The Audio Advent Calendar

SURPRISE! Just when you thought you were out, we pulled you back in! But seriously, we wanted to do one more show as a gift to our friend Matt as well as a thank-you to all of you. We hope you enjoy this discussion of a special we didn't even know existed until about 2 weeks ago! Merry Christmas, Matt!

Today's the day, folks! The big man has come and gone, the goose is roasting on an open fire, chestnuts are singing under the misteltoe....it gets weird around our house, folks. We hope you've enjoyed this journey as much as we have, and we hope you enjoy our discussion about our favorite Santa Claus portrayals and our favorite memories from holidays past.  See you next year!

You knew we'd get there eventually. It's time for us to talk about our favorite Christmas movies! How much Chevy Chase or Jim Varney will show up? Only one way to find out!

What, you thought Rankin & Bass were the only game in town? No way, there are a TON of Christmas Specials produced elsewhere, and today we discuss those! Hope you enjoy!

Today we're focusing on the Reason for the Christmas season as we discuss our favorite hymns or songs that celebrate the religious side of the holiday season. As always, Pam has facts and Jeff has stories. Enjoy!

Today we share our favorite Christmas songs from the radio (and TV and Film, actually). We finally have one bit of overlap, but we handled it well, I think. What are our favorite songs? You'll have to listen to find out!

For our first non-review show we wanted to share with you our favorite holiday-themed episodes of television shows. We'll be back tomorrow with another fun-filled festive list! Hope you enjoy!

Rankin Bass took a looooong (16 years) Winter's nap between their previous special and their final Christmas special. Santa Baby premiered in 2001! You didn't know about that, did you? Neither did we! Listen and learn what Christmas is all about, baby!

Didn't we just do this? Rankin Bass did a few origins of Santa Claus, and this was their last attempt. Was it their best? Having L. Frank Baum along for the ride didn't hurt, but you'll have to listen to find out for sure!!! HO HA HO!!!!!

It's time for those 2 favorite Christmas traditions: Leprechauns and Banshees!! Yeah, we were as confused as you are. Just trust us, this one is better than it sounds, but not as good as it should be. We still enjoyed it, and we hope you will enjoy this episode!

If we said we loved this special, our noses MIGHT grow just a smidge. Seriously, there's quite a bit to like about today's show, but is it enough to make up for all the things we DON'T like? Listen and find out!

BRRRR Is it chilly in here to anyone else? Must be that rascal Jack Frost! Today, Pam and Jeff discuss a special that isn't QUITE Christmassy, but it's still charming, and we hope you enjoy the discussion. Just be sure to have the cocoa and a sweater ready!

Wow. Rankin Bass really started swinging for the fences in 1979. This one is a feature-length movie that played theatrically for about a week before premiering on TV just around Thanksgiving. Were their efforts noble and appreciated? Weeeeellllll......maybe you wanna listen to this show before you find out for yourself. 

Did we really need ANOTHER retelling of A Christmas Carol? Actually, this time, we did! Tom Bosley and Walter Matthau make this one magical! Listen and find out just how magical!

Oh boy, folks, this is gonna be a tough one. We have finally reached a special that neither Jeff nor Pam can fathom anyone enjoying. Nestor is a rehash of Rudolph but without the fun. Content warning: We discuss parental death, bullying, and just general sadness. It's not THAT dark, but it's worth mentioning.  ENJOY! (Or try to!)

It's another sequel! Rankin/Bass were REALLY trying to make sequels happen in the mid-70s. Did it work this time? Weeeell....it depends on your definition of "work" because Pam and Jeff didn't get a lot of mileage out of this one, but they did find a few things to enjoy. What were they? Listen and find out!

The next Christmas special from Rankin Bass is about....New Years?? That's right, they gave us a post-Christmas special, but aired it BEFORE Christmas. Make it make sense! Luckily, the special itself is terrific and we think you'll love it if you haven't seen it before. 

What's this? A SEQUEL? Yep! And it's not the last! We have a few sequels coming up, but Frosty got there first. Does this revisit hold up as well as the OG Frosty? Listen and find out!

Today's episode has a clunky title and that is fitting because this special was...awkard. This is another new one for both Jeff and Pam. Did they feel holly and jolly and all that jazz? Listen and find out!

Heeeeeee's Mister White Christmas, He's Mister Snow!!!! It's time to talk about the Miser brothers....for a few minutes. This special is famous for the Snow Miser and Heat Miser, but they only account for a small fraction of the runtime! Did this one hold up for Pam as the best of the bunch? Listen and find out!

So there's this clock, and this mouse, and Santa has a fragile ego, so all these kids have to sing...what? Rankin Bass got a little experimental with this one, I think. Listen in and find out what happens when Santa thinks people don't believe in him (hint: it doesn't make him try harder). And do yourself a favor and listen to this recording of Art Carney just SLAYING the original poem: https://ww...

Another day, another Rankin Bass special! This time out it's Pam's favorite, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. Jeff never saw this one as a kid, which is a shame because it is AWESOME!!! How awesome, you may wonder? Listen and find out!

HAAAAAAPPY BOITHDAAAAAY!!!!! Yeah, it's Christmastime, but it's also apparently Frosty's birthday! Today our Merry Duo discusses the first of the RB specials featuring everyone's favorite living snowman, FROSTY! Does this traditional animation hold up as well or better than The Cricket On The Hearth? You'll have to listen to find out!

They told us to show up, so, Pa-Rum-Pah-Pum-Pum I guess. Today we discuss The Little Drummer boy and Jeff reveals how he didn't understand much of anything as a kid.  Enjoy!

Welcome back! We're so glad you decided to join us again! Today the topic is that other classic R/B special....The Cricket On The Hearth.  Yeah, look, neither of us had ever heard of this one, either. If you are a fan and have grown up with it, we'd love to hear your thoughts! See you tomorrow!