The Christmas Stocking

It’s time for a Christmas story. This one’s really nice. Make sure you’re caught up with all the episodes at MyChristmasStocking.net. Keep up with the show on Facebook. Oh–I didn’t mention in the open that the closing of the episode mentions a song that I won’t be re-releasing. That was in 2014. Thanks for sticking with […]

A local tradition in upstate New York, the peppermint pigs are spreading around the country and the world thanks to the internet. Michael requested it! Call the Christmas Stocking anytime at 323-487-12-25 . All the episodes are at that address, too. Join the party on Facebook and tell me where you spend your social media time, or just online social time. […]

Erin in Arkansas wanted to hear about the 80s again. Did you love any of these toys? Let me know on  Facebook, which is pretty much where you can find me these days. And of course MyChristmasStocking.net. Also, call (323) 487-12-25 and share what Christmas IS to you! Click here to download the show to your device. Featured music: “Infant […]

They’re more popular than ever–and they’ve been around a long time!  Like the show on Facebook. What does Christmas mean to you? Call me at (323) 487-4225.  Find all the episodes at MyChristmasStocking.net Click here to download the show to your device. Featured music: “A Star Shall Rise Up Out of Jacob” by BYU Combined Choirs and Orchestra from &#...

Dave in Texas wanted to hear about the Christmas Pickle. It’s actually real! Sort of. Let me know what to talk about on Facebook. All the episodes are at  MyChristmasStocking.net. Thanks to Dave in Arizona for your gift to the show! Go to MyChristmasStocking.net to give to the show, and encourage me to get back […]

From Christmas 2009: Most of us probably know why we put Christmas Seals on our envelopes and packages, but do you know where they came from? You will. Go to MyChristmasStocking.net for more. Join us on Facebook. Click here to download the show to your device. Featured music: “Wake Up, It’s Christmas!” by Peter Combe Buy at AmazonMP3 Get the […]

From Christmas ’06: The most anticipated shopping day of the year for many shoppers, the most dreaded for others, and for retail employees: Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. What’s up with such a forboding name for such a fun day? We’ll get into that and more on the Christmas Stocking. The music’s a bit […]

From Thanksgiving 2009: The Christmas season has returned, and we look at smaller parades around the country. Go to MyChristmasStocking.net to find a lot more. Call me at 323-487-1225. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking. NET.   And join us on Facebook. Click here to download the show to your device. Featured music:“Season of Joy” by Sounds Of Blackness from […]

From Christmas 2009: The day after Christmas means more shopping for many Americans. But for those who celebrate Boxing Day…okay, it means more shopping for them, too. But there’s even more to it! Have a suggestion for the ChristmasStocking?  Go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you […]

From Christmas 2011: Merry Christmas! We know Rudolph’s story, more or less, but how did his story come to light?   We’re here all year on Facebook, Twitter.com/XmasStocking, and Google+. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net and keep coming back to MyChristmasStocking.net whenever you need some Christmas. Click here to download the sh...

From Christmas 2010: Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy it. Stay in touch on Twitter.com/XmasStocking and our Facebook page. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net. Other ways to communicate and a lot more are at MyChristmasStocking.net. Click here to download the show to your device. Featured music: “Santa’s On His Way” by The Pipettesfrom “Santa’s On His...

From Christmas 2010: I love the dancing twins, the pink aluminum Christmas tree, and everything else about A Charlie Brown Christmas. We go behind the scenes. Many ways to get involved. I post a ton of Christmas info on Twitter.com/XmasStocking, and will reply if you message me. The  Facebook page is hopping, too. Email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking. NET. And what do...

From Christmas 2008: In this super-stuffed Christmas Stocking episode, one of my favorite Christmas stories. I hope you enjoy it. Find info at MyChristmasStocking.net. If you have any stories or poems you would like to be shared on The Christmas Stocking, you can email me: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking. NET.  Also follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on...

From Christmas 2009: A Mini Irish Christmas Music Spectacular! Info, music and Christmas traditions from a listener who emailed TopElf at MyChristmasStocking. NET. You can be on the Christmas Stocking. Just go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number.  My voicemail will call you for free, and you can mark your number private. Follow […]

All of the represented episodes (will probably) have intros. This one is from Christmas 2008: A lot happened in the first half of the 20th century, and we look at how Christmas was affected. More at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking. NET.   Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on Facebook. And talk to me be on MyChristmas...

From Christmas ’07: A change of pace this episode. Suzy Clemens, the daughter of Mark Twain, received at least one letter from Santa Claus. Can you imagine? That would be so cool! We will look over her shoulder and read it. Let me know what you think of this special episode at MyChristmasStocking.net. Or email me: TopElf at […]

From Christmas ’07: A lot of what we know as Christmas came from the Victorian era, and some earlier traditions that we enjoy today were revived in the Victorian era. Call us at (323) 487-1225. Tell us your favorite traditions at MyChristmasStocking.net. Or email me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking. NET. Click here to download the show to your device. Background […]

You’ll find a little introduction before the episode. From Christmas ’06: The centerpiece of holiday decorating is the Christmas tree. Why do we bring a tree inside the house and put pretty baubles on it? Where did that tradition come from? We’ll answer those questions and more on the Christmas Stocking. Comment atMyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf […]

The story of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” is a bit fuzzy. We’ll see if we can focus it a little. Just a little. Plus bonus songs you’ll love! I do.  Email me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking. NET. Call (323) 487-12-25. Follow the Christmas Stocking on Facebook and Twitter @XmasStocking. Thanks to the generous souls who have given to the show at […]

It’s not Christmas without Christmas lights. Well, at least these days. How did the electric ones develop and get popular? We’ll talk about that and more. Every episode is at MyChristmasStocking.net, along with a lot more, including video and some pictures. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking. NET. Call (323) 487-12-25. Find the Christmas Stocking on Twitter @XmasStocking and Facebook...

Rereleasing the show again! Another episode from the first season back in 2006. I wrote, “How was a Middle Ages Christmas different? For one thing, no one got an iPod.” I guess our Christmases have more in common with the Middle Ages now than when I first presented it. Find out how they celebrated way […]

From all the way back in 2006! Back then I started the season the day before Thanksgiving, so I assumed, correctly, I’m sure, that everyone listening had already seen the parade. Well, I’m even later this year. And the info is 12 years old. I don’t know how many episodes I’ll be able to get […]

Happy Labor Day weekend! Still summer! (At least when I’m posting.) It’s been a crazy year. It’s a mostly-favorites (mine) spectacular this year, with a couple of special previously unplayed songs I think you’ll like. Thank you for your gifts to the Christmas Stocking. MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. They mean a lot. The Christmas Stocking is on Twitter (@XmasStocking),...

Thanks to a suggestion Vivian made on Facebook, we learn a bit about the Three Wise Men, Three Kings, Three Magi–all the same people and all more characters than verifiable real people. Call (323) 487-12-25 any time and share whatever you’d like. Get in on next season or summer early, or just say hi. Email TopElf@MyChristmasStocking.net. I so appreciate the […]

Not a story this time. More like a sermon/essay. I hope you like it. Please join us on Twitter (@XmasStocking), Facebook and on Pinterest (where I realize I’m not active enough). Call (323) 487-12-25 and share what Christmas is to you or wish Merry Christmas. Or you can email TopElf@MyChristmasStocking.net. Thank you so much for the gifts to the Christmas Stocking. MyChristmasStocking.net/co...