Celebrating 150 Episodes: chatting with Gracie, a Matchstick Mouse, and an... A.I. Christmas?

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

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 traditions and then talk about Burl Ives and his classic song "Holly Jolly Christmas". Then we turn to a more serious discussion on how to find joy when times are hard. We end the episode reflecting on what we are thankful for - and Ken reminds me that the happy memories I have of those who are past, and those who are with me in the present, are a precious gift.  Also, there is a special video version of this episode on youtube, you might want to check it out! Ken's Podcast: North Pole News Dispatch https://www.buzzsprout.com/1947413  On the Porch Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2152398    Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 04:27 Interview with Ken Smith - talking about Thanksgiving, food, and Burl Ives 40:00 When life is hard, being thankful for memories, and for the present 54:30 What we are thankful for 01:04:27 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 #thanksgiving2024 #thanksgiving

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 Christmas children's book, Double Trouble and the Upside Christmas Tree, and some of the new adventures the book has brought this year for him and his family. Next, we talk about Christmas parades and some of the important rules you'll want to remember if you're ever in one (Hint: don't get stuck behind the horses...) Next, Tyler shares memories of the Christmas parades in his hometown of Boonville, Indiana. We also reminisce about the power of Christmas ornaments to unlock cherished memories of the past. And finally, hold on to your taste buds, because we dive into the delicious world of festive holiday treats, including a mouthwatering Braided Nutella Star Bread that will leave you craving all the Christmas desserts! So grab a cup of cocoa and join us for this festive and flavorful holiday chat! Tyler's Book and Website: https://www.tylergmitchell.com/  Recipe for the Braided Nutella Star Bread: https://www.elmundoeats.com/braided-nutella-star-bread/ and don't forget to sprinkle on the powedered sugar! If you live near Boonville, the parade is Sunday, December 8th from 2-5pm. Here's the facebook page, and if you go let me know how it went! And be sure to say hi Tyler for me! https://www.facebook.com/events/916980196482998?active_tab=about    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 #christmasfoods #christmastreats

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 John and his books online at: https://www.johntheo.com/ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:20 It's a Wonderful Life Discussion 13:20 Santa Claus & St. Nicholas 25:49 Favorite Christmas Films 28:08 Favorite Christmas music 31:34 Christmas Memories and traditions 39:02 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 #christmasstories

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 story, and then stay tuned for Friday, as I have John Theo back on the podcast as a guest and we talk about this story and more.  Find out more about John Theo at https://www.johntheo.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 #Podcast #christmaspodcast

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 reindeer are not able to fly! What could the problem be, and will they figure out a solution before Christmas is canceled?  I am so grateful for Kevin sharing his beautiful story with us! You can find his Christmas books and other books he's written at https://kevinmoorepublishing.com/  This Month's Cozy Christmas Bookclub Pick: Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna White! (bookshop.org affiliate link) Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction, Book Club Updates, News, etc. 03:37 Introduction of the story 05:32 The Rag Tag Sleigh Flyers 43:22 Conclusion   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