joseph's hometown of Bethlehem. As they are turned away again and again, their hope wavers even in the light of their great mission for God, until one kind soul offers the safety and warmth of a stable and a bed of sweet-smelling hay. Let's pause in this place for a moment to hear this beloved story, preserved through the ages and upheld by a melody to revive even the most enervated soul. Clap along and dance for joy; in Mexico, every day is a fiesta! (21:05) From ¡Feliz Navidad! to Good Yul! we make our way past the Royal Summerhus and onto the fjords of Scandinavia, bidding the last reverberating notes of Mariachi Cobre a fond farewell. Here, we find festive touches bundled up in fair isle sweaters and plenty of yuletide cheer to keep us warm on a long winter's night. Beloved for its picturesque winter scenes and mysterious legends of Norse gods and Vikings, Norway has a cozy, whimsical feel around the holidays. Sweeping fjords bordered by tiny kingdoms and towering stave churches lend an air of storybook Magic to this enigmatic part of the world. Frosted and gilded with glimmering icicles, Norway is a winter wonderland at the approach of the Solstice, with long, starry nights offering breathtaking views of the majestic Aurora Borealis. Here, St. Lucia's Day inspires a Festival of Lights to honor the Winter Solstice. Fires are lit to enliven the night and ward off sinister spirits, and young girls wear wreaths of candles on their heads to pay homage to St. Lucia's martyrdom for her faith. Here in this quaint Norwegian village, we find no shortage of festive decorations and inviting aromas. The Kringle Bakeri is warm and inviting, laden with sweetly spiced lefse, ornate kransekake, and skolebrød sprinkled with snowy coconut. Who could resist stopping in for a spell, to escape the cold and share a moment of sugary joy. Shops adorned in wreaths and holly are full of holiday bustle, while in the square outside, travelers gather to hear the story of a beloved holiday figure as he is known and loved by Norwegians. (21:40) Julenissen is the cunning and clever barn “Santa” who brings Christmas presents to children. In Scandinavian tradition, a nisse is a silly, temperamental spirit tasked with caring for and ensuring the prosperity of the family he watches over. In the mid-nineteenth century, Julenissen became the spirited and generous gift-bearer to not just Norwegians, but many Scandinavians. He embodies the jolly nature of our more well-known Santa Claus, with all the mystique and lore of a guardian spirit, though his love of porridge and hiding in hayloft is a bit of a departure from cookies and milk by the fireside. His antics delight visitors of all ages as he spontaneously appears while a local woman, Sigrid, retells the timeless story of Julenissen and his integral part in the Norwegian holiday season. Let your heart be light as you listen to the tale of this jovial holiday legend. (34:55) With the ringing of the Yule bell, our Christmas celebration in Norway comes to an end. A new year is just around the corner, and so we are invited to step into a very different narrative, one which dates back to ancient times and is highly revered by the people of China and their rich, enduring culture. (35:45:) Chinese New Year is a time of hope and reflection, of gratitude and resilient optimism. Also known as Lunar New Year, this ritual dates back over three thousand years to the Shang Dynasty, when it was observed as a winter festival to honor the gods and ancestors. In an effort to thwart the vicious agenda of the beast, Nian, people wore red clothes, burned bamboo, and made commotion to scare him away. Today, the celebration continues as a more entertaining endeavor. Chinese families gather to exchange gifts wrapped in red paper, set off firecrackers and fireworks, and stay up late enjoying delicious, “lucky” food at a reunion dinner. (37:00) One of the most recognizable Chinese New Year traditions is the incredible Lion Dance, which is either watched or performed by Chinese citizens and in Chinese communities across the globe. In China, the Lion symbolizes good luck and prosperity, strength of body and mind. With the new year at hand, the Lion Dance is performed to chase away evil spirits and bring good fortune to all in the months ahead. Vibrant and astonishing to behold, this custom is unlike anything we experience in the Western world. While it evokes the same festive, whimsical persona as parade floats might do Here at Walt Disney World, the spiritual resonance and cultural significance of this tradition leave us awestruck at the millennia of history and heritage speaking through this majestic creature and the magnificent ceremony at hand. Let's pause, once again, before we travel back to Christmastime. Be Here With the Magic of this ancestral story and its sounds still echoing through the ages. (44:50) Across the bridge from China, a lively, percussive interlude meets our ears in the African Outpost. A space often overlooked by travelers on their way to the pavilion beyond, the Outpost has some of the most beautiful views of World Showcase Lagoon. A marketplace mottled with the crafts and creations of traveling artisans, the vibrant rhythm and fascinating array of trinkets make this the perfect place to find a stocking stuffer or Hanukkah present as we pass through on our way to the next holiday story. Move to the beat and feel the gentle breeze drifting across the lagoon as you stroll along with us to the Bavarian village adorned in Christmas charm. (46:20) Germany is the country wherein many of our most beloved holiday traditions find their origin. The first Christmas trees were decorated and displayed in German homes in the seventeenth century, laden with roses and apples, candies and other sweet delights. Hand-carved wooden nutcrackers said to protect families from danger were given as tokens of good luck, and still today are such an iconic symbol of the season. Christmas angels are found in nearly every German home, passed down through the generations as symbols of those talismans of Christmastime: hope, love, peace, joy, and togetherness. During the month of December, Christmas markets pop up in cities and towns all over the world, seeking to emulate the look and feel of the original Weihnachtsmarkt in Germany. Stalls huddled together beneath majestic pine trees are hung with holly and ribbons and draped in sparkling lights and, if you're lucky, a fresh blanket of snow. The cozy feel and evident yuletide cheer mingles with the inviting aroma of warm gingerbread and roasted chestnuts, like a Christmas scene right out of a Hallmark card or a Dickens novel. Friends and family meet to enjoy a glass of mulled wine or a sizzling bratwurst, exchange season's greetings, or browse the selection of handmade ornaments and decorations from local crafters. Here at EPCOT, a quaint Bavarian town has been transformed into an exquisite storybook village alight with holiday Magic. Red and gold baubles gleam from their garlands and wreaths adorning every shop and lampost, in every corner of this charming Alpine alcove. The smell of sweet caramel and savory schnitzel rises on the melody of a Christmas polka, inviting our senses to decide whether or not to assuage or deny our sweet tooth. Shouts of “Prost!” and the clinking of steins signify an exuberant celebration, as visitors share stories and laughter by the fountain in the center of the square, inside the Weinkeller, and in between bites of strudel. Children crane their necks to watch in awe the confectioners and glass blowers at work on their beautiful (and often delicious) creations. A chink of warm light spills into the square from the Die Weihnachte Ecke, the Christmas Corner where German Christmas decorations and centuries-old traditions are displayed and sold year-round. Find a blown glass Christmas pickle to hide in your tree on Christmas Eve, an Advent calendar to count down the days with your family, or an ornately hand-crafted Nutcracker to stand sentinel on your mantel, waiting for Der Weihnachtsmann - Santa Claus! Encumbered by gifts and treats and a pretzel the size of wagon wheel, it is time to wish a Frohe Weihnachten (Merry Christmas) to Germany, the Weihnachtsmarkt, and all the Magic of the season in this European Christmas fairytale come to life. As we bid Auf Wiedersehen to the merry tunes, luscious sweets, and joyful memories we've made Here, we can hear the accordion music shift and crescendo as we continue our whirlwind holiday tour in…Italy! (50:40) Residing in Southern Europe and bordered by the Mediterranean, Italy's diverse landscapes, ornate architecture, and largely Roman Catholic population make it an international destination during the holiday season. From the snow-capped Alps in Northern Italy to the romantic canals of Venice and the sovereign grandeur of Rome, every region offers its own idiosyncratic customs and cuisine to accompany the merriment. In the North, the joy of Christmas morning begins at midnight with a torch-lit ski trip down the mountains. In Rome, Italians attend Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican, where the Pope himself presides over the congregation to relay a message of peace and goodwill while a choir fills the palatial space with glorious song. One of the most eminent hallmarks of Italian culture is the importance of gathering together with friends and loved ones to share a meal and purvey gratitude for the gift of life and each other. At Christmastime, this ritual takes on an even greater meaning. Deliciously irresistible delicacies and traditional feasts are at the heart of the holiday for Italians during this month-long celebration. On Christmas Eve, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a traditionally meatless custom that includes seven (yes, seven!) courses of seafood to begin the holiday on a pure and healthful note. Then, all is undone by the plethora of regional sweets that adorn holiday tables in homes across the country. Panettone is the perfect accompaniment to a Christmas morning cappuccino, while a Roman breakfast spread might include spiced mostaccioli pastries. In Siena, cavallucci flavored with almonds, anise, and bejeweled with candied fruit dance of the palette and recall sweet memories of holidays past. All throughout Italy, tables groan under the weight of such tantalizing treats, while laughter rings from the rafters and glasses are raised high in hope and joyous revelry. Here at EPCOT, we find a replica reminiscent of a Christmas scene in Piazza San Marco, complete with garland and lights strung up along the archways of Doge's Palace and wrapping the wrought iron lampposts casting halos of light onto the stone benches and the towering Campanile. The genuine counterpart of this Venetian square also plays host to a multi-story tree comprised entirely of golden lights, with a gleaming Star of Bethlehem burning brightly into the night from on high. (51:20) Here, the square remains open and inviting, elegant and refined. The raised platform at the center serves as a sort of stage to welcome our final guest of honor, a most enigmatic and benevolent figure called La Befana. Her story is legend, dating back to as early as the eighth century, and helps to account for the reason why, in Italy, Christmas is celebrated well into January. As she tells her tale of Christmas, of how she has searched in earnest for the Christ child each Epiphany Eve for more than two thousand years, listen to the yearning in her voice, the longing to complete her quest, and the generosity of spirit that she has displayed throughout her journey. La Befana leaves gifts and sweet treats for Italian children on the evening of January 5th, hoping that she will find the Christ child in her travels. In exchange, families leave a glass of goccia di grappa (Italian brandy) a wedge of cheese to fortify as she goes. And although she declined the invitation of the three wise men to accompany them on their way to visit the baby Jesus, she has never given up her dream of finding him and paying homage with her own humble offerings. Legend tells of her diligence and unwavering faith, her kindness, and the hope that guides her on her way. She is undeterred and tenacious; her spirit cannot be broken at the notion of her dream finally being realized someday, somehow. La Befana's story is the perfect place to pause on our holiday tour of nations. Listen to her words, the passion in her voice as she inspires us to seek the desires of our hearts, to say “yes” in the year to come - to new adventures, chance encounters, and quiet moments of joy and reflection at all of the wonders that surround us. The holiday season is a time to turn back time and contemplate, not just the triumphs and trials of the year gone by, but the moments in between. These are the moments of waiting, of wondering, of wishing and willing reality to pan out half as well as our daydreams. They are the moments of pause and peace and utter contentment that stand out in our memory as prominently as our highs and lows. They are the “before;” before the sun comes up, before the day winds down, before the clock strikes midnight and we welcome in a brand new year. Let's create more of those moments this holiday season. Let's find more Magic in the mundane, more wonder in the waiting. Like La Befana waiting in wistful longing for the appearance of the Christ child, like the anticipation of a season of joy and togetherness, or of the arrival of a sprightly barn Santa, these moments of “before” are charged with such a palpable energy, it could only be described as the Magic of the holiday season. And so, until we continue our yuletide expedition around the world, we hope you'll find a moment to step into these timeless and beloved holiday stories. Find a narrative that resonates with you, that fills you with a sense of nostalgic joy or curiosity. Listen to the sounds of the season, both near and far, and let your heart be comforted by the holiday traditions that never fail to find us and bring us home, year after year. As our holiday journey continues, we hope you'll come along and be a part of it all. Let us bring you into the realms of enchantment that live Here, onto the pages of this living storybook that spans the generations. Let your heart be light. Let your spirit be lifted up, adorned with Christmas cheer, and Here, as always, With the Magic.

The Society Show with Christian Patterson, bringing you news you may have missed, mixed with a barrage of soundboard clips, and propaganda. This episode, I was joined by my guest Louis (twitter: @monster_ultra, podcast: Haters in the Building, as we talked about many things, such as: - Several historical oddities such as: - Tecaxic-Calixtlahuaca head (a Roman figurine head found in a Mayan grave) - Antikythera Mechanism (an ancient orrery, a mechanism for determining astronomical patterns, hundreds of years older than the first known orreries) - Baghdad battery (an ancient battery-like artifact, that was looted by the US military during the invasion of Iraq) - Maine penny (a viking coin found amongst Native American waste - The Kensington runestone (a very likely hoaxed viking runestone found on a farm in Minnesota) - Coral Castle (a large limestone structure and statue garden built by an eccentric Latvian-Floridian) - The Society Show quiz -- this time on European Christmas traditions - Cyberpunk 2077 glitchy, removed from Sony store - Regional tap waters of the US - The Mayan calendar - An ancient Pakistani city that may have been targeted by nuclear attack - Ancient Aliens - The Anunnaki - The history of the war on Christmas: Lutherans vs Calvinists All of that and much much more, this is the Society Show!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Episode 24!!! We released a day early to get one more podcast episode in for 2016. And this wraps up our first year of podcasting!   Currently in the Czech Republic, we will ring in the new year in Prague! So while we still have a little more to […]