Episodes
Sunday Dec 19, 2021
Episode 7 - UK Christmas Lights
Sunday Dec 19, 2021
Sunday Dec 19, 2021
On this episode, as we close in on Christmas Day; I talk about a personal favourite tradition; the Christmas lights - in the UK specifically.
Where it first came from; what street adopted it first and how the tradition and history has grown ever since! - Hope you enjoy this one.
Don't forget to follow me on twitter - @KristmasTalks
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Episode 6 - Wassail Bowl
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Today's episode will all about the Wassail Bowl - "Wassail is a hot, mulled punch often associated with Yuletide, often drunk from a 'wassail bowl'. The earliest versions were warmed mead into which roasted crab apples were dropped and burst to create a drink called 'lambswool' drunk on Lammas day, still known in Shakespeare's time".
I was not actually aware of a Wassail Bowl until I heard it mentioned on a Christmas Special between Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra where they discussed this and the traditions of this being from England - where I am from. There is a little clip attached where they discuss this. :)
Enjoy.
Don't forget to follow me on twitter - @KristmasTalks
Sunday Dec 12, 2021
Episode 5 - The Christmas Truce
Sunday Dec 12, 2021
Sunday Dec 12, 2021
This is a bit of a strange one as I recorded this on November 13th - Remembrance Sunday; for those that aren't aware, November 11th is Armistice Day where we remember soldiers and Army personnel who lost their lives over World War 1 and subsequent wars afterwards - over in the US this is called Veteran's Day.
This episode centres around the Christmas Truce which took place on Christmas Eve 1914 between German and English soldiers on the battlefield in no man's land (betwen Loos and Hulluch, France)
Gifts were exchanged and even a football match took place (if you believe some reports)
Several stories have been told about this event and even a Christmas Advert, produced by Sainsburys, depicted the moment of the truce with an exchange of a chocolate bar and a game of football taking place between the troops.
Sainsbury's Advert - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWF2JBb1bvM
Enjoy
Don't forget to follow me on twitter - @KristmasTalks
Sunday Dec 05, 2021
Episode 4 - The London Christmas Tree
Sunday Dec 05, 2021
Sunday Dec 05, 2021
This week's episode is all about the London Christmas Tree; a tree which is imported from Norway yearly, and is placed in London's famous Trafalgar Square.
This episode is quite poignant as this week; this year's Christmas tree has taken somewhat of a battering by journalists for its really poor 'threadbare' quality this year (during the day).
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/norways-threadbare-christmas-tree-present-underwhelms-some-britain-2021-12-02/ - a link to the article and pictures of the tree.
Usually the tree stands tall, proud and beautiful and I talk about the traditions and histories of the tree.
Enjoy.
Don't forget to follow me on twitter - @KristmasTalks
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
BONUS EPISODE - UK Christmas Adverts
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
This week's epsiode is a BONUS EPISODE.
All about UK Christmas adverts! - I talk about the history behind the UK Christmas Advert aswell as discuss the controversy over John Lewis' 2019 advert.
I have added this year's Christmas Adverts from the main retail giants and I want you to get involved! - using #KringleTalksKristmasAd let me know which one is your favourite on twitter - @KristmasTalks, either from the list or your own personal favourite!
Morrisons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L89G9H5U9YE
Sainsburys - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L89G9H5U9YE
John Lewis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTttgc0DPA4
M&S - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dlem-MOMZOs
LIDL - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfexHlJ-BVU
ALDI - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-PhgjyNSs
ASDA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OoYc1uc9BM
Tesco - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P7QSCLtRwI
Monday Nov 29, 2021
Episode 3 - Fairytale Of New York
Monday Nov 29, 2021
Monday Nov 29, 2021
On today's episode I take a look at the origins of a personal favourite and most certainly a British favourite Christmas Song - Fairytalk of New York by The Pogues featuring Kirsty McCall.
Written by Shane McGowan and Jem Finer; Fairytale of New York is about Irish people who immigrated to America in the 19th century to escape the potato famine and in hope of making it as entertainers in New York. Many didn't, however, and ended up homeless. It is also said to come from a desire to move away from tacky Christmas songs and to highlight the fact that a lot of people have a terrible time at Christmas. The main character is played by Shane McGowan reuniting with his troubled love Kirsty McCall.
Hope you enjoy the episode; leave feedback, comment and share alike.
Follow me on Twitter - @KristmasTalks
Sunday Nov 21, 2021
Episode 2 - Liberty London
Sunday Nov 21, 2021
Sunday Nov 21, 2021
This week's episode is all about shopping! And in particular the retail store; Liberty which is located in Regent Street, London, England.
The store is known to spot and champion young designers at the start of their careers, and many now-prominent brands were first available at Liberty. The store played essential role in spreading and popularizing Modern style. This continues Liberty's long reputation for working with British artists and designers.
The store is well known for having a Christmas themed floor; stocking yuletide items and selling them all year round for those of us that love Christmas, so no matter what time of the year it is, if you in and around London; make sure you head down there and check out what Liberty has to offer!
Don't forget to follow me on twitter - @KristmasTalks
Sunday Nov 14, 2021
Episode 1 - Tomte
Sunday Nov 14, 2021
Sunday Nov 14, 2021
Hi all and welcome to my brand new Christmas podcast; KringleTalksKristmas, hosted by me, Kriss Kringle.
I venture from sunny old London, England and have always wanted to join the Christmas podcast world and I am delighted to say that I am now apart of the Christmas Podcast Network!
This first episode is called Tomte; which is a mythological creature from Nordic culture typically associated with Christmas. I have a few Tomte in my house and absolutely love them. Traditionally you find them short, having a long white beard, and wearing a conical or knit cap in gray, red or some other bright colour.
I hope you enjoy the first episode and can't wait for you to see what I have coming up!
Follow me on twitter - @KristmasTalks