Holiday Specials December 2011

Saturday December 17, 4-5 pm -Hanukkah Lights
Features Hanukkah stories and memoirs written by acclaimed authors expressly for the show, as read by Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz



Monday - Friday December 19 - 23 - 1-2 pm (and 8-9pm Monday-Thursday) - The Story
The Story with Dick Gordon sprinkles in holiday stories from guests and special readings from Allan Gurganus, Clyde Edgerton and others.

Thursday December 22, noon-1pm & 9-10pm-The State of Things
Hark! It's Herald! In a State of Things exclusive, we present the Jade City Pharaoh Christmas Special. Listen as Herald MF Jones crashes into the holiday the season in this adventurous serial radio drama. It’s written by Durham playwright Howard Craft and produced by Lindsay Foster Thomas and Frank Stasio.

Friday December 23, noon-1pm & Saturday December 24, 6-7am-Tinsel Tales 2
Another collection of the best and most requested NPR holiday stories. Joy, hope, and childhood memories overflow as voices past and present tell stories of the season. Hosted by Lynn Neary.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday December 23-25 - Christmas on The Back Porch
Back Porch hosts Keith Weston and Freddy Jenkins welcome the holiday weekend with traditional and contemporary folk music for the season. We’ll include some old songs from Ralph Stanley, Doc Watson, Bill Monroe and more recent recordings from Chatham County Line and Robin and Linda Williams. Additionally, we'll hear about the North Carolina tradition of "Breakin' Up Christmas."

Saturday December 24, 4-5pm-All Songs Considered for the Holidays
Host Bob Boilen sits down with friends--NPR's Jacob Ganz and Barrie Hardymon.  Ttogether they bring you the best holiday songs from new and emerging breakout bands (plus a few old favorites). Filled with fun and fresh renditions of great holiday music.  Playlist and links to songs from the show are here.

Saturday December 24, 6-8 pm - A Prairie Home Companion
Host Garrison Keillor celebrates the holiday with music, stories and the news from Lake Wobegon.

Sunday, December 25 - 6-7am - The Story with Dick Gordon
The Story with Dick Gordon sprinkles in holiday stories from guests and special readings.

Sunday December 25, 7-8am-A Carolina Christmas from Biltmore Estate with Kathy Mattea
A festive celebration of holiday music from Asheville’s Biltmore Estate. Soloists and large ensembles perform a rich variety of songs including sacred music of the season, African-American spirituals, Celtic jigs and folk favorites. Center stage is Kathy Mattea singing fresh arrangements from her album Good News. She’s accompanied by VOX and the Baroque/Celtic trio the Beggar Boys.

Sunday December 25, 12-2 pm - A Prairie Home Companion
Host Garrison Keillor celebrates the holiday with music, stories and the news from Lake Wobegon

Sunday December 25, 6-7 pm - Christmas night at Last Motel
Host Eric Hodge welcomes the band Chatham County Line in studio for a special night of music and stories for the season.

Sunday, December 25, 7-8pm- “Fiona’s Festive Greetings” on The Thistle & Shamrock
Host Fiona Ritchie presents a a holiday-themed program of Celtic music.

Saturday December 31, 4-5pm-Capitol Steps Year in Review
Ring in the new year by making fun of this past year with their annual year-in-review awards ceremony called "Politics Takes a Holiday!" This year will feature all new awards, such as: "Biggest Clueless Middle Eastern Dictator Who Thought 'Arab Spring' Was Just a Trending Fashion," "Best Not Just Any Committee But a SUPER Committee," "Most GOP Debates Ever Held Ever," and "Worst Place to Hide Your Mistress While Serving as Governor of California."

Saturday December 31 7-8a & Sunday January 1 3-4p - The People's Pharmacy
Start the new year right with practical tips on how to actually make the changes you have been hoping to implement. People's Pharmacy considers Will Power Instincts.