Christmas Stocking 2011 Wrapup
Thank you for the greatest year yet! And listen to the loosest wrapup yet. Come on over to MyChristmasStocking.net whenever you need some Christmas. I’m gonna try to put up some more fun stuff this year when I get a chance. I’ll let you know what’s happening on Facebook, Twitter.com/XmasStocking, and Google+. And you can always email me: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net
Background music:
“Greetings in Space” by Pufferfisk from “Jul pa techno 2011 – Electronic Christmas Anthems” (Clubstream Mix)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
69 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Merry Christmas! We know the story, more or less, but how did Rudolph’s story come to light? We’re here all year on also on Facebook, Twitter.com/XmasStocking, and Google+. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net and keep coming back to MyChristmasStocking.net whenever you need some Christmas.
Featured music:
“Silent Night” by Sounds Of Blackness from “The Night Before Christmas 2″ (Atomic K Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer” by Tema Digital Media from “Instrumental Christmas” (Tema Digital Media)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Jolly Old St. Nicholas/Jingle Bells” by Bill Cunliffe, Clay Jenkins, Larry Koonse, Joe La Barbera, Tom Warrington from “Snowfall” (Jazz Compass)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Joy to the World” by Bing Futch (from MacJams.com)
More information:
Snopes.com debunks a myth (that I don’t mention), and has lots of good info. And Wikipedia has even more.
68 “A Christmas Dinner” by Charles Dickens
Mr. Dickens loved Christmas. He wrote about it a lot. And he’s credited with creating the modern Christmas. Today, an essay he wrote when he was just 23, where you can see some of the themes that would come out in his later, more famous work. Find more episodes and ways to get in touch at MyChristmasStocking.net. We’re also on Twitter.com/XmasStocking, Facebook, and Google+. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net.
Featured music:
“O Come All Ye Faithful” by 21 AD from “Christmas… A Winter’s Love”
Background music:
“Fur Elise” by Lenny Marcus from “The Jazz of Beethoven”
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by The London Fox Players from “Christmas – Lounge Jazz” (Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Coventry Carol” by Michael Ryan from “A Classical Guitar Christmas”
“Snowfall” by Bill Cunliffe, Clay Jenkins, Larry Koonse, Joe La Barbera, Tom Warrington from “Snowfall” (Jazz Compass)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
You can read “A Christmas Dinner” yourself.
67 “It’s a Wonderful Life”
I had been planning to focus on this movie for a couple of years, and chose this year because it’s an anniversary year (65 years young!). But Jeff mentioned it on Facebook, I think people have asked on Twitter.com/XmasStocking, and Brian mentioned it in his note I read in the last episode (which he sent to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net). So it really is time. Other ways to get in touch with us are in the Contact Us tab on MyChristmasStocking.net where you can listen to episodes also. And circle the Christmas Stocking on Google+.
Featured music:
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by The Cathedral Singers, Richard Proulx (conductor) from “Catholic Classics, Vol. 8: Christmas Classics” (GIA)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Gavin Sutherland from “Piano Past Times Volume Three – The Christmas Album” (Campion Cameo)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“One Christmas Night” by Tommy Emmanuel from “All I Want for Christmas”
“We Will Meet Again for Christmas” by Enrique Gil (from MacJams.com)
“Sleigh Ride” by Tony Evans & His Orchestra from “Merry Christmas – Tony Evans” (Tema International)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
I found a lot of information on the movie on Wikipedia and IMDb.
If you’re thinking of heading to “the Real Bedford Falls,” Seneca Falls, NY, this site will fill you in on what’s going on. Big doin’s this year, of course.
If you’d like to buy “It’s a Wonderful LIfe” on Blu-ray or DVD, click the title to head to Amazon.
66 Three Ships & Wenceslas
“I Saw Three Ships” and “Good King Wenceslas” are curious carols. Where did they come from? Email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net or click Contact Us on MyChristmasStocking.net. You can also listen to episodes there, too. Add the Christmas Stocking to your circles on Google+, join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking.
Featured music:
“I Saw Three Ships” and “Good King Wenceslas” by We Three Kings from “The 12 Songs of Christmas”
Background music:
“In Dulce Jubilo” by The Manor House Quartet from “I Saw Three Ships and Other Carols”
“Bring the Torch, Jeanette Isabella” by Moat Jumper from “Christmas at the Renaissance Fair”
Buy the song at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon.com
“Good King Wenceslas and His Merry Band” by US Air Force Airmen of Note from “Christmas Time Is Here”
(Altissimo!)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Get information on “I Saw Three Ships” from hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com and Wikipedia.
Get information on “Good King Wenceslas” from hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com and Wikipedia.
The organization Brian mentioned is Charity Newsies.
65 The WPIX Yule Log
Ever since I discovered there was a period of time around Christmas Eve/Day that there was just a shot of a burning fireplace on TV, I’ve been fascinated. How did that happen? Introduce the show like Brian did at MyChristmasStocking.net and listen to some episodes, too. Email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net. Follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Join us on Facebook. And add the Christmas Stocking to your circles on Google+.
Featured music:
“Do You Hear What I Hear” by Lisa McClowry from “Do You Hear What I Hear “ (World Stage International)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Silent Night (Jazz Trio Version)” by John Stebbe (from MacJams.com)
“Ode to Joy” by Lenny Marcus from “The Jazz of Beethoven”
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Michael Ryan from “A Classical Guitar Christmas”
More information:
Wikipedia teaches us both about the real Yule log and the television Yule Log.
You can learn much more about the WPIX Yule Log from the official fan site. Where can you find the original Yule Log this year? Or perhaps you’d just like to download it to your phone.
64 Caroling, Caroling
By another great suggestion from Emma from the UK on our Facebook page, we track the development of going door to door singing Christmas songs. You can also communicate with us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking (plus get lots of holiday content). And add the Christmas Stocking to your circles on Google+. Email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net. Go to MyChristmasStocking.net for all the episodes and much more.
Featured music:
“What Child Is This?” by The London Fox Singers from “Christmas Gospel Choir” (Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by Edwin Hubbard, Prana from “Christmas Songs” (LocoBop)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Renaissance Dances” by The Revels Early Music Band and Parlor Ensemble, The Christmas Revels from “Welcome Yule – An English Christmas Revels” (Revels Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Deck The Halls (Instrumental)” by Christmas Karaoke from “Happy Holiday – Christmas Karaoke” (Rock River Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“I’ll be Home For Christmas” by Tony Evans & His Orchestra from “I Love Christmas” (Tema International)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Time magazine discusses the history of caroling. About.com looks at the history of carols.
Wikipedia has a couple of good articles on carols, Christmas carols and a good article about wassailing.
63 Mistletoe
Emma from our Facebook page suggested we talk about mistletoe, and it’s been a while, so…. Other ways to get in touch include Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net. Follow and talk to us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Add us to your circles on Google+. Call the show and share your Christmas memory or wish somebody Merry Christmas. Go to MyChristmasStocking.net. Click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you.
Featured music:
“You Are My Christmas” by Tim Mahoney, Kathy Mahoney from “Home for the Holidays – A Minnesota Christmas” (Tim Mahoney band)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Il est Ne, le Divin Enfant” by Manor House Spring Quartet from “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear and other carols”
“Past Three O’ Clock” by Manor House Spring Quartet from “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear and other carols”
“Northern Snow (Cori Ander)” by The Noel Project (from MacJams.com)
62 Toys For Tots
The story of a great program that bring hope to kids in America. Call and introduce the show yourself. Go to MyChristmasStocking.net. Click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net. Follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Add us to your circles on Google+. Join us on the Facebook page, too!
Featured music:
“Rock ‘n’ Rolling Snowman” by Plastic Snow
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
Watch the video
Background music:
“Christmas Day” by Pete Dooley (from MacJams.com)
“The Magic Of Christmas Time (Instrumental)” by Tommy Emmanuel from “All I Want for Christmas”
“Deck the Halls” by Lil Mom (from MacJams.com)
More information:
You’ll find the history of Toys for Tots and ways you can help at ToysforTots.org.
Thanks again, Tim, for the introduction! Tim has his own podcast, PageantCast, all about the world of beauty pageants.
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College Cambridge is on the BBC in Europe, BBC World Service and American Public Radio and Minnesota Public Radio in the U.S.
61 Nativity Scenes
Sarah from our Facebook page suggested we discuss Nativity scenes. Sarah has good ideas. You can also contact me via email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net. You’ll find all the ways to get in touch at MyChristmasStocking.net. For example, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you, and you can wish Merry Christmas or share a Christmas memory. Follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And add us to your circles on Google+.
Featured music:
“Mary” by J Grace from “Christmas Eve”
Buy at CD Baby
Background music:
“What Child is This” by John Stebbe (from MacJams.com)
“Away in a Manger” by The Manor House Quartet from “I Saw Three Ships and Other Carols”
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” by Von Ives Orchestra from “Merry Christmas” (TMG)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Learn more about Nativity scenes from Wikipedia and the Catholic Education Resource Center.
Thanks again, Emma from the UK for your generous gift. To give to the Christmas Stocking, go to contribute.MyChristmasStocking.net.
60 Black Friday, Christmas Shopping Advice and Safety Tips 2011
It’s officially shopping day, even though the sales have been going on for a while. Some shopping advice apps and more. Lots happening on our Facebook page. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Circle the Christmas Stocking on Google+. Email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. And introduce the show yourself at MyChristmasStocking.net. Just click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free.
Featured music:
“This Christmas” by The Elves of Heaven from “This Christmas EP” (Seaport Music Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Greetings in Space” by Pufferfisk from “Jul pa techno 2011 – Electronic Christmas Anthems” (Clubstream Mix)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Winterprayer” by John Morgan, available on a CD of Christmas music. I found it at feelslikechristmas.com
More information:
Thanks to Dead Air Radio, who introduced the show.
The Better Business Bureau’s tips are here.
Some Black Friday mobile apps from DealNews, Fat Wallet, and TGI Black Friday.
What should you avoid buying on Black Friday?
Thanks again to Anonymous for the gift. If you’d like to give to the Christmas Stocking, go to contribute.MyChristmasStocking.net.
59 Thanksgiving Potpourri
We return for our sixth year; I’m glad you’re here. Keep up with Christmas at Twitter.com/XmasStocking and our Facebook page, and circle us on Google+. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net. Call me from MyChristmasStocking.net, where you’ll find many more episodes, too.
Featured music:
“She’s Coming Home for X-mas” by The Beautiful Losers from “Peace, Love and Xmas” (Strawberry Hill Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background Music:
“Nasareth Homeboy” by HÃ¥kan Lidbo from “Jul pa techno 2011 – Electronic Christmas Anthems” (Clubstream Mix)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“O Come All Ye Faithful” by Amy Marie from “Simple Gifts” (Spiritwood Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Background on this year’s Rockefeller Christmas tree.
If you’re interested in the Capitol Christmas tree you might be interested in its driver as it travels across the country. He’s a volunteer.
Check out this video of the Chicago tree being loaded on the flatbed truck.
Learn where the official White House tree for the Blue Room came from.
Find out more about James Taylor as Bob Cratchit.
Thanks again to Beth from North Carolina. If you’d like to give a gift to the Christmas Stocking, go to contribute.MyChristmasStocking.net.
Are You Ready for Christmas? The Christmas Stocking Returns Soon!
Back for our sixth year, the Christmas Stocking returns with much more. I’m looking for your topic and podsafe music suggestions at MyChristmasStocking.net. You can use email or call privately using Google Voice–I get no information about your number. I would love to learn about your family’s Christmas traditions, call me from the website or email an audio file to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. I post lots of Christmas news and info Twitter.com/XmasStocking and we have a great community on Facebook. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Christmas Stocking this year. It’s been really helpful (info on that is at MyChristmasStocking.net, too).
Background music:
“Angels We Have Heard On High” by Wes Edmonson
from “Techno Christmas” (IMI) Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
58 Christmas Stocking Summer Spectacular Number 5
Another hot summer means another music spectacular full of Christmas music. If you haven’t, please follow Twitter.com/XmasStocking, and ”Like” our Facebook page. Email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. And share your Christmas memories or wish someone Merry Christmas at MyChristmasStocking.net. Just click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free. Thanks to everyone who’ve given. Click “Contribute” at the top of MyChristmasStocking.net to find out more.
Featured music:
“Rock 4 XMAS Anthem (feat. Ira Black, Ron Keel & Terry Ilous)” by Ira Black from “Rock 4 XMAS, Vol. 3″ (Tau)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“O Christmas Tree” by 21 AD from “Christmas… A Winter’s Love” (Lifestyles)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Mystery of the Midwest” by the Kathy Fleischmann Band from “A Bent Pussycat Xmas Vol. 3″ (thanks to Ariel Publicity)
“Silent Night Revisited” by Joe Droukas from “Christmas is a State of Mind” (ItsAboutMusic.com)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Hot Christmas” by Dr. Elmo from “Up Your Chimney” (Laughing Stock)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“While Shepherds Watch Their Flock by Night” by Mystified (from MacJams.com)
“The Christmas Song Song” by Rocky and Balls from the album “We Like Cake And Beards And Stuff”
Background music:
“Oh Christmas Tree (Salsa)” by BobbyRodriguez from “A Latin Jazz Christmas” (LatinJazz Productions)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Xmas Fantasy/Silent Night” by Fran Dagostino (from MacJams.com)
“Cold Sun” by Yelena Eckemoff, Mads Vinding, Peter Erskine from “Cold Sun” (L & H Production)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Bradley Leighton from “Holiday of Lights” (Pacific Coast Jazz)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“We Three Kings (Jazz Quartet)” by Donald Doyle (from MacJams.com)
“Joy to the World” by Jim Edwards (from MacJams.com)
More information:
All about the Capitol Christmas tree, from California to Washington.
I mentioned the Sears Christmas page. It’s hard to find, and it’s not as official as I’d thought. But they have some stuff.
If you want to see Harrod’s Christmas merch, here it is (no official page yet as of the release date).
If you’re looking for my weather forecast information, I was most impressed with this page and this page (part two of the first one). Accuracy not guaranteed.
Listener pages mentioned:
The online Christmas radio station I talked about.
Wayne’s Comics is the comics podcast I mentioned. It’s on this page with a pop culture podcast called sfp-now. Scroll down and you’ll find the comics one. Two for the price of one!
Christmas Stocking Summer Music Spectacular 2011 Promo Comin’ to Ya From tha Beach!
Okay, I admit, I’m lounging (when I’m not Tweeting), but soon I’ll be ready to think cool and think Christmas cheer. And we’ll be able to enjoy a Christmas Stocking Summer Music Spectacular together. There are plenty of past episodes to sample in the meantime, and also in the meantime, I’d love to hear from you at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Call with your idea for the summer show or this Christmas, a message for a friend or anything; you might hear it on the show! You can also email music and ideas to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET, or tweet me at Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join our Facebook community!
Background music:
“Switched On Sugar Plum Fairies” by Lucky Wander Boy from “Music Of Christmas Future”
(Ball of Waxx)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
57 “A Visit From St. Nicholas” by Clement Clark Moore
Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy it. Stay in touch on Twitter.com/XmasStocking and our Facebook page. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net. Other ways to communicate and a lot more are at MyChristmasStocking.net.
Featured music:
“Santa’s On His Way” by The Pipettes
from “Santa’s On His Way”
(Fortuna POP)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album
Background music:
“A Silent Night” by Bernd Rover (from MacJams.com)
“Christmastime” by illuminati (from MacJams.com)
“I Saw Three Ships” by The Manor House Quartet from “I Saw Three Ships and Other Carols”
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by Joemy Wilson from “Gifts – Traditional Christmas Carols”
(Dargason Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by TennesseeVic (from MacJams.com)
More info:
Several versions of the poem, including four published in the 19th century, are on Wikisource.org
56 About “A Visit From St. Nicholas”
December 19, 2010
Filed under Christmas, Episode, Holiday, Podcast, Xmas
Tags: Christmas, Clement Clark Moore, Episode, History, Holiday, Podcast, Poetry, Santa, Santa Claus, St. Nicholas
Travel with me to the busy workshop in the North Pole, where we discuss Clement Clark Moore’s classic work with a special guest! I love getting mail. Email’s good, too: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net. All the ways to get in touch are at MyChristmasStocking.net. For instance, click the Call Me button and put in your phone number. My voicemail will call you. The Christmas Stocking’s Facebook page has a good group of people, so you’ll fit right in. And follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking.
Featured music:
“Coventry Carol” by The Noel Project (from MacJams.com)
Background music:
“Winter Whimsy” by Shay MacKay (from MacJams.com)
“Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee” by Von Ives Orchestra from “Merry Christmas”
(TMG)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album
Wikipedia.com has an article about the poem and Clement Clark Moore himself, About.com’s Urban Legends page will tell you more about Moore and the poem. Even more on Mr. Moore (that never gets old) from merrycoz.org.
The New York Institute for Special Education is proud to have had Clement Moore on their board of managers.
The St. Nicholas Center discusses the poem and much more about St. Nick.
Donald Wayne Foster says Henry Livingston wrote the poem. Here’s his Wikipedia page, a New York Times article about his assertion and supporting evidence, a timeline supporting this view, and an excellent refutation by Stephen Nissenbaum from UMass.
55 Fruitcake
Mmm, fruitcake! Not everyone has that reaction. So how has the fruitcake lasted so long? You’ll find out in this episode. What do you really want for Christmas? Let us know at MyChristmasStocking.net. Click the Call Me button and put in your phone number. My voicemail will call you. Or you can email your answer to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net. Follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking, too. C’mon by The Christmas Stocking’s Facebook page, also.
Featured music:
“Utishmosya (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)” by Ruslana from “New Year and Christmas Songs”
(Comp Music Ltd)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
“Carol of the Bells” by Kevin Ague from “A Solstice Night”
“Two Episodes from “Yolka” (The Christmas Tree), Op. 21″ by Anthony Goldstone from “Russian Piano Music, Vol. 2″
(Divine Art)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
TLC has a history, as do FoodTimeline.org, What’sCookingAmerica.com and Wikipedia.
54 Christmas in the Late 20th Century
The world went from black and white TV just catching on to the internet beginning its domination, but did Christmas change very much? We travel down memory lane. Join us on The Christmas Stocking’s Facebook page! Lots happening. Lots going on at Twitter.com/XmasStocking, too. Not much time to tell the world your Christmas wish at MyChristmasStocking.net. Click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you. Or email your answer to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Featured music:
“We Three Kings” by Pink Martini from “Joy to the World”
(Heinz Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album
Background music:
“Surf’s Up Emmanuel” by Brian Bunker Christmas (from GarageBand.com)
“Oh Holy Night” by Brian Bunker Christmas (from GarageBand.com)
More information:
Retrohousewife.com goes back to Christmases in the 40′s to recent times. I’ll just link to the 50′s and you can go from there.
Some Christmas toys from the past. And more, from a slightly British perspective.
Here’s a Toys ‘R’ Us commercial from the 70′s. Here’s an M&M’s commercial from the 80′s. Much more warm and fuzzy than these days.
I could link to a bunch of Amazon pages that would help The Christmas Stocking, but I think this one from TopTenReviews will be easier for both of us. One fan’s opinions of the best of the 90′s doesn’t gibe with mine.
Wikipedia has a good list of Christmas hits from the 20th century.
53 Operation Christmas Child
They’re fairly new, but already they’ve put smiles ong the faces of untold kids around the world. We’ll look at the good they do and the concerns about them. What do you want for Christmas? Go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you privately and for free. I’m posting Christmas info on Twitter.com/XmasStocking, and will reply if you message me. Come to our Facebook page. Email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET
Featured music:
“The Cherry Tree Carol” by Magpie Lane from “Knock At The Knocker, Ring At The Bell” (Beautiful Jo)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“The Somerset Wassail” by Magpie Lane from “Wassail! A Country Christmas” (Beautiful Jo)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Christmas Medley Piano Solo” by John Stebbe (from MacJams.com)
“Jingle Bells” by Global Journey from “The Magic of Christmas”
(Global Journey)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Learn all about Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child from the horse’s mouth. And here is their Facebook page.
Wikipedia has two sides of the story.
A recent story on an English primary school which pulled out.
A couple of DVDs with Christmas specials: Bing Crosby: The Television Specials Volume 2
52 “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
December 5, 2010
Filed under Christmas, Holiday, Podcast, Xmas
Tags: A Charlie Brown Christmas, Bill Melendez, Charles Schulz, Charlie Brown, Christmas, Holiday, Lee Mendelson, Peanuts, Podcast, Tree
I love the dancing twins, the pink aluminum Christmas tree, and everything else about A Charlie Brown Christmas. We go behind the scenes. Many ways to get involved. I post a ton of Christmas info on Twitter.com/XmasStocking, and will reply if you message me. The Facebook page is hopping, too. Email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. And what do you want for Christmas? Go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you privately and for free.
Featured music:
“Sing Hallelujah (Christ Is Born of Mary)” by 1 Less Stone (from Soundclick.com)
Background music:
“The First Nowell” by David Shelley from “Christmas Sax – Seasonal Favorites With Smooth Jazz”
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“O Come All Ye Faithful” by Michael Ryan from “A Classical Guitar Christmas”
More information:
Infoplease.com, MentalFloss.com, Wikia.com and, of course, Wikipedia.com have some more about the production.
Amazon has many DVD versions, including this one
The original ending of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
The Washington Post has an excellent overview of the special with an interview with Lee Mendelson. If only it had come out before this podcast!
51 Christmastowns, USA
We tour the country for just a few of the communities with names inspired by, or sometimes just coincidentally named for, Christmas things. Tell us what you really want for Christmas at MyChristmasStocking.net. Find the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free; and you can mark your number private. Or email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Join us on Facebook. And follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking.
Featured music:
“I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” by The Victorian Singers from “Songs Of Good Cheer”
(Clarity Sound & Light)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Brian Bunker Christmas (from GarageBand.com)
“I Saw Three Ships” by The Columba Minstrels from “Christmas – Celtic Traditions”
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Here’s a nice master list of Christmassy towns.
Info on Christmas, MI, Santa Claus, IN (plus a little more), North Pole, AK, and Nazareth, PA.
You can get the Noel, MO, postmark on your cards.
Find out about the Santa Land ruins in Santa Claus, AZ.
50 Advent Calendars
If Advent is all about the serious, Advent calendars are all about the fun. To be on the Christmas Stocking yourself, go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking, and join our crew on Facebook.
Featured music:
“Santa In L.A.” by 21 AD from “Christmas… A Winter’s Love”
(Lifestyles)
More On This Album
“Carol of the Birds” by Thomas Whitehouse (from MacJams.com)
“Angels We Have Heard on High” by Joemy Wilson from “Gifts – Traditional Christmas Carols”
(Dargason Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Lego has a bunch of Advent calendars, including this latest one.
A couple of online Advent calendars are here and here.
And if you’re thinking of buying the $1 million Advent calendar, here’s more on it.
49 Christmas Shopping, Online Safety and Hot Toys
While you’re shopping, or getting ready to, check out the trends for 2010, and get some advice about how to be safe online this season. Lots happening on our Facebook page. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. And let us know what your deepest wish for Christmas is at MyChristmasStocking.net. Just click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free.
Featured music:
“Hip Hop Christmas” by Mark Mangold, Lyza Wilson and Elijah K.
Background music:
“We Wish You a Merry Synthmas” by the Genius Johnnies (from MacJams.com)
“Iron Horse” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Very Christmasy” by DJplaneten from “Jul PÃ¥ Techno – 9 Swedish Christmas Anthems”
(Clubstream Mix)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Jingle Bells” by Corky Hale from “Have Yourself A Jazzy Little Christmas”
(LML Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Suggestions on where to shop online.
Gallup‘s survey on 2010 shoppers.
The 12 Scams of Christmas. Look out!
Here’s more on the hot toys for 2010.
48 Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade
Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade was also an American tradition thanks to television, in fact, for a while it was a world-wide tradition. We look at the history in the first episode of the fifth season. It’s easy to get in touch with me on the phone–go to MyChristmasStocking.net. Find the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free; I will not learn your number. You can email me, TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Join us on Facebook. And follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking.
Featured music:
“Joy To The World” by The London Fox Players from “Christmas – Rhythm & Blues”
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Christmastime” by illuminati (from MacJams.com)
“Ridin’ the Yuletide” by The Woofers (from MacJams.com)
More information:
Click here for The Santa Claus Parade home page, with lots of info
Wikipedia has a good article on the parade, and Eaton’s, the original sponsor.
Parade broadcaster CityTV talked to the parade’s General Manager.
CanadaCool.com will give you some tidbits.
The Toronto Sun has a quick history, too.
Christmas is Coming, and So is Season 5 of the Christmas Stocking!
I’m not close to ready, but it doesn’t matter, Christmas waits for no man. So let’s go with it! We are heading into season 5 with more new episodes. We’ve gotten a lot of great suggestions but there’s room for yours. Let us know at MyChristmasStocking.NET, where you can email or call. I would love to hear your answer to this question, too: If you could get anything for Christmas, what would it be? Think outside the box and call me with your answer or email an audio file to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Don’t forget to join us on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking
Background music:
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by the Grattones (from GarageBand.com)
47 4th Annual Christmas Stocking Summer Music Spectacular
From summer 2010: It’s been a hot summer in some places, a cool one in others (like mine). Either way, we still need some Christmas, right? This is a pretty summery episode, I think. Lots more Christmas at MyChristmasStocking.net, on Twitter.com/XmasStocking, and on Facebook. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. You can also get in touch by phone, see pictures and videos and more at MyChristmasStocking.net.
Featured music:
“Sandy Claws” by Allen Dean (from MacJams.com)
“Christmas Boat” by the Woofers (from MacJams.com)
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Sandra Nordstrom from “Another Silent Christmas” (BT ENTERTAINMENT)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“All I Want for Christmas is a Funky Brass Band” by Phat2sDay from “Ambassador From N’Awlins” (Sound of New Orleans / LocoBop)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album
“Best Little Christmas” by Don McAvoy & the Great Whatever from “Peace, Love & Scrapple”
Buy the CD at their website
“The Christmas Goose” by The Oxford Waits from “Hey For Christmas” (Beautiful Jo)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby from “Bing Crosby Christmas” (Spectra Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“White Christmas Uke Style” by Martin Leroy (from MacJams.com)
“Oh Christmas Tree (Salsa)” by BobbyRodriguez from “A Latin Jazz Christmas” (LatinJazz Productions)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence” by Arturo Stalteri from “Flowers” (Materiali Sonori)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Twitter.com/XmasStocking has all the links.
Christmas Stocking Summer Music Spectacular Promo 2010
The east has had record breaking heat, and all the United States has felt the heat at one point or another. Soon it will be time to cool off with more Christmas music and fun on the Christmas Stocking Summer Music Spectacular. Contribute by going to MyChristmasStocking.NET and calling us, and/or email music and other ideas to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET, or tweet me at Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on Facebook and contribute there!
Background music:
A little tiny piece of “Alien Seduction” by Liquid Loops (from GarageBand.com)
“Snowbird – Quickstep” by Tony Evans & His Orchestra from “Killing Me Softly” (Tema International)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
46 Tournament of Roses Parade
From Christmas 2009: For over 120 years, Pasadena, California, has been where it’s at on New Year’s morning. Learn a little something, and hear one more Christmas tradition. Get in touch with me on the phone by going to MyChristmasStocking.net. Find the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free; I will not learn your number. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Join us on Facebook. And follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking.
Featured music:
“What Are You Doing for New Year’s Eve” by Rick Dempsey, The Deanna Bogart Band from “Home Run Holiday” (Vista)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Shoot ‘Em In The Pants” by The Christmas Jug Band from “On The Holiday Highway” (Globe Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Joy to the World / The Gift” by Al Petteway & Amy White from “Winter Tidings: An Appalachian Christmas” (Maggie’s Music)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Auld Lang Syne” by Pittsburgh Symphony Brass from “A Song of Christmas” (Four Winds Entertainment, Inc.)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
The Tournament of Roses website has everything you need to know if you’re thinking of attending sometime.
Wikipedia has a nicely organized history, including a list of all of the Grand Marshals.
45 Boxing Day
From Christmas 2009: The day after Christmas means more shopping for many Americans. But for those who celebrate Boxing Day…okay, it means more shopping for them, too. But there’s even more to it! Have a suggestion for the ChristmasStocking? Go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free; and you can mark your number private so nobody will know where the call came from. Or get in touch on Twitter.com/XmasStocking, Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Or Facebook.
Featured music:
“Good King Wenceslas and His Merry Band” by US Air Force Airmen of Note from “Christmas Time Is Here” (Altissimo!)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Breakin’ Up Christmas” by Al Petteway & Amy White from “Winter Tidings: An Appalachian Christmas” (Maggie’s Music)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Snopes.com disavows my impression of Boxing Day and gives some info.
Kaboose.com has a little Q&A on the topic.
And of course Wikipedia is full of knowledge.
44 Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
From Christmas 2009: The New York Sun may no longer be around, but this editorial may live forever. A little background about the editorial and Virginia, and of course we will hear it, too. If you’d like to be on the Christmas Stocking, go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free. Join us on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking.
Featured music:
“The Christmas Song” by Stacey Kent from “The Christmas Song” (Candid Productions)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Randy Klein from “Here Comes Santa Claus” (Rock Candy Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Simple Gifts” by Amy Marie from “Simple Gifts” (Spiritwood Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album
“Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy” by Berlin Symphony Orchestra from “Christmas Remixed 2″ (Christmas Chill)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Read the editorial for yourself on Wikipedia
43 Christmas in Ireland
December 18, 2009
Filed under Christmas, Episode, Holiday, Uncategorized, Xmas
Tags: Christmas, Darby O'Gill, Episode, Ireland, Irish, Podcast, Tradition, Traditions, Xmas
From Christmas 2009: A Mini Irish Christmas Music Spectacular! Info, music and Christmas traditions from a listener who emailed TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. You can be on the Christmas Stocking. Just go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free, and you can mark your number private. Follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on Facebook.
Featured music:
“Mrs. Fogharty’s Christmas Cake” by Darby O’Gill (from Soundclick.com)
“Children Go Where I Send Thee” by Darby O’Gill (from Soundclick.com) An African-American spiritual they say is based on an ancient Irish patter song.
“Silent Irish Night” by Rebsie Fairholm (from MacJams.com)
Background music:
“Christmas Day in the Morning” by Shira Kammen (from Magnatune)
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by Monika Herzig from “Peace on Earth” (Owl Studios)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Santa’s Net, Kaboose.com, and WhyChristmas.com all have cool tidbits.
42 Handel’s “Messiah”
From Christmas 2009: This one is for you, Mom! Find out some background on “Messiah” by Handel, and listen to a couple of snippets, including the Hallelujah Chorus. You can be on the Christmas Stocking. Go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free; and you can mark your number private. Join us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Featured music:
“For Unto Us A Child Is Born (from Messiah by G.F. Handel)” by Oregon Bach Festival Choir & Orchestra from “The Life Of Christ: The birth, death and resurrection of Jesus in music” (Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Hallelujah Chorus” by The Choir & Orchestra of Pro Christe from “Christmas Traditions-20 Treasured Songs of the Season Performed in Classic Styles” (Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Sinfonia (from Christmas Oratorio BWV 248 by J.S. Bach)” by Bach-Collegium Stuttgart from “The Life Of Christ: The birth, death and resurrection of Jesus in music” (Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Snowfall” by Michael Allen Harrison from “Snowfall” (MAH Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Not surprisingly, GFHandel.org has a nice overview of the creation of “Messiah.”
Also not surprisingly, Wikipedia does, as well.
41 The Yule Lads
From Christmas 2009: What could be scarier than Scrooge’s ghosts? The Yule Lads could be! By suggestion from Megan on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Email me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. And you can wish someone Merry Christmas or share your Christmas memory at MyChristmasStocking.net. Just click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free.
Featured music:
“Oh Come All Ye Faithful” by Sirens from “River City Christmas” (Arbor Records Ltd.)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Highway to Wenceslas” by Brian Bunker Christmas (from GarageBand.com)
“Christmas Time is Here” by Thomas Marriott, Bill Anschell, Jeff Johnson, John Bishop from “The Cool Season – An Origin Records Holiday Collection, Vol. 2″ (Origin Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
About.com has a personal reflection on the Yule Lads, with lots of info.
Of course, Wikipedia has an article full of history.
40 Moravian Christmas
From Christmas 2009: Sharyn from California suggested we look at the Moravian-American Christmas traditions. Good suggestion. She emailed me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. You can also use your phone. Go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free; and you can mark your number private so I won’t know where the call came from. Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking.
Featured music:
“Herald Angels” by The Oxford Waits from “Hey For Christmas” (Beautiful Jo)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“The Christmas Holiday, Or Stuff Your Guts” by The Oxford Waits from “Hey For Christmas” (Beautiful Jo)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Joy To The World” by Global Journey from “The Magic of Christmas” (Global Journey)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Corky Hale from “Have Yourself A Jazzy Little Christmas” (LML Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Katie Tucker, a Moravian, wrote an essay on their traditions.
The Moravian and the Amish communities mingle in Pennsylvania, and so have some traditions. The Washington Post points out Moravian stars and more in Bethlehem, PA.
And, of course Wikipedia has articles on the Moravian Church in America, the Moravian star, and the Lovefeast, and of course you can dig even deeper than that.
39 Christmas Seals
From Christmas 2009: Most of us probably know why we put Christmas Seals on our envelopes and packages, but do you know where they came from? You will. We want to hear you, not just from you. Go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free; and you can mark your number private so nobody will know where the call came from. Follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. And join us on Facebook.
Featured music:
“Wake Up, It’s Christmas!” by Peter Combe
Buy at AmazonMP3
Buy at CD Baby
Background music:
“O Holy Night” by The London Fox Players from “Christmas – Guitar” (Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Go Tell It on the Mountain” by Monika Herzig from “Peace on Earth” (Owl Studios)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
To get your Christmas Seals or just donate to the American Lung Association, go here. The ALA has a decent history of the Seals, though glossing over some details.
The University of Virginia Health System’s Claude Moore Health Sciences Library site has a more comprehensive history, as does Wikipedia.
38 Advent and Christmas Trees 2009
From Christmas 2009: The season of Advent has been around for a long time, but it has not always been the same. Share your family’s Christmas Eve/Christmas Day traditions at MyChristmasStocking.net. Find the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free; and you can mark your number private so it won’t be revealed. Follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. And join us on Facebook.
Featured music:
“People Look East” by Al Petteway & Amy White from “Winter Tidings: An Appalachian Christmas” (Maggie’s Music)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” by The London Fox Players from “A Peaceful Christmas” (Classic Fox Records)
More On This Album
“Pannonian Christmas” by Mike Collins from “Desert Anthem” (Talus Music)
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Wikipedia has a nice overview of Advent.
CRI/Voice, Institute, an ecumenical ministry has its own perspective of Advent.
Advent from a Catholic perspective in the online Catholic Encyclopedia.
37 Black Friday and Jingle Bells
From Christmas 2009: Shopping looks to be a bear this season; maybe we can tame it a little. Wish someone Merry Christmas on the phone at MyChristmasStocking.net. Find the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free; and you can mark your number private so it won’t be revealed. Follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. And join us on Facebook.
Featured music:
“Jingle Bells” by Lisa Loeb from “Kids’ Club – Holiday Fun Volume 1″ (Rock River Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Deck the Halls (feat. Di Johnston)” by Undercover Christmas from “Undercover Christmas: Chapter One” (Undercover Culture Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“The Holly and the Ivy” by Brian Bunker Christmas (from GarageBand.com)
“We Three Kings II” by BuddahBoy (from Soundclick.com)
More information:
Many Black Friday sites are out there. BlackFriday.info is one I check, since I like things basic.
This is a corporate-looking CyberMonday.com site, but it has information.
Search my tweets on Black Friday, shopping and retail by checking this page, entering one of those words and putting XmasStocking in the “From” box.
If you want more on Jingle Bells, including the missing verse, Wikipedia will tell you.
36 Small Town Parades
From Christmas 2009: The Christmas season has returned, and we look at smaller parades around the country. There is a new way to call the Christmas Stocking. Go to MyChristmasStocking.net, find the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free; and you can mark your number private so it won’t be revealed. Follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. And join us on Facebook.
Featured music:
“Season of Joy” by Sounds Of Blackness from “The Night Before Christmas 2″ (Atomic K Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Christmas Morn (Stop! Stop! Stop!)” by Jeff Tincher from “Well… Where’s The Presents?” (NiteLife Music)
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“I Saw Three Ships” by Brian Bunker Christmas (from GarageBand.com)
More information:
It may seem like I exhausted the parade list, but this is only the tip of the iceburg. Wikipedia has a list that isn’t exhaustive, either, but if you want to explore….
More on the Hollywood Christmas Parade.
A list of holiday events in Chicago, including the McDonald’s Parade which has already happened.
See what Target has cooked up for Holidazzle 2009 in Minneapolis.
Find more articles I tweeted using this search page. Enter XmasStocking in the “From” box, and “Parade” in the Words box.
35 3rd Annual Christmas Stocking Summer Music Spectacular
From summer 2009: Lose yourself in the Christmas season with lots of music, information and advice, all with a summer feel, somehow! You’ll find more at MyChristmasStocking.net and Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Join us on Facebook. And talk to me be on MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button, and my voicemail will call you.
Featured music:
“Yule Swing” by Anna Wilson from “Yule Swing!”
(Transfer Records, LLC)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“Carol of the Bells” by Darby O’Gill (from Soundclick.com)
“Santa Baby” by The Swingle Singers from “Unwrapped”
(The Sound Corporation)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“Joy To The World” by Prague Chamber Choir, Philharmonic Wind Orchestra from “Greatest Christmas Carols”
(Marcophon)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“Go, Santa Go!” by Howell – Freundlich Overdrive from “Christmas Fervor”
(Fervor Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“Nutcracker March” by Pittsburgh Symphony Brass from “A Song of Christmas”
(Four Winds Entertainment, Inc.)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“Sno” by Tonic Sol-Fa from “Sugarüe”
More from the Tonic Sol-Fa store
Background music:
“Deck the Halls” by Brian Bunker (from GarageBand.com)
“Surf’s Up, Emmanuel” by Brian Bunker (from GarageBand.com)
“Sleigh Ride” by Jeffrey Scot Wills from “A Central Standard Christmas”
(IMI)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Let It Snow” by In Due Season from “In Due Season EP”
(gMusic)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
For more information:
Twitter.com/XmasStocking has all the links. Like Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” train tour, hot toys this year, the personalized Rubik’s Cube, ways to save for the holiday, and more.
34 Christmas in Europe
From Christmas 2008: We conclude our initial tour of continents with a look at Christmas in Europe. Also, another listener tradition! More at MyChristmasStocking.net. TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Join us on Facebook. And talk to me be on MyChristmasStocking.net., click the Call Me button, and my voicemail will call you.
Featured music:
“Silent Night” by Justin Faulknor
Background music:
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Eden Symphony Orchestra from “A Symphony of Christmas Joy”
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Oh Holy Night” by Chris Goddard from “An Acoustic Christmas with Chris Goddard”
(Milomix Productions)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
You’ll find links about Christmas in eastern and central Europe, Italy, Germany, France, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark and Spain.
33 The Salvation Army
From Christmas 2008: By listener suggestion from Twitter, we look at the history of the Salvation Army. More at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on Facebook. And talk to me be on MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button, and my voicemail will call you.
Featured music:
“Christ Was Born on Christmas Day” by Chichester Cathedral Choir from “Choral Christmas – Seasonal Favorites Performed By Cathedral Choir”
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Lulee’s Dance / Joy to the World / We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by Tommy Harden from “Celtic Carols”
(IMI)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem” by Kevin McLeod (from Incompetech)
More information:
The Salvation Army USA has a website with a lot of information, including history and ways to give.
Once again, Wikipedia has lots of info.
32 Christmas in the Early 20th Century
From Christmas 2008:A lot happened in the first half of the 20th century, and we look at how Christmas was affected. More at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on Facebook. And talk to me be on MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button, and my voicemail will call you.
Featured music:
“Jingle Bells” by Joe Williams from “Christmas Remixed 2″
(Rock River Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
Background music:
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Jeffrey Scot Wills from “A Central Standard Christmas”
(IMI)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Noel Nouvelet/Patapan Medley” by Sarah Whitely (from MacJams.com)
More information:
The Antique Christmas Lights Museum has information.
History.com has details on the Christmas Truce of 1914.
Wikipedia has a list of Christmas hit singles.
31 A Christmas Story
December 12, 2008
Filed under Christmas, Episode, Holiday, Xmas
Tags: A Christmas Story, Christmas, Holiday, Jean Shepherd, Podcast, Xmas
From Christmas 2008: 2008 was the 25th anniversary of the movie A Christmas Story and we celebrate with some behind the scenes info. More at MyChristmasStocking.net. Also a couple of traditions from Christmas Stocking listeners who emailed TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on Facebook, too.
Featured music:
“Sno” by Tonic Sol-Fa from “Sugarüe”
More from the Tonic Sol-Fa store
Background music:
“Deck the Halls” by Kevin McLeod (from Incompetech)
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by David Shelley from “Christmas Sax – Seasonal Favorites With Smooth Jazz”
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
More information:
Buy a two disc “Ultimate Collector’s Edition,” a regular “Two-Disc Special Edition,” or on Blu-ray from one of these links and help The Christmas Stocking!
You can visit Ralphie’s house! They’ve had over 100,000 visitors.
IMDB is full of information about this movie and its sequel.
30 Christmas in Australia
From Christmas 2008: Summertime, and Christmas is easy…in Australia. Well, maybe not easy, but definitely warm. We get up close and personal with the folks down under in the latest episode. More at MyChristmasStocking.net. Shout out to Sarah who emailed me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on Facebook. And talk to me be on MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button, and my voicemail will call you.
Featured music:
“On The Rooftop” by Gentleman Auction House from “Christmas In Love”
(Emergency Umbrella)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“Happy Christmas” by Dan Lopes (from MacJams.com)
Background music:
“Wise Men Trio” by Yelena N. Eckemoff from “New Christmas Songs”
(L & H Production)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
“Adeste Fidelis” by Bruce Cockburn from “Christmas”
(True North Records)
Buy at eMusic
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
For more information:
Santa’s.Net has lots of info about Australian Christmas (they should, they’re in Australia). So does HowStuffWorks.com, LovelyChristmas.co.uk and Wikipedia.com. And Sarah from Australia deserves to be read.
29 “Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
From Christmas 2008: In this super-stuffed Christmas Stocking episode, one of my favorite Christmas stories. I hope you enjoy it. Find info at MyChristmasStocking.net. If you have any stories or poems you would like to be shared on The Christmas Stocking, you can email me: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Also follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on Facebook. And talk to me be on MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button, and my voicemail will call you.
Featured music:
“Away in a Manger” by Amy Caldwell and Tom Moore (from Soundclick.com)
Background music:
“All Poor Men And Humble” by The Eden Symphony Orchestra from “20 Classical Christmas Favorites”(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Christmas Pathetiqué” by Michael Allen Harrison from “Enchanted Christmas Volume Three”
(MAH Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Angels We Have Heard on High” by Tommy Harden (from “Peace On Earth”)
(IMI)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
You can read the story yourself.
Wikipedia has a nice overview of other versions of the story.
If you want to find out more about O. Henry (including his real name) The Literature Network is a good resource.
28 Christmas Cards
From Christmas 2008: You send them, you receive them (if you send them), but do you know where they came from? You will, in the latest episode of The Christmas Stocking. More at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on Facebook. And talk to me be on MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button, and my voicemail will call you.
Featured music:
“It Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas” by Jeff Oestreich (from GarageBand.com)
Background music:
“A Christmas Festival” by the Goose Creek Bands (from Soundclick.com)
More information:
Ideafinder.com has a good history.
Of course, Wikipedia has a page on Christmas cards, too.
27 The Rockettes and the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
From Christmas 2008: By request via TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET, we look at the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes and their history, along with information on this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. More at MyChristmasStocking.net. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Join us on Facebook. And talk to me be on MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button, and my voicemail will call you.
Featured music:
“O Christmas Tree” by The GrooveBarbers from “Happy Holiday – Christmas Favorites”
(Rock River Music)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
Background music:
“Nutcracker March” by Pittsburgh Symphony Brass from “A Song of Christmas”
(Four Winds Entertainment, Inc.)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
King’s Blues March” by Marc Reift Orchestra from “Swingle Bells”
(Marcophon)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“O Christmas Tree (jazz piano trio)” by John Stebbe (from MacJams.com)
Find out more:
You may still be able to buy tickets to the national tour or even the Radio City show!
The New York Times likes the Rockettes: A review from 2005, background on the life of a Rockette from 2005, a profile of the new director and choreographer of the New York show from 2006, and background on last year’s 75th anniversary spectacular. Put ‘em together, it’s a lot of information.
The New York Daily News has a nice profile of the Rockettes, too.
Wikipedia has a lot of information, too.
2009 UPDATE: The show opens Nov. 13 this year.
2010 UPDATE: The show opens Nov. 5 this year!
26 Black Friday and Christmas Shopping 2008
November 27, 2008
Filed under Christmas, Episode, Holiday, Xmas
Tags: Black Friday, Christmas, Holiday, John Hodgeman, Jonathan Coulton, Podcast, Shopping, Xmas
From Black Friday 2008: As much as we say it’s not happening this year, most of us will end up doing more Christmas shopping than we were planning to. This time, we have some Black Friday tips and general shopping tips. And someone special called. You can, too. More at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. And follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking.
Featured music:
“Chiron Beta Prime” by Jonathan Coulton
Background music:
“Innkeeper” by Yelena N. Eckemoff from “New Christmas Songs”
(L & H Production)
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“Silent Night Instrumental” by Jiggajoe (from Soundclick.com)
“Up on a Housetop” by Kevin MacLeod (from Incompetech.com)
For more information:
There are a ton of sites with Black Friday info, which will probably be updated throughout the season like Black-Friday.net and BlackFriday.info (which has a nice news blog, too). Don’t forget CyberMonday.com, which looks like it’s in cahoots with the merchants (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution website has some good shopping tips, and the Worcester Telegram has cyber shoppping tips.
I also mention John Hodgeman.
25 Thanksgiving
From Thanksgiving 2008: The holiday season is starting late this year because Thanksgiving is late. Whose fault is that? Find out in the first edition of The Christmas Stocking. More at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. Join us on Facebook. And talk to me be on MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button, and my voicemail will call you.
Background music:
“All Poor Men And Humble” by The Eden Symphony Orchestra from “20 Classical Christmas Favorites”(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album
“Mo’oz Tsur” by Laurie Z. from “Heart of the Holidays” (Zebra Productions, Inc.)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“Over the River and Through the Woods (grandma mix)” by Ignite Sky (from Soundclick.com)
“Seasoned Greetings” by Davie Allan and the Arrows from (”Fuzz For the Holidays 2″)
Featured song:
“Christmas Is Coming To Town” by Anna Wilson from “Yule Swing!”
(Transfer Records, LLC)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
More information about Thanksgiving:
The History Channel lists some “Mayflower Myths,” a possible menu for the first Thanksgiving, and they have the Thanksgiving proclamation by the Continental Congress in 1782.
Wikipedia has almost too much on Thanksgiving.
Macy’s has more on Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
24 Christmas Stocking Summer Music Spectacular
From August 2008: When you need to escape the summer heat, or you just need to feel a little Christmas, pop on the Christmas Stocking Summer Music Spectacular, chock full of extra music, some fun holiday facts and a little holiday advice, too. See more at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. I’m looking for music. If you know about or make podsafe Christmas music, please let me know. If you have any ideas for features this Christmas, especially interactive ones, also let me know!
Background music:
“Jolly Old St. Nicholas/Jingle Bells” by Bill Cunliffe, Clay Jenkins, Larry Koonse, Joe La Barbera, Tom Warrington from “Snowfall” (Jazz Compass)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Cape Cod Winds Ensemble from “Our Nantucket Wedding Album” (BuddhaWax)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
“Good King Wenceslas“ by Karl Frederick Grossman (from GarageBand.com)
“The First Noel” by puddydawg (from GarageBand.com)
“Seasoned Greetings” by Davie Allan and the Arrows from “Fuzz For the Holidays 2″ (Spinout Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
Featured Music:
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” by Glen Ellyn Chorale from “Christmas Traditions-20 Treasured Songs of the Season Performed in Classic Styles” (Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
“Christmas Song” by The Swingle Singers from “Unwrapped” (The Sound Corporation)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
“A Pirate’s 12 Days of Christmas” by Gastronomical Unit (from GarageBand.com)
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Gloria Reuben from “Let it Glo” (Celebrity Loop)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
“On Christmas Night” by Simon Bernard- Smith, Simeon Wood & John Gerighty from “Breath Of Christmas – Christmas Favorites Featuring Panpipes And Flute” (Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
“George Bailey” by Carolyn Sills from “George Bailey” (Silent Stereo Records)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
“Snow” by The von Trapp Children from “Snow – New Songs of the Season” (IMI)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
23 Miracle on 34th Street
December 24, 2007
Filed under Christmas, Episode, Holiday, Xmas
Tags: Christmas, Christmas movie, Holiday, Kris Kringle, Miracle on 34th St., Miracle on 34th Street, Podcast, Santa, Santa Claus, St. Nicholas
From Christmas ’07: My family’s favorite holiday movie is the original Miracle on 34th Street. I love Santa Claus. There’s a lot you may not know; you’ll get the info in this episode. Tell us about your miracle at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET . Oh, yes–Merry Christmas!
Background music:
“Jingle Bells” by The Eden Symphony Orchestra (from “A Philharmonic Christmas”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
“Joy to the World” by Simon Leyton (from “Classical Christmas – Classical Interpretations Of Christmas Favorites”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
Featured music:
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by The New Bethlehem Ensemble (from “A White Christmas”)
(Ultraviolet Productions)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
More information:
imdb.com has all kinds of info.
Wikipedia.com has a pretty good article.
Here’s the Amazon.com link, which has a very in-depth review with lots of info on the extra’s (and from the extras).
22 A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
From Christmas ’07: The most famous ghost story is also one of the most famous Christmas stories, and we look at the story behind the story. Tell us your Christmas story at MyChristmasStocking.net, email me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music:
“The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy” by Frank McConnell (from “Christmas Guitar – Warm And Intimate Christmas Favorites”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Herbie Flowers, Mike Hatchard (from “Christmas Jazz – Colourful Interpretations Of Christmas Favorites”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
Featured music:
“Christmas Song” by Greener (from “Christmas Song”)
(Two Lions Media, Inc.)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at eMusic
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
More information:
Here’s a closer look at the story of A Christmas Carol.
Pastor Mark D. Roberts loves the story and goes in-depth with Dickens’s influence.
Here’s a nice overview of Charles Dickens’s influence on Christmas.
Wikipedia.com‘s biography of Mr. Dickens.
If you’re ever in London, you might want to visit the Charles Dickens Museum.
21 Christmas in South America
From Christmas ’07: Too cold for you? Then travel to South America with the Christmas Stocking to see how they celebrate there. Then let us know how you celebrate at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music:
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “Ding Dong Merrily on High” by The Mambo Folk (from “A Latin Christmas Fiesta- A Rhythmic Collection of Seasonal Sambas, Merry Mambos & Christmas Cha Chas!”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
Featured music:
“See Amid the Winter’s Snow” by The Mambo Folk (from “A Latin Christmas Fiesta- A Rhythmic Collection of Seasonal Sambas, Merry Mambos & Christmas Cha Chas!”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
More information:
An Indian website (as in India), Christmas-Day.org, has a great overview of some South American Christmases, as well as many other traditions from around the world that have influenced their celebrations.
Wikipedia.com has a tour of Christmas around the world. This link will take you to the South American section of the page.
“Christmas historian” Bill Egan looks at Christmas in Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and Argentina.
20 The Nutcracker
From Christmas ’07: A ballet that is almost synonymous with Christmas, the Nutcracker was not a favorite of Mr. Tchaikovsky, although it grew on him. You’ll find out more and hear some music from The Nutcracker Suite in this episode. Comment at MyChristmasStocking.net, email me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Thanks, Melissa, for calling and wishing your family Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas to you!
Background music:
“Nutcracker Overture” by Music Box Archives (from Soundclick.com)
“Deck the Halls” by Herbie Flowers, Mike Hatchard (from “Christmas Jazz – Colourful Interpretations Of Christmas Favorites”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
Featured music:
“March” from “Nutcracker Suite Op. 71 Pt. 2” by the Goose Creek Bands (from Soundclick.com)
More information:
BalletMet Columbus (OH) has a comprehensive history of the ballet.
Wikipedia.com has some good information on both Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and the original story.
Ballet Minnesota has a timeline of the ballet’s development.
Here’s a quick synopsis of the plot.
19 Santa’s Letter to Suzy Clemens
December 8, 2007
Filed under Christmas, Episode, Holiday, Xmas
Tags: Christmas, Holiday, Mark Twain, Podcast, Samuel Clemens, Santa, Santa Claus, Xmas
From Christmas ’07: A change of pace this episode. Suzy Clemens, the daughter of Mark Twain, received at least one letter from Santa Claus. Can you imagine? That would be so cool! We will look over her shoulder and read it. Let me know what you think of this special episode at MyChristmasStocking.net. Or email me: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET .
Background music:
“Variations on a West Country Carol” by USAF Concert Band and Singing Sergeants (from “Make the Season Bright”)
(Altissimo!)
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
“Away in a Manger” by Frank McConnell (from “Christmas Guitar – Warm And Intimate Christmas Favorites”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
Featured music:
“Snow” by The von Trapp Children (from “Snow – New Songs of the Season”)
(IMI)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon
More On This Album
More information:
If you would like a copy for yourself, maybe to read to your child…
18 Christmas in Africa
From Christmas ’07: So many countries, so little time…but we try to cover as many as we can. Africa sounds like a great place to spend Christmas. How do you celebrate? Tell us at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET .
Background music:
“Angels We Have Heard on High” by Tommy Harden (from “Peace On Earth”)
(IMI)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
“Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” by Simon Bernard-Smith (from “26 Christmas Panpipe Favorites Played on authentic European & Andean Panflutes/Panpipes”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
Featured music:
“Christmas in London” by Krista Detor(from “Christmas in London”)
(Corazong Records)
More On This Album
More information:
Australian site Santas.net has a lot of great Xmas info, including much of this episode.
About.com has some interesting info, including how to say Merry Christmas in many languages native to Africa.
17 Victorian Christmas
From Christmas ’07: A lot of what we know as Christmas came from the Victorian era, and some earlier traditions that we enjoy today were revived in the Victorian era. Tell us your favorite traditions at MyChristmasStocking.net. Or email me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music:
“O Little Town Of Bethlehem” by The Columba Minstrels (from “Christmas On The Back Porch- 20 Treasured Songs of the Season performed in Simple Folk styles”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” by Eric Wyse (from “Christmas Angels- 20 Treasured Songs of the Season Performed In Peaceful Styles”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
“We Three Kings Of Orient Are” by London Fox Players & Tim Mather (from “20 Christmas Party Favorites”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
Featured music:
“I Saw Three Ships” by The Choir of St George’s Chapel, Windsor (from “Cathedral Christmas”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
“Love Came Down At Christmas” by Chichester Cathedral Choir (from “20 Choral Christmas Favorites”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
More information:
The official web site of the British monarchy has an excellent history.
Stuart Buchanan MacWatt writes about the personal side of Victoria and her family’s approach to Christmas.
As mentioned in the episode, a link to the holiday store windows of the past from Victoriana.com.
A nice overview of Christmas in Victorian times.
16 Rockefeller Center Tree and The Grinch!
From Christmas ’07: This year, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City has some 21st century improvements. And there is no improving on the Grinch! Let us know about your Christmas tree, or your Grinch, at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music:
“O Christmas Tree” by Jenny Crook (from “Christmas Harp – Elegant Expressions of Christmas with Celtic & Concert Harps”)
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster
More On This Album
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra (from “Christmas Fantastique”) I found it at FeelsLikeChristmas.com
(Nelidova Records)
“Pat-a-Pan” by US Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants (from “Light One Candle”)
(Altissimo!)
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
Featured Music:
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Medley” and “Caroling Caroling Medley” by Tennessee Ernie Ford (from “Family Christmas”) (IMI)
More On This Album
More information:
A detailed biography of Dr. Seuss can be found on the official Seussville site.
Find out about the Dr. Seuss National Memorial.
Want to buy the How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Anniversary Edition: A 50th Anniversary Retrospective?
Want to buy the video version of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (50th Birthday Deluxe Remastered Edition)?
imdb.com’s entry on the TV special.
Wikipedia has entries on Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and the Grinch himself.
15 Christmas Shopping 2007
From Christmas ’07: Black Friday is here again, and we look at what the shopping season will be like this year, along with the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, celebrating their 100th anniversary. Go to MyChristmasStocking.net to comment. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music:
“Skating” by Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra (from “Carol Of The Bells”)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at eMusic
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“Seasoned Greetings” by Davie Allan and the Arrows from (“Fuzz For the Holidays 2″)
More On This Album
Featured song:
“Black Friday” by Music for Viola (from “Takin’ Care of Christmas” and Soundclick.com)
More information:
You can look at the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book yourself. Wikipedia has some choice selections from previous Christmas Books.
Back down to Earth, here’s a nice history of the Sears catalog.
Christmas shopping ’07 forecast: The Game industry and big screen TVs. Will the United Kingdom have a good shopping year? Or a bad one?
14 Parades
From Thanksgiving ’07. All-new for 2007! It’s not Thanksgiving without parades, and this year we will look at a bunch of the parades that usher in the Christmas season. Let us know what you think at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music:
“A Christmas Prelude” by US Air Force Band Of Mid America (from “A Musical Christmas”)
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
“He Is Born” by Eric Wyse (from “Christmas Peace – Seasonal Favorites On Solo Piano”)
Buy at Napster
Buy at Rhapsody
More On This Album
Featured songs:
“Christmas Wishes” by Greg Hauge (from GarageBand.com)
“Silent Night” by Dean Krippaehne (from GarageBand.com) (and Dean’s myspace page….)
More information:
Macy*s has some stuff about their parade.
Here’s more about Detroit’s parade.
(13) Getting Ready for the Season!
From September 2007 Lots of news! A new main page: MyChristmasStocking.NET. And new e-mail, too: Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. All that and a little more, too. It’s just a quick hello. I hope you’ll hello me back.
Background music:
“O Christmas Tree” by Robb McCormick (from Soundclick.com) (here’s his myspace page)
My Odeo Channel (odeo/24bd84af2ba6eb30)
12 Christmas Stocking Summer Music Explosion!
From August 2007. Just as the heat becomes old and tired in much of the country and intolerable in others, the Christmas Stocking comes through with a music-filled episode, along with a few tidbits on how some of the summertime Christmas celebrations go down around the equator and below. MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. If you know about or make podsafe Christmas music, please let me know by email. If you have any ideas for features this Christmas, especially interactive ones, also let me know in comments or email! Thanks for listening.
Background music includes:
“Jingle Bells R&R Style” by the R&R Project (from GarageBand.com)
“Deck the Halls” by Technohazard (from GarageBand.com)
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” from “A Christmas Concert for Brass” by Pittsburgh Symphony Brass
Four Winds Entertainment, Inc.
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Buy at Napster- Stream from Rhapsody
Featured music includes:
“It’s Christmas” by Cleveland DERUE Cathnott (from GarageBand.com)
“Cool, Cool Christmas” by Dean Krippaehne (from GarageBand.com) (and Dean’s myspace page….)
“Carol of the Bells” by the St. Joseph Catholic Church Choir
“Holy Night” by Sandra Mooy
“Christmas In Malibu” from “Christmas in Malibu” by The Rad Dudes Radude Records
- Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at eMusic- Stream from Rhapsody
- Buy at Rhapsody
- Buy at Napster
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by the Grattones (from GarageBand.com)
My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-d63ea2001f2a035feef376381674d472}
11 Three Kings Day
From Epiphany ’07: Our look at the happiest time of year comes to an end with Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. Listen to find out ways many people finish out the Christmas season. And please keep your subscription open for future projects. Thanks for all the downloads, and make sure you come back next year! MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music includes:
“We Three Kings/Deck the Halls” by Christmas Classical Music (from GarageBand.com)
“We Three Kings” by Steven Belong (from SoundClick.com)
Featured song:
“We Three Kings” by Stephen Bashaw (I found it at feelslikechristmas.com)
For more on Epiphany/Three Kings Day:
Wikipedia goes in-depth, as usual.
The CRI/Voice website has some good information.
El Boricua gives a Puerto Rican perspective on Los Reyes Magos.
10 Santa Claus and the Christmas Stocking
From Christmas ’06: Santa is coming soon, and one of his Christmas elves, Norman, spills some secrets about him! Plus, a great barbershop version of “Jingle Bells.” MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music includes:
Birth to the Savior by Rejoice (from GarageBand.com)
“Jingle Bells” (mp3) by Chris Goddard
from “An Acoustic Christmas with Chris Goddard”
Milomix Productions
- Buy at iTunes Music Store
- Buy at Napster
Featured song:
“Jingle Bells” by the Groove Barbers from “Kids’ Club – Holiday Fun Volume 1″ (a compilation featuring many artists, including Lisa Loeb)
Rock River Music
- Buy at iTunes Music Store
- Buy at eMusic
- Buy at Napster
9 Christmas Shopping
From Christmas ’06: Plenty of music this time. And perhaps the craziest part of the Christmas season is the shopping. How long have we been doing it and how much of it will we be doing it are questions answered on the Christmas Stocking. MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET .
Background music:
“Carol of the Bells” by Jennifer Haines I found it on Music.Download.com (now last.fm)
“Good King Wenceslas”
Featured songs:
“Joy to the World” and “Coventry Carol” by the Joy to the World!! Christmas Quartet (from GarageBand.com)
“Go Tell It on the Mountain” by the St. Joseph Catholic Church Choir
8 A Middle Ages Christmas
From Christmas ’06: How was a Middle Ages Christmas different? For one thing, no one got an iPod. Find out how they celebrated way back when on this edition of the Christmas Stocking. MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music includes:
“What Child is This” by Stephen Bashaw. I found it at feelslikechristmas.com
“Jingle Bells” by The R&R Project (from GarageBand.com)
Featured songs:
“A Pirate’s 12 Days of Christmas” by Gastronomical Unit (from GarageBand.com)
7 Christmas in Asia
From Christmas ’06: All kinds of people celebrate Christmas all over the world! We travel around Asia in this edition of the Christmas Stocking. MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music:
“Oh Holy Night” by Chris Goddard (from “An Acoustic Christmas with Chris Goddard”)Milomix Productions
- Buy at iTunes Music Store
- Buy at Napster
Featured songs:
“Christmas Stocking 1969″ by Heather Sullivan (from GarageBand.com)
For more about Christmas in Asia:
An article from the Christian Science Monitor.
Wikipedia looks at Christmas in Asia. And Christmas customs in the Philippines.
6 The Holly and the Ivy
From Christmas ’06: Sure, holly and ivy are pretty, but what do they mean? We look at that and mistletoe and poinsettias, too, in this edition of the Christmas Stocking. MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
“Pat-a-Pan” by the St. Joseph Catholic Church Choir (from Columbia, South Carolina, music from GarageBand.com)
“Silent Night” by Michael Silvestri (from the album “Christmas In New England – Guitar Celebrations For The Holidays”, on ItsAboutMusic.com)
- Buy at iTunes Music Store
Featured songs:
“The Holly and the Ivy” and “Carol of the Bells” by the St. Joseph Catholic Church Choir
5 The Feast of the Nativity (Early Christmas)
From Christmas ’06: Christmas has not always been a shopping fest. When did people start celebrating the birth of Christ in December (or so)? Why this time of year? Find out in the Christmas Stocking.MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music:
“The First Noel” by Linda Gentille from “A Gentille Christmas”
SnailWorx
- Buy at iTunes Music Store
- Buy at eMusic
- Buy at Napster
Featured songs:
“E-mail From Nigeria” by Dr. Elmo from “Hip Hopped Grandma”
Laughing Stock
“Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer” by Dr. Elmo
from “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”
Laughing Stock
- Buy at iTunes Music Store
- Buy at eMusic
- Buy at Napster
The History Channel website has a lot of great Christmas information.
You can find out a lot at Wikipedia.org, too.
4 O Rockefeller Christmas Tree
November 28, 2006
Filed under Christmas, Episode, Holiday, Xmas
Tags: Carols, Christmas, Christmas Tree, Holiday, New York, New York City, NYC, Tannenbaum, Tree
From Christmas ’06: A really big tree, and the one the world thinks of when they think of America’s Christmas Tree. How long have they been putting up a tree? The answer, and a really great Christmas original on the Christmas Stocking. MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music includes:
“O Christmas Tree” by Robb McCormick (from Soundclick.com) (here’s his myspace page)
“The First Noel” by Marti van Lin
Featured song:
“Cool, Cool Christmas” by Dean Krippaehne (from GarageBand.com) (and Dean’s myspace page….)
If you want to learn more about Rockefeller Center and its Christmas tree, the Rockefeller Center website has a lot of stuff.
3 O, Christmas Tree
From Christmas ’06: The centerpiece of holiday decorating is the Christmas tree. Why do we bring a tree inside the house and put pretty baubles on it? Where did that tradition come from? We’ll answer those questions and more on the Christmas Stocking. Comment atMyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music includes:
“Deck the Halls” by Technohazard (from GarageBand.com)
“O Christmas Tree,” one of Patricia’s Christmas Carols (from Soundclick.com)
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by John Morgan, available on a CD of Christmas music. I found it at feelslikechristmas.com
Featured song:
If you want to learn more about Christmas trees:
The National Christmas Tree Association has a lot of information, including tree maintenance.
Wikipedia has a decent history, too, although it has a lot of opinions sprinkled in the information.
2 Black Friday
From Christmas ’06: The most anticipated shopping day of the year for many shoppers, the most dreaded for others, and for retail employees: Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. What’s up with such a forboding name for such a fun day? We’ll get into that and more on the Christmas Stocking. What is the coolest, wildest gift you’re giving a loved one this year? Let me know! The music’s a bit crazy this time, just like the day. Comment at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music includes:
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies by Molly Pauken and Rob Brumfiel from the album “Six String Christmas”
Brooklyn Christmas by Peter S. Quinn (from GarageBand.com)
Featured song:
1 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
From Christmas ’06: Thanksgiving is the official start of the holiday season, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade really sets the tone. Find out where Thanksgiving Day Parades started and relive the history of the big one–Macy’s in New York. Also enjoy some great holiday music! Comment at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Background music:
1) Deck the Halls by John Morgan, available on a CD of holiday music. I found it at feelslikechristmas.com
2) Birth to the Savior by Rejoice (from GarageBand.com)
Featured song:
