Christmas

...has to go to Smash Mouth. After the passing of singer Steve Harwell just in September, I absolutely would not have expected their first album with new vocalist Zach Goode to be a Christmas Album - but here we are!

I do not know who runs this account and I have no affiliation with them - but following this person on Instagram (and Threads if you're into that?) has made keeping up with new Christmas Album releases so easy!

I usually find out about new albums months later because Christmas albums frequently don't get a lot of publicity- but this account has been doing all of the work!

So if that's your thing, I highly recommend giving them a follow!

The most famous recording of "The Christmas Song", as performed by Nat King Cole, was his fourth and final recording of the beloved Robert Wells and Mel Tormé tune.

The linked recording is my personal favorite- featuring just the Nat King Cole Trio of bassist Johnny Miller and guitarist Oscar Moore with no additional accompaniment.

This recording was never meant to see the light of day - and only really made it out into the public by mistake. In 1989, for a Billboard Greatest Christmas Hits compilation, this recorded was accidentally used instead of one of the other recordings with full orchestral arrangements.

Apparently Nat himself preferred the full orchestra, but I just can't help myself. If I'm going to put this song on, this is the recording I go to!

If anyone (who ever stumbles onto this) has a favorite Chrsitmas related scene to a TV show, please post it and share!

This is probably my favorite Christmas related scene of all time from Frasier. For anyone unfamiliar with the show there isn't really much to know. Martin, the older gentleman, is supposed to sing "O Holy Night" for a Christmas production. His two sons, both talented and very classically oriented (and incredibly pretentious) men, try to help him out some in the most awkward manner possible.

So I realize that these macaroons aren't the worst things ever, but I have gained a ton of respect for anyone who makes macaroons that look really good!
Although I am sure that people who make beautiful macaroons aren't making them with a 7 year old... but hey, we had fun!

If anyone has any Christmas (or otherwise even) baking fails, or cookies or cakes that just sure didn't turn out the way you expected, please feel free to share your stories or pictures!

Just as the title says, these are just a few podcast recommendations for anyone looking for some Christmas!

Of course, if anyone finds this and has more to add, please do!

My big one is The Can't Wait for Christmas Podcast. Host Tim Babb provides occasionally educational but always quirky and funny episodes on the 25th of every month. There are frequent chances for audience participation including polls, asking for recommendations, and even a segment entirely dedicated to reading emails and messages that may be relevant to whatever the topic of the week may be. A heavily scripted show that really feels like a "SHOW" and not just a dude talking to himself in his garage (which may be what it really is, but we can pretend).

'Tis The Podcast.
Hosts Anthony, Julia, and Tom review Christmas movies and media with an incredible amount of output - a new episode every week. Definitely a Podcast that makes you feel like you're just hanging out and part of the conversation.

A Cozy Christmas Podcast. The name doesn't lie. Our host, Art, welcomes listeners into what is surely one of the most chill places on the internet. There are interviews and stories, all accompanied by Bob Ross levels of calmness and joy. If you need to take a break, this is a great place to go.

I had originally posted this from a different instance which, as far as I can tell, is no longer around.... so let's do it again!

Because for those of us who are used to celebrating Christmas in the coldest time of year but are now in summer, or for those who live in places that never get cold anyway, we need some Christmas music that acknowledges that there's more to the Christmas season than snow!

My go-to is this one, Christmas in the Sand by Colbie Caillat!

A personal favorite of mine, although I've always heard them referred to as Crinkle Cookies.

I will gladly accept any and all cookie recipes - anything that "feels" like Christmas to you!