Episodes
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Santa Claus is Real | A Conversation with Director Brandon Rice
Today we're taking a peek "behind the beard"! My guest today is Brandon Rice, who is the director of a new documentary called "Behind the Beard: Making Santa Real". It is a fantastic film that takes a look at the people who perform as Santa and the history and traditions behind it. Dressing as...
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Meet the Santa Princess!
Today my guest is the amazing Santa Princess herself, Shannon Cunningham. In our interview we talk about her book, The Santa Princess, and the importance of kindness, caroling, and Christmas magic for people of all ages! Today we'll also find out about her merry mission: to bring the…
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The Shadow of Christmas Present
Happy October! We are hurtling through the Ber months, and I can't believe that October is already half over. In today's episode I read you another cozy Christmas story. It's called "The Shadow of Christmas Present" by Willis Allen Boyd. In the story our main character just finished reading A...
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The Errors of Santa Claus by Stephen Leacock
Happy end of September everyone! In today's episode I talk about a couple of Christmas books I've read recently, and I read you a funny little story by Canadian humorist Stephen Leacock. It's called "The Errors of Santa Claus", and I think it might be a story that many of you can relate with....
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Misletoe, Murder & Mayhem: A Conversation with Author Kim Harrington
Hello and welcome to the Cozy Christmas Podcast! Today's episode is a joint venture with my other podcast, The Bookshelf Odyssey, and I will be interviewing author Kim Harrington. She has a brand new book out just in time for the Christmas season called "A Killer for Christmas". It's described as...
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The Saint Who Saved Christmas
We made it to the 'Ber months! In today's episode of a Cozy Christmas Podcast, I'll tell you the story of a saint I learned about who LITERALLY saved Christmas. We'll find out about St. Aphrodisius, and his connection to Christmas, and what lessons we can learn from his life. And then I read you...
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Christmas Under the Snow by Olive Thorne Miller
Hello, and Merry Christmas everyone! So it's been awhile... but I'm so glad to be back, bringing you all the cozy Christmas vibes and classic stories of our favorite holiday season. In today's episode, I take a few minutes to share some family updates and tell you how our last Christmas went.…
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The Cratchit Family Christmas: A Cozy Christmas Eve 2025
Merry Christmas! We made it. It's the most wonderful day of the year: Christmas Eve. Today, I wanted to share a few thoughts about the year behind us, what this Christmas journey has meant to me, and of course, read a story with you. I'll be reading from Charles Dickens's script of his one-man...
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Stitching Christmas: with special guest Elizabeth Duke
Happy Christmas week, everyone! Is your shopping finished yet? Have you baked any good cookies? Today, I'm inviting you to pause for a moment and reflect on creativity, especially the beauty of bringing a handmade, home-crafted touch to Christmas. My guest is Elizabeth Duke, whose passion is...
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Mrs. Claus Takes a Turn!
Merry Christmas! Today I'm back to spend a little more time with Mrs. Claus, and yes, the Christmas vibes are cranked all the way up! I share some traditions and memories sent in by listeners, then review a delightful new book, What Would Mrs. Claus Do? by Pamela McColl and Lindsay Stewart. I…
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The Lights of Christmas - an interivew with Author Makennah Johnston
One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the lights! My guest today is new author Makennah Johnston, who has just published a wonderful children's story called "The McBrights": "Every Christmas Eve, the McBrights dazzle from the branches of the Evergreen Tree in Henbrook's town square, warming...
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Celebrating 25 Years of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
Hello and Merry Christmas! My guest today is podcast host and the only man who dares enter the Grinch's lair, Tim Babb from the "Can't Wait for Christmas" podcast! Tim and I get together to talk about one of our favorite Christmas movies, 2000's "Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas"…
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Christmas is a Holiday of Stories: an interview with author Roseanna M. White
Today my guest is Roseanna M. White, and she has a new Christmas novella out called "The Christmas Book Flood". It's a story about family, romance, and books. Specifically, the Icelandic tradition of jolabokaflod! In our conversation we talk about her book and Christmas traditions found in…
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Advent with The Theology Bros, (with Thom Crowe and Gerry Davilla)
In today's episode, the Theology Bros. (aka Art, Gerry, and Thom!) gather to talk about Advent—what it is, why it matters, and how we can celebrate it in meaningful ways. The Advent season is just a few days away, and people observe it in all sorts of traditions and styles. We'd love to hear how...
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"Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen" A Thanksgiving story by O. Henry
Happy Thanksgiving Week, everyone! Today I'll be reading a Thanksgiving story titled "Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen" by the legendary short story master O. Henry. It's a funny and thoughtful tale about two men bound by tradition… but I won't spoil anything! After the story, I chat a bit about…
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Scurryfunge, Yule-Hole, and Grinch: Christmas Words with Grace Tierney
What in the world is a "scurryfunge"? Have you ever used a Yule-hole? What is the history and story behind names like "Grinch" and "Ebenezer Scrooge"? If you've ever wondered about such things, then you're in luck! Because today my guest is author, word expert, and Christmas enthusiast Grace...
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Lill's Travels In Santa Claus Land: A Christmas Story
Have you ever wondered how does Santa make all the toys? How does he keep track of the naughty and nice list? Where is his village located? In today's episode, I'm reading the cozy children's story "Lill's Travels In Santa Claus Land" by Ellis Towne, Sophie May, and Ella Farman. In this charming...
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It's a Canadian Christmas! with Glen Warren from Season's Eatings
Merry November everyone! I've got another jam-packed episode today! First of all, we circle back to last week's episode topic and I share some more information about the 1990's tv special, Merry Christmas George Bailey! Christmas Podcast Network roving reporter Tim Babb shares an exclusive...
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It's a Wonderful Life When It's Christmas Every Day!
Happy November, everyone! As we kick off the Christmas Podcast Network's annual Christmas Podcast Day, I'm starting things off with a look at a fun version of It's a Wonderful Life — a televised stage play from the 1990s starring Bill Pullman as George Bailey. Then, for the main part of the...
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"The Judge's House" by Bram Stoker | Christmas Stories for Halloween
Happy Halloween! Tonight or tomorrow little trick or treaters will be out getting candy... what a perfect time to listen another spooky Christmas story for Halloween! Tonight's tale is called "The Judge's House", by the master of horror Bram Stoker. The story seems simple enough - a college…
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"A Strange Christmas Game" by Charlotte Riddell | More Christmas Stories for Halloween
It's Halloween Week on A Cozy Christmas Podcast, and I'm celebrating by reading another spooky but cozy Victorian Christmas tale. This week, I'm reading "A Strange Christmas Game" by Charlotte Riddell — A brother and sister inherit an old, possibly haunted house whose previous owner met a...
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Sir Hugo's Prayer by G. B. Burgin | More Christmas Stories for Halloween
Happy Spooky Month everyone! As the autumn weather finally arrives here in Iowa, I am in the mood to read some excellent Christmas ghost stories that are perfect for the Halloween season. Today's story is called Sir Hugo's Prayer by G. B. Burgin. It's a humorous tale of the ghostly Sir Hugo and…
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"This Christmas" with John Holley
In today's episode, I interview author John Holley about his new Christmas book "This Christmas". It tells the story of Marie Downs, who is not only grieving the loss of her husband, but has also had to step in and take care of her grandkids. It's a book that might not seem as cozy as our usual...
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All About Mrs. Claus
Today I talk to Pamela McColl about her two new books on Mrs. Claus! In our discussion we talk about the history and development of the character of Mrs. Claus, and how she is often portrayed. We also speak about lessons we can learn from her, and how celebrating Christmas with Santa and Mrs.…
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Angela's Christmas: A Classic Christmas Story by Julia Schayer
Welcome to the ber months! Today I'll be reading a short story called Angela's Christmas by Julia Schayer. It tells the story of a young lady who wants to help those in need. Will her small act of kindness be enough to help a poor, desperate, and lonely woman on Christmas Eve? I also give a quick...
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Christmas at the Moon - Christmas 1968
🚀 In today's out-of-this-world Christmas episode, I take you back to 1968 and the historic Apollo 8 mission—the very first journey around the moon, celebrated on Christmas Eve. 🌙✨ Then I'm joined by my daughter Grace for a cozy chat about decorating for Christmas in our new home, sharing…
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Creative Christmas Cheer: Using creativity to spread the joy of Christmas!
Welcome back to A Cozy Christmas Podcast! Summer's heat can make it hard to feel the Christmas spirit, but it's still there—waiting to be found and shared! In this episode, I talk about how creativity can spread joy—especially Christmas joy—and I take a moment to reflect on Currier & Ives and…
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What Was in that Mince Pie?
I'm finally behind the microphone again, bringing you all the cozy Christmas vibes as we countdown to Christmas 2025. Today, I read an Irish Christmas Story called "Frank Forrest's Mince-Pie" by Fr. Patrick Augustine Sheehan. It tells the story of a young man named Frank who has some strange...
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Christmas Day in the Bush by Samuel Sydney | A Cozy Christmas Story for Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day... (checks calendar)... belatedly! In today's episode I share some thrilling updates about the weather in Iowa, give some great ideas on how to make your Valentine's Day Christmas themed, and then read the Australian set Christmas story titled: Christmas Day in the Bush, by...
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Selections from Kilvert's Diary - Happy New Year 2025!
Happy New Year, everyone! Welcome to a brand-new season of A Cozy Christmas Podcast! In today's episode, I'll be sharing some Christmas and winter-themed selections from Kilvert's Diary. Francis Kilvert was an English clergyman in the Victorian era who kept beautifully detailed journals of rural...
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A Cozy Christmas Eve 2024
Merry Christmas! In today's special Christmas Eve episode, I have several little readings and stories to share with you, along with another fun discussion about Christmas with my daughter Gracie. Today we talk about her favorite Christmas cookies, movies, and she shares some tips on how to show...
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Old Christmas, Part 3 of 3
Happy Christmas week! Today I finish reading Old Christmas by Washington Irving. In the story our narrator enjoys a fun Christmas Day at Bracebridge Hall and participates in a lot of the older traditions. Christmas is just a few days away! I hope you're ready for it! Ways to support the show…
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Gracie's Favorite Christmas Memories, and "Old Christmas" Part 2 of 3
In today's episode, my daughter Grace comes back to talk about her favorite Christmas traditions and memories. We also talk about some recent romantic Christmas movies I've seen lately. Then, for our cozy story, I read Chapter 3 of "Old Christmas" by Washington Irving. In the chapter today, our...
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Celebrating 150 Episodes: chatting with Gracie, a Matchstick Mouse, and an... A.I. Christmas?
There is a bit of a festive spirit around the Cozy Christmas Lodge today... we are celebrating 150 episodes! I want to thank you all for your support and participation in what has become one of the most creatively satisfying experiences of my life. So today we start off by looking to the future…
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"Old Christmas" by Washington Irving, Part 1 of 3
Today I have the first part of a longer story called Old Christmas by Washington Irving. Published in 1815, it explores some of the roots of our Christmas traditions as the main character visits a friend at Bracebridge Hall during Christmas to experience an old fashioned Christmas! It's a story...
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Christmas Cookies with a Dash of Arsenic... An Interview with Cozy Mystery Writer Jessica Thompson
Do these cookies taste funny to you? It must mean we are talking about cozy mysteries on The Cozy Christmas Podcast! Today cozy mystery writer Jessica Thompson returns to the show to talk with me about a new Christmas-themed short story collection coming out called "A Cookie of a Scoundrel". We...
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Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor: Interview with Author Roseanna M. White
Forget Downton Abbey - We're heading to Sugar Plum Manor! In today's episode I talk to author Roseanna M. White. She has a new Christmas romance set in the Edwardian-Era England! "Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor" draws inspiration from the Nutcracker and weaves a magical tale of love and friendship...
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The Gift of the Present: Thanksgiving with Ken Smith from the North Pole News Dispatch
Happy Thanksgiving! In today's episode my guest is Ken Smith from the North Pole News Dispatch - one of my favorite Christmas podcasts! Fans of good food, good friends, and good music will enjoy the first part of our discussion where we chat about everything from Thanksgiving recipes and…
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Spreading Christmas Joy (and Nutella): It's Another Double Trouble Holiday! with guest Tyler G. Mitchell
It's time for another Double-Trouble Holiday, one guaranteed to leave you hungry... In this episode of the Cozy Christmas Podcast, I begin with a few reflections on this past year and share some personal thanksgiving thoughts. Then Author Tyler Mitchell returns to chat about his heartwarming...
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It's a Wonderful Life, Santa Claus, & St. Nicholas: an interview with author John Theo
Today I interview author John Theo, author of the short story "Christmas in Bedford Falls" which was read in our last episode! Now, John stops by to chat about his story and the movie "It's a Wonderful Life", his article about the history of Santa Claus and St. Nicholas, his books, and more! Find...
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Christmas in Bedford Falls - Read by the Author, John Theo
Have you ever wondered what happened to some of the characters in Bedford Falls after the events of "It's a Wonderful Life"? My guest today is author John Theo, and he wondered the same thing and has written a piece of fan fiction exploring that very thing. Get ready for a wonderful new cozy…
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The Rag Tag Sleigh Flyers by Kevin Moore - An Original Christmas Story!
In today's episode, author Kevin Moore returns to read us a story from his recent collection entitled "Christmas Stories, Vol. 2". The story is called "The Rag Tag Sleigh Flyers", and it's a heartwarming story set at the North Pole. Henry the Elf is in trouble. It's almost Christmas and Santa's...
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Christmas: a Holiday like No Other - an Interview with Author Kevin Moore
Today I sit down with author Kevin Moore who has published two volumes of Christmas stories. First we talk about the joy that Christmas can bring, even during difficult times (which has been the unofficial theme of my podcast this year!). Then we dig into his book and talk about some of the short...
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Little Roger's Night in the Church by Susan Coolidge | Cozy Christmas Story Time
Hello everyone! Today's episode was intended for Halloween, then it was intended for Christmas Podcast Day, then it was intended for yesterday... But it's here now, so better late than never, right?! In today's episode I talk about another delicious recipe I tried - Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins.…
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Christmas in the Frozen Regions
In today's episode, I share another fun recipe suitable for fall, talk a little bit about the Cozy Christmas Book Club, then I read Robert McCormick's article that was written for Charles Dickens' magazine Household Words in December of 1850. Dickens himself probably wrote the introduction and...
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Prepping for Fall - Cool weather, Apple Crisp, and "The Cop and the Anthem" by O. Henry
Happy October everyone! In today's episode I share how I am getting ready for the fall weather - it mostly involves apple crisp! I'd love to hear from you and some of your favorite recipes to make during the fall and Christmas season! I hope your plans for fall come together better than the main...
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When Christmas is Hard: Reclaiming the Joy of Christmas with Alexandra Walker
Let's face it - sometimes, Christmas can be hard. But does that mean we have to lose the joy of Christmas forever? My guest today is Alexandra Walker - and she has just written a fantastic book called "Reclaiming Christmas" in which she explores her story of how Christmas was a difficult time for...
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Holmes for the Holidays: The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Happy September! Now that the Ber months are upon, the holiday games are afoot... Join me today as I read Sherlock Holmes' one and only Christmas story, The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle. I'll also share some thoughts about Holmes and the story, give some podcast updates, and more! Ways to...
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Christmas in the Alley: A Christmas Story by Olive Thorne Miller
Happy Leon Day! (A day late - sorry about that...) Today I share a couple of Christmas book recommendations, and read you a cozy Christmas story called Christmas in the Alley by Olive Thorne Miller. Ann is a poor old washer woman with a heart of gold. Her husband is curmudgeon who just wants his...
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Coffee, Cookies, and a Norwegian Christmas Story
Happy June everyone! In today's episode I share a few quick life updates on why I've been gone so long, and then we get right into the Christmas goodness. In today's episode I explore a little bit of my Norwegian heritage by talking about some of my favorite Christmas coffee, some treats and...