"A Strange Christmas Game" by Charlotte Riddell | More Christmas Stories for Halloween

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 interview with Jimmy Hawkins, the actor who played Tommy Bailey in the original It's a Wonderful Life film! He also produced the tv special that I spoke about in the last episode. Thank you so much Tim for sharing this with us! Then we head up north and about as far east as we can go, to Newfoundland, Canada! We stop in to visit with Glen Warren, who is hard at work on this season of his podcast Season's Eatings. We talk about Christmas traditions, foods, movies, and more that can be found in Canada and especially Newfoundland! (And what's up with that extra half hour time zone difference?) Warning: this episode might make you hungry! Find Glen and his podcast here: https://www.seasonseatingspodcast.com/  And be sure to check out Tim Babb's podcast: Can't Wait for Christmas! https://cantwaitforchristmaspod.com/    Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375  Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas  Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Logo shirt designs: http://tee.pub/lic/edygC_h4D1c    Contact Me: facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozychristmaspodcast  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozychristmaspodcast/  twitter: https://twitter.com/CozyXmasPod  youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCikiozEbu0h9pKeI1Ei5TQ email: [email protected]       #podcast #christmas #christmaspodcast #itsawonderfullife #seasonseatings

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 episode, I sit down with Troy from the Christmas Every Day Podcast! We chat about everything Christmas — favorite drinks, foods, movies, actors who've played Santa, and so much more. His new podcast is fantastic (even if he did put Pumpkin Spice on the naughty list… You can find Troy's podcast here or on all major platforms: https://christmaseverydayshow.podbean.com    Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375  Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas  Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Logo shirt designs: http://tee.pub/lic/edygC_h4D1c    Contact Me: facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozychristmaspodcast  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozychristmaspodcast/  twitter: https://twitter.com/CozyXmasPod  youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCikiozEbu0h9pKeI1Ei5TQ email: [email protected]       Deck the Halls by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100263 Artist: http://incompetech.com/     #podcast #Christmas #christmaspodcast #christmaspodcastday 

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 student in need of a quiet place to study, rents an old house that that belonged to a judge whose cruelty was renowned. While his malignant portrait oversees the room, the rats come out to play... It may surprise you to learn that this tale was first published in a Christmas magazine in 1891. The Victorians, it seems, loved a good ghost story with their holiday cheer! I hope you find this story as delightfully chilling as I did while reading it for you.    Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375  Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas  Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Logo shirt designs: http://tee.pub/lic/edygC_h4D1c    Contact Me: facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozychristmaspodcast  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozychristmaspodcast/  twitter: https://twitter.com/CozyXmasPod  youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCikiozEbu0h9pKeI1Ei5TQ email: [email protected]       Songs used: Epic Unease by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100406 Artist: http://incompetech.com/   Dreamlike by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100410 Artist: http://incompetech.com/   Apprehension - Supernatural Haunting by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100327 Artist: http://incompetech.com/   Midnight in the Graveyard by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/252/midnight-in-the-graveyard Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org   Darkness Speaks by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100364 Artist: http://incompetech.com/   #podcast #Christmas #christmaspodcast #halloween #halloweenstories #ghoststory

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 mysterious end. After several nights of strange noises echoing through the halls, they decide to stay up on Christmas Eve to uncover the truth — and what they discover is most definitely not Santa Claus... Riddell wrote a perfect blend of cozy fireside storytelling and eerie suspense — the kind of story that will make you want to keep the lights on, but still smile at the warmth of a good old-fashioned ghostly yarn. So grab a blanket, light a candle, and join me as we celebrate the spooky season, Victorian style! 👻🎄   Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375  Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas  Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Logo shirt designs: http://tee.pub/lic/edygC_h4D1c    Contact Me: facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozychristmaspodcast  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozychristmaspodcast/  twitter: https://twitter.com/CozyXmasPod  youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCikiozEbu0h9pKeI1Ei5TQ email: [email protected]     #podcast #Christmas #Christmaspodcast #halloween #halloweenstory #christmasstory #ghoststory 

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 his wife who have been forced to haunt the family grounds. Then one Christmas Eve, a young lady arrives with two potential suitors who are seeking to win her affection. Will Sir Hugo be able to lend a (ghostly) helping hand? Also, I take a very quick look at the Saint behind the song "Good King Wenceslas" - which has also has a connection to our story. Who knew the name "Wenceslas" would be so hard to pronounce...  I hope you enjoy today's funny and festive and slightly spooky story!   Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375  Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas  Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Logo shirt designs: http://tee.pub/lic/edygC_h4D1c    Contact Me: facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozychristmaspodcast  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozychristmaspodcast/  twitter: https://twitter.com/CozyXmasPod  youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCikiozEbu0h9pKeI1Ei5TQ email: [email protected]     #podcast #Christmas #christmaspodcast #halloween #halloweenstories #christmasstories #ghoststories

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 tales, but it's a beautiful story full of Christmas hope. I talk with John about his book and some serious subject matter, but we also have a lot of fun talking about our favorite Christmas traditions, memories, and foods.  Find John Holley online: www.johnholley.com  "This Christmas" by John Holley: "Marie Downs lost her husband to cancer last Christmas. Eleven months later, she is grieving the loss of her husband when her drug-addicted daughter disappears in their small town, which is rife with opioid addiction. Marie becomes the caregiver for her two grandchildren as she engages in the dangerous search for her daughter. All the while, she drifts in and out of the memories of her beloved husband of over 40 years. When her daughter turns up in the intensive care unit clinging to life after an overdose, Marie is challenged to face her anger with her daughter and find hope in her life as it is now. This Christmas is a testament to faith in yourself, hope for others and the love of family."   Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375  Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas  Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Logo shirt designs: http://tee.pub/lic/edygC_h4D1c    Contact Me: facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozychristmaspodcast  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozychristmaspodcast/  twitter: https://twitter.com/CozyXmasPod  youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCikiozEbu0h9pKeI1Ei5TQ email: [email protected]   #Christmas #christmaspodcast #podcast

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. Claus helps enrich the imagination of children... and a few of us adults! I hope you enjoy our cozy Christmas conversation! Books: Wondrous Mrs. Claus: A Literary and Pictorial Review of the Christmas Character  What Would Mrs. Claus Do?    Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375  Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas  Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Logo shirt designs: http://tee.pub/lic/edygC_h4D1c    Contact Me: facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozychristmaspodcast  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozychristmaspodcast/  twitter: https://twitter.com/CozyXmasPod  youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCikiozEbu0h9pKeI1Ei5TQ email: [email protected]     #podcast #christmaspodcast #christmas #mrsclaus #santaclaus  

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 update on the book club. We'd love to have you join us as we read Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jaqueline Frost, a cozy mystery set on a Maine Christmas Tree Farm!      Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375  Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas  Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Logo shirt designs: http://tee.pub/lic/edygC_h4D1c    Contact Me: facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozychristmaspodcast  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozychristmaspodcast/  twitter: https://twitter.com/CozyXmasPod  youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCikiozEbu0h9pKeI1Ei5TQ email: [email protected]       #podcast #Christmas #christmaspodcast #christmasstory

🚀 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 holiday hopes, life updates, and plenty of laughs along the way. 🎄 Finally, I wrap things up with a special reading of "A Letter from Santa Claus" by Mark Twain. 🎅📜 Some parts of the episode came from this article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_8#  Books Mentioned: The 12 Slays of Christmas by Jaqueline Frost The Story of Apollo 8 by Robert Zimmerman    Timestamps: 00:00 Apollo 8 14:36 Bookclub Update 16:07 Christmas Conversation with Grace 37:53 Story Introduction 39:36 A Letter From Santa Claus by Mark Twain 45:30 Concluding Thoughts #podcast #Christmas #Christmaspodcast #apollo8 #apollo Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375  Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas  Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Logo shirt designs: http://tee.pub/lic/edygC_h4D1c    Contact Me: facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozychristmaspodcast  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozychristmaspodcast/  twitter: https://twitter.com/CozyXmasPod  youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCikiozEbu0h9pKeI1Ei5TQ email: [email protected]  

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 their timeless winter scenes. For our story today, I read the first two Christmas chapters of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. The March sisters' creativity, generosity, and joy shine through—whether in giving to a family in need, receiving an unexpected gift from a kind neighbor, or staging a delightfully chaotic homebased theatre performance. Together, they remind us that the best gifts we give (and receive) are always the most heartfelt. Book Recommendation: Irish Soda Bread Murder by Carlene O'Connor Bookshop.org affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/56283/9781496751089  Timestamps: 00:00 Christmas Art & Creativity, Currier & Ives, and More 08:25 Cozy Christmas Book Corner  13:10 Introduction to Little Women 15:15 Little Women, Chapter 1: Playing Pilgrims 39:32 Little Women, Chapter 2: A Merry Christmas   Ways to support the show: Rate and review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cozy-christmas-podcast/id1523423375  Buy me a coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas  Ornaments, Mugs, and Notebooks: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Logo shirt designs: http://tee.pub/lic/edygC_h4D1c    Contact Me: facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozychristmaspodcast  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozychristmaspodcast/  twitter: https://twitter.com/CozyXmasPod  youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCikiozEbu0h9pKeI1Ei5TQ email: [email protected]       #podcast #christmaspodcast #littlewomen #christmasbooks #cozychristmas