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 Christmas dreams about Mince pies, an act of kindness - and of course, what Victorian Christmas story would be complete without some ghostly visitors! I also recommend a book of Christmas stories and share some Irish Christmas traditions!  Timestamps: 00:00 Life Update! 05:00 Cozy Book Corner: Book Recommendation - The Valancourt etc 08:45 Christmas Traditions in Ireland - National Museum of Ireland 15:52 Story Intro 17:14 Frank Forrest’s Mince-Pie by Francis Augustine Sheehan 32:07 Reflections and Closing Thoughts       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]        #cozy #christmas #christmaspodcast #podcast

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 Samuel Sydney.  Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Declaring Open Season on Groundhogs (aka a weather report) 02:36 Belated Christmas Themed Valentine's Day Celebrations 06:59 Story Introduction - Christmas in Australia once again 11:23 Christmas Story: “Christmas Day in the Bush by Samuel Sydney 22:43 Concluding Thoughts   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]     It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 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=USUAN1100191 Artist: http://incompetech.com/   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/     #Christmas #christmasstories #christmaspodcast

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 life and ministry from 1870 to 1879. His descriptions of nature and the people around him are an absolute delight to read. However, I do want to give a quick heads-up—some of the entries I’ll be reading touch on themes of loss and grief. I debated whether to include them, but ultimately, I felt they provide an honest and heartfelt glimpse into life during that time. In addition to today’s readings, I’ll also chat about the new year, some potential plans, and more. I hope you’ll join me!   Timestamp 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Reflections on Christmas 2024 04:51 Introducing The Diaries of Reverend Francis Kilvert 07:52 Kilvert's Diary - Selections 38:33 Wrapping Up   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 #Newyear #Christmaspodcast #victorian #victorianlit 

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 kindness to the people you love during Christmas time. You won't want to miss this one! And get ready, because Gracie comes in with some hot takes on Jim Carrey's Grinch movie. Please no hate mail. We like what we like... (Note: sorry for the continued bad audio from my mic during our Ask Gracie Anything segment. I'll get it figured out!) As I wrap up Christmas 2024, I just want you all to know that I so appreciate your continued support! Thank you for listening! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction from "Around the Yule Log" by Willis Boyd Allen 05:53 Ask Gracie Anything - Cookies, Movies, Kindness 24:53 Story: The Christmas Present by Richmal Crompton 36:10 Brief update on the new season in 2025 38:18 Story: The Story of Christmas, by Nora A. Smith    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 #cozychristmas #christmaspodcast

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: 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 #christmaspodcastd

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 narrator arrives at Bracebridge Hall on Christmas Eve, and continues to observe the old traditions.  If you have a questions for Gracie, let me know and it might appear on an upcoming episode! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:22 Ask Gracie Anything: Favorite Christmas Traditions and Memories 13:38 "Old Christmas, Chapter 3: Christmas Eve" by Washington Irving 39:19 Concluding Thoughts   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

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 of Christmas Celebrations, and see what kind of Christmas songs and stories A.I. can make up. While it doesn't go horribly wrong, it does feel kind of... soulless. Then I read a charming children's story called "Matchstick Mouse: Merry Little Christmas" which is written by one of our faithful listeners, Morgan O'Brien! Then I finally am able to sit down with Gracie and catch up on her life. We talk about the "Home for the Holidays" variety show we participated in, including all the details about the Christmas Carol skit. Then we talked about the musical "Wicked", Christmas Music, and the first question of a new segment called Ask Gracie Anything, in which I try to explain who and what the Glo-Friends were. Buy Matchstick Mouse: Merry Little Christmas: (Amazon) or Bookshop.org (affiliate link) Timestamps 00:00 The 150th Episode Introduction and updates 02:28 An AI Christmas Story 15:29 Matchstick Mouse: Merry Little Christmas 23:34 Gracie Christmas Chat 45:17 The Holiday Variety Show 49:05 Concluding Thoughts     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 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 that explores nostalgia and tradition, and is a lot of fun to read!   So settle in by the fire, grab some egg nog or Christmas tea, and enjoy today’s story!       Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the story 02:39 Old Christmas Chapter 1: Christmas 16:11 Old Christmas Chapter 2: The Stage-Coach 32:01 Concluding thoughts   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

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 talk a bit about her series, The Caterer's Guide to Crime, along with some of our favorite Christmas foods. We talk about some our favorite Christmas reads, our mutual love of A Christmas Carol, and more! Find Jessica Online and order her books at: https://jessicathompsonauthor.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]           #christmaspodcast #christmas #cozymysteries

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 at Christmastime. This is also the book we're reading in our Cozy Christmas bookclub.  In my fun and cozy conversation with Roseanna, we talk about her book and writing journey, and how The Nutcracker inspired her story. We also dig into all the fun topics of Christmas - movies, music, food, memories, traditions, and more!  Roseanna M. White online: https://www.roseannamwhite.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]        #christmas #christmaspodcast #podcast #authorinterview