Episode 45 - The Christmas Village

It's Christmas! and you're beautiful.Hooray.This episode is packed to the rafters.First up is another great song from Adam Kennedy and his Creative Commonaires. This one is called The Plight Before Christmas and you can watch the video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeOa36NjAGUThen Ed Daly, author of The Christmas Book, tells us about the origins of two of the most popular Christmas toys, the Teddy Bear and Barbie.To read more about this stuff, check out his book:https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Book-Ultimate-Favorite-Holiday/dp/B09HS14DFMThis episode is the last of our Top Ten lists and they've been sent in by Sean Sotka, Benjamin Hall, Adam Kennedy, Paul Hudebine and Julia Sibilla.The we have another chat with Aurelio O'Brien, this time he's going to tell us about his collection of bizarre Christmas tree ornaments.  I'll be putting pictures up on Facebook, so check them out.  Aurelio is the author of Family Trees which I reviewed in the last episode.It's a great book, check it out here:https://www.amazon.com/Family-Trees-Aurelio-OBrien/dp/1935927310This episode's version of A Christmas Carol is called Karroll's Christmas.  It's a modern day take on the classic and it could be worse...      it could also be so much better.If you want to watch it, here's a link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MVra6ZTIe4&t=3517sThen Kevin Church shares the story of his worst Christmas present ever.Then we have a book review.  This book is part of the Cozy Mysteries series from Kensington Publishing, they're murder mysteries without the violence or gore.This one is called Death at Holly Lodge by Louise R Innes and I really enjoyed it.  If you like a good mystery it's the perfect read for this time of year.Here's a link:https://www.amazon.com/Death-Holly-Lodge-Thorne-Mystery-ebook/dp/B08RWDCM15Then we chat to Shelli Arnold and Frank the Tank about their Christmas Village.  It was a sight to behold and I'll be putting the pictures up on Facebook.While chatting to Shelli and Frank, Frank (our Curious Christmas Customs Correspondent) told me about Elfapalooza where the people of Mobile, Alabama try and fail to break the world record for the most elves in one place.Then we have 2 world famous chefs teaching us how to cook the perfect roast Turkey and they also sing a rendition of Feliz Navidad.This episode's recommendation is I'm Not Complaining with Robin & Juno.  A lovely podcast where 2 young girls talk about poo.Here's a link:anchor.fm/notcomplainingIf you want to get in touch, here's my email address:[email protected] Christmas