Christmas

A New England Christmas Card From Robert Frost

Brady Carlson — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 19:19:02 +0000

Some Christmas traditions – like trees, and ornaments and carols – seem to be as popular as ever. Others, like the annual Christmas card, aren’t faring quite as well. Last week a columnist for TIME Magazine asked whether Christmas cards are obsolete in the social media era.

A Public Story About A Private Gift (Rebroadcast)

Sean Hurley — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +0000

When reporter Sean Hurley heard that one of his neighbors was giving away Christmas trees, he wanted to find out more about this local charity. And what he found was that this man's very public act, letting people wander over his property to pick out and cut down one of the Christmas Trees, was also very private. This story won Second Place in the 2007 Best Feature category from the New Hampshire Associated Press Broadcasters Association.

Furniture Store Sees Success In Selling Prisoner-Made Goods

Amanda Loder — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:30:00 +0000

With Christmas a week away, shoppers are crowding into malls, outlets, and downtown shopping districts looking for last-minute gifts. But, for those looking for unusual handmade gifts, there’s another, unorthodox, option available.

Scrooge Visits Christmasville, USA

Sean Hurley — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 17:00:00 +0000

What happens when a veritable Grinch is confronted by unbridled Christmas spirit? We sent favorite contributor Sean Hurley to visit a town Time Magazine dubbed one of America's "most Christmassy":

Is Die Hard A Christmas Movie?

Bill Barry — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 12:13:56 +0000

What doesn't say Christmas like a terrorist plot foiled by Bruce Willis? - Author Kevin Flynn, Die Hard die-hard

To many, any best-of action film list would ring hollow with the exclusion of Die Hard - but each year, as the holiday season approaches, it begins to fly under a different flag: an admittedly less warm, less traditional Christmas classic.

Word of Mouth 12.15.2012

Virginia Prescott — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:53:15 +0000

An anthropologist embeds herself with hackers. Santa opens shop in Hooksett. A Hobbit scholar explains why Tolkien fascinates. Women comedians find success on through podcasts. And the very interesting history...of boredom.

Word of Mouth 12.15.2012

Virginia Prescott — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:53:12 +0000

Part 1:

Kids Don't Cry at This Santa's Workshop

Adam McCune — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:01:45 +0000

Been to the mall lately? If so, you’ve probably seen a long line of nervous kids waiting a turn to sit on Santa’s lap and give him their Christmas wish list. There’s another place in New Hampshire where kids can visit Santa Claus, though a bit off the beaten path. It’s arguably even more magical, with not a tearful tot in sight.

Word Of Mouth contributor Adam McCune bundled up his own kids to take us on this radio field trip just a wee bit south of the North Pole.

Bah Humbug! Thieves Snag Lights From Boscawen Christmas Tree - Twice

Associated Press and Associated Press — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 01:15:24 +0000

Thieves have stolen the lights off a small New Hampshire town's Christmas tree twice in less than a week.

Forget the Wrapping Paper on These Gifts

Virginia Prescott — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:10:09 +0000

It’s not terribly surprising that for the second year running, the national retail federation claims the hottest holiday present is a gift card. But are we losing something when we focus on the material aspects of gift-giving? With us to rundown some alternative ideas for experiential gifts you can’t fit under the tree is Rick Broussard, editor of New Hampshire Magazine.

The (Truly) Shocking History of Monopoly

Rebecca Lavoie — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:34:17 +0000

I hate Monopoly. Always have. The reason is simple: it's impossible to play the game and feel good, even if you win. Monopoly, simply put, is all about crushing your fellow players through bankruptcy, even if they're your own kids. Turns out, there might be a reason for my hatred of Monopoly.

The most popular game in the world, according to this amazing article in Harpers, is, simply put, theft.

Canaan Students, Sculptor Create N.H.'s Official Christmas Ornaments

Michael Brindley — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:04:57 +0000

Students from the Indian River School in Canaan worked with sculptor Emile Birch to create New Hampshire's official ornaments for the 2012 National Christmas Tree.

The tree will be on display at President's Park in Washington, D.C. throughout December.

Special Programs Celebrating Hanukkah & Christmas

NHPR Staff — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:44:14 +0000

Friday, Dec. 7^th

9:00 - 10:00 pm: Hanukkah Lights 2012

A perennial NPR favorite, Hanukkah Lights features Hanukkah stories and memoirs written by acclaimed authors expressly for the show, as read by NPR's Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz.

Sunday, Dec. 16^th

A Carolina Christmas with Kathy Mattea

NHPR Staff — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 23:00:00 +0000

The Thistle & Shamrock takes a break so we can bring you this special holiday presentation.

Hungry for the Holidays with Julia Child

NHPR Staff — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 21:00:00 +0000

A Prairie Home Companion goes home for the holidays; in its place, we bring you this special holiday program from PRX.