Magazine #27: Christmas 2023
11 December 2023
Welcome to another festive episode, filled with cheery carols, warming stories, and delightful tidbits about our beloved holiday!
Chapter summaries
🎵 It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
The town is transforming into a winter wonderland with decorations including holly and candy canes. The preparations are bringing joy to residents and visitors alike, marking the start of the holiday season.
Gyles Brandreth’s Thoughts on Christmas
Gyles Brandreth discusses the pagan origins of Christmas traditions. He notes that while the holiday is now celebrated as the birth of Christ, its customs, such as decorating homes with evergreens and giving presents, originated from ancient pagan festivals. Brandreth hopes these traditions will continue into the future.
September Christmas
A poem about the early arrival of Christmas preparations, despite it being September. Local shops are already offering Christmas decorations and hotel rooms are advising early bookings. The poem emphasizes the joy and camaraderie in local inns and the danger of forgetting the true reason for celebrations.
Christmas Cheer by Barry Mason
A man experiences a magical Christmas morning moment when he hears Christmas robins singing from every garden on his way to the train station. He then spreads Christmas cheer to fellow travellers on a crowded train.
❓ Quiz - Questions
A general knowledge quiz for listeners to enjoy at home.
Pantomimes
Christmas pantomimes are popular across the country, including a Snow White production in Witney with encouraging youth participation; Rehearsals started in September and will perform from December 14th to 31st; The group regularly produces shows, with Avenue Q next after pantomime.
It’s Christmas Time Again
‘It’s Christmas Time Again’, a poem by Bob Lazar Wood, encourages listeners to find peace and happiness during the holiday season.
Christmas Cards
Victorian origins of Christmas cards explored. Sir Henry Cole introduced affordable cards in 1843. Railway networks improved delivery speeds in the 1880s. Today, cards are sent globally via internet or mail.
Victorian Christmas Tree
Victorian Christmas tree tradition flourished under Queen Victoria, featuring elaborate decorations, including gingerbread men, marzipan sweets, candles, and toy trinkets. The tree was a central feature of Victorian family celebrations.
Christmas Cracker Jokes
A series of Christmas cracker jokes entertained listeners. The jokes included a turkey and a skeleton facing unexpected challenges. The final joke had Santa seeking medical aid.
Cold Beauty Outside & Warm Cheer Within
A dairy farmer’s peaceful Christmas morning routine; He rises early to milk the cows and prepare for family breakfast; Silent fields and a serene dawn create a tranquil atmosphere.
The Story Behind Silent Night
The lyrics to ’ Silent Night’ were written by Joseph Mohr in Austria during the 19th century. On Christmas Eve 1818, it was first sung at Midnight Mass at St. Nicholaas Church in Oberdorf, with Franz Xaver Gruber playing guitar. In 1914, soldiers from Britain, France, and Germany spontaneously stopped fighting on Christmas Eve and Day to sing carols, including ‘Silent Night’.
Misleading Notices
Misleading notices fool and amuse, ranging from cemetery hours to cafe signage, highlighting human error and humor.
Christmas Lights by Gervase Phinn
Christmas Lights poem by Gervase Phinn depicts a school nativity play’s opening scene; A young actress freezes mid-performance due to stage fright; The moment is salvaged by the teacher’s prompting
Nativity Play by Gervase Phinn
Children express preferences for nativity play roles; Multiple students decline key parts due to fears or discomfort.
Snowflakes by Clive Sansom
A poetic reflection on the uniqueness and fleeting nature of snowflakes; Each six-pointed crystal is a distinct star, none alike but all destined to melt away.
Crabby Christmas by Pam Ayres
Pam Ayres presents a humorous poem about a crabby Christmas, featuring a relatable reflection on consumerism and religious symbolism.
Thoughts on Christmas Gifts by Gervase Phinn
The reader expresses reluctance for receiving Christmas presents, preferring to donate to charitable causes. He recounts his children’s reactions and his wife’s preference for surprises over practical gifts.
When the 25th December Wasn’t Christmas Day
Folk in Buckinghamshire refuse to celebrate Christmas on 25th due to Glastonbury Thorn not budding. They held vigil on 24th instead.
A Recipe for Christmas Fruitcake
A humorous Christmas fruitcake recipe, involving large amounts of whiskey for taste testing; Batter preparation leads to absurd, comedic steps; Baking process ends with abandoning ingredients and celebrating failure.
What Do I Wish You by Charlotte Grey
Charlotte Grey’s poem ‘What Do I Wish You’ conveys a heartwarming scene of family reunion during Christmas, with a warm wish for listeners’ holidays.
The Tale of The Dunstons
Three brothers, the Dundee Dunsdans, were notorious highwaymen in 18th century Britain; they robbed a mail coach and attempted to rob Tackley Hall; captured, tried, and hanged, their tale became local folklore.
Ghost Stories from Minster Lovell
Ruined Minster Lovell Manor inspires melancholy; Visitor experiences apparent time warp; Strange incidents reported, including ghostly sightings.
❓ Quiz - Answers
Here are the answers to this week’s quiz — how did you do?
A Precious Gift
A smile is a precious gift that cannot be bought or sold. It brightens the world, soothes sadness, and brings sunshine to shadows of pain and strife.
👋 Goodbye!
The closing sign-off, including volunteer credits and listener information.