Christmas Stories
Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! ~Charles Dickens
In our home, the Christmas Season begins the week before Thanksgiving, with the annual parade of bins, as decorations are carted once again inside, and lasts well into the New Year. Amongst the boxes of greenery and treasured knick-knacks are several containers filled to bursting with movies, music, and books. These are special, not only for their content, but for the memories and emotions they evoke year after year. We laugh, recalling favorite scenes from movies, hum nostalgically to songs carved deeply into our earliest Christmas memories, and smile and cry, in turn, over stories which continue to stir our hearts.
This year, we invite you into our home, to share our Christmas with us. We hope that you will enjoy the songs and stories enclosed here and in our hearts.
We wish you a Warm and Wonderful Christmas!
The Cat Went Up The Christmas Tree
Happy Holidays! I have a present for all of my merry listeners. This year, I wrote a little song about a curious cat and a Christmas tree. I hope you’ll have fun singing and playing along with me. Those of you familiar with feline foibles might have an idea about what happens next. Below are more of my favorite stories you can listen to.
“The Small One”
by Charles Tazewell
~Read by Dawn Cromwell
“A Miserable Merry Christmas”
by Lincoln Steffens
~Read by Dawn Cromwell
“Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas”
by Russell and Lillian Hoban
~Read by Dawn Cromwell
“The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey”
by Susan Wojciechowski,
Illustrated by P.J. Lynch
~Read by Dawn Cromwell
I was raised listening to old-time radio programs with my Dad. I know they were a huge influence on me and shaped both my interest in telling stories and the way I bring them to life. I discovered a treasure trove of classic tales and broadcasts from yesteryear to enjoy during the holiday season. It's how I spend my Christmas hours of wrapping and baking.
Here is the link to the free Old-Time Radio Christmas Shows archive: https://archive.org/details/500OTRChristmasShows
Don't know which one to start with? I'd suggest, #346, "The Other Wise Man," #348, "The Christmas Present Switch" from My Favorite Husband with Lucille Ball, #294, "The Bishop's Wife" with Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven (adapted for radio), #21 "Christmas Shopping," from Jack Benny, or anything that catches your attention. There is really something to appeal to anyone, from Fibber McGee and Molly, to several versions of A Christmas Carol, to FDR's Fireside Chats. Please let me know which ones you end up enjoying
