Magazine #25: Christmas 2022
12 December 2022
Get ready for a warm dose of Christmas cheer! We delve into heartfelt wishes with 'All I Want for Christmas' and discover how John Betjeman painted the holiday season in his timeless poem. Listen out for delightful carols, family feasts, and the hilarious truths behind 'The Gift of the Magi'. Plus, what if Christmas were every day? Find out in our latest episode.
Chapter summaries
All I Want for Christmas
A talking newspaper reader express their desire for a partner as their Christmas wish.
Hello and Welcome
The Christmas magazine was recorded at the Methodist Building in Witney on December 12th, 2022. Among the contributors were Peter B, Peter Reading, and Debbie Dyacon. Alan Bailey was absent due to illness. Everyone wishes Alan a speedy recovery.
Christmas by John Betjeman
Betjeman’s ‘Christmas’ poem paints rural and urban scenes of holiday preparations and ponderings. Villagers adorn their church with holly, townsfolk celebrate in pubs, and Londoners hurry through city streets. The poem queries, ‘Is it true?’ that Jesus was born as a human, reaffirming faith amidst festive bustle.
Christmas Carols
Christmas carols historically sung throughout the year; Earliest carol book printed in 1524; Only one page survives in Bodleian Libraries.
The Christmas Dinner
A family enjoys a lavish Christmas goose dinner; Bob admires the pudding, saying it’s his wife’s greatest success; Everyone has enough despite their fears about the pudding.
Christmas Cracker Jokes
Christmas cracker jokes; Wise men’s gift dilemma; Santa’s parking troubles
Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding praised for its heavenly origin story in local monologue. Traditional recipe reveals magical art behind its creation. Fanatic vows eternal love for authentic Yorkshire pudding.
Memories of Christmas
Snowy Christmas memories recalled; Tale of lost boys in snow shocks; Christmas carolers encounter mysterious voice.
A Wartime Christmas
A nostalgia piece reminisces about a wartime Christmas in 1943 in Cornwall; The author, then a 7-year-old, remembers a family getting a rare cockerel for their Christmas dinner; Other treats included toys made by his dad, and Americans practicing for D-Day on nearby beaches.
When The River Thames Froze
The Thames froze repeatedly between the 16th and 19th centuries; The Frost Fair of 1716 transformed the river into a bustling market and social hub; The severe Great Frost of 1739-40 damaged infrastructure and caused extensive poverty and loss of life.
Christmas Churchgoing
An ecumenical gathering turned chaotic when a building caught fire; Denominations reacted differently, showing their distinct beliefs; Secretary put out fire after varied responses.
Sam’s Parrot
A man named Sam bought parrot eggs instead of the parrot after being unable to afford it, expecting them to hatch in a month. Six months later, he heard the parrot speaking at a shop, realizing it had all been a prank.
God’s Own Country?
An Australian writer discovers unusual telephones in cathedrals across England and Wales with varying calling rates. He encounters a £10,000 charge in English cathedrals, while it’s reduced to 10p in Wales.
Quiz
A Christmas quiz was supplied by former editor James Holmes, covering various festive topics. It includes questions on birds mentioned in ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ carol and traditions from around the world.
Children and Christmas
Children share their thoughts and experiences about Father Christmas and Christmas traditions. Young Diana appreciates everyone saying they like her gifts, while Jane believes she saw Father Christmas in town. Philip encourages overeating Christmas pudding, and Claire shares that Santa replied to her letter. Ian eagerly awaits Christmas with a tingly feeling, while Kathy struggles to fill out a bank application.
Goodwill To Men by Pam Ayres
The poem ‘Goodwill to Men’ describes chaotic Christmas preparations nationwide. Despite the spending and theft, it highlights the joy of the season with lines like ‘Peace on earth, good will to men’.
The School Nativity Play
A humorous take on the classic nativity play performed by schoolchildren; The script twisted traditional lines with unexpected surprises; Laughter filled the room as parents enjoyed the unique version of the Christmas story.
Christmas Everyday
A humorous exploration of the idea of having Christmas every day; though fun at first, it would quickly lose its novelty and become exhausting, especially for relatives and the vicar.
Christmas Awakening
A poem, Christmas Awakening by Alan Harris, paints a quiet, snowy Christmas scene. The narration ponders if this moment could hold a profound new beginning. No significant events or outcomes are discussed.
Stories from The Archive
Frank Elthome, believed drowned in 1922, reappears in 1923; his return triggers identity confusion in his village; Elthome plans to open a shop with his previously unclaimed inheritance.
The Victorian Christmas Tree
The Victorian Christmas tree tradition originated in Germany and was popularized in England by Queen Victoria. Key decorations included gingerbread, marzipan, fruits, nuts, and homemade gifts. The tree was topped with a Christmas doll or angel.
Quiz Answers
The Gift of The Magi by O Henry
Della cuts and sells her hair to buy Jim a platinum watch fob chain for Christmas, but discovers Jim sold his watch to buy her tortoiseshell combs. They decide to hide their gifts away.
Natural History in Burford Primary School
Schoolchildren discovered local crows responsible for littering the playground. Crows devised method to steal food from bins and scatter packaging across large areas. Gulls and jackdaws also benefited from the operation.
Ducks don’t shop in Sainsbury’s by Gary Boswell
Ducks try shopping at Sainsbury’s, find no suitable items, leave disappointed.
A Salute to Mothers
Honoring Mothers’ Efforts, Their Sacrifices in Preparing Christmas, Ensuring Family Traditions Despite Challenges