MPR captures the sounds a Minnesota Christmas. Some stories have song; some have shopping; some have snow…but all have some form of the holiday spirit.
December 13, 1993 - Writer Suzann Ledbetter reads a holiday story on the lengths taken in getting a Christmas tree. Story is from Ledbetter’s book “The Toast Always Lands Jelly-Side Down: And Other Tales of Suburban Life.”
December 22, 1993 - Minnesota poet and author Bill Holm comments on a number of winter topics, from the sense of poverty on the farm, to the meaning behind lutefisk.
December 23, 1993 - MPR’s Joe Follansbee reports from Rochester’s Federal Medical Center, where prisoners are preparing an annual production of “A Christmas Carol.” Follansbee interviews a few of the participants.
December 23, 1993 - Minnesota poet and author Bill Holm reflects on singing Christmas songs in his Lutheran childhood, with memories of the cold, tin ears, and a favorite carol.
December 24, 1993 - On this Christmas Eve Midday, listeners share Christmas stories and describe what the holiday means to them. Program also contains a reading and closes with holiday music.
December 25, 1993 - St. Paul author Lawrence Sutin shares his thoughts on being a non-Christian Christmas celebrant.
January 14, 1994 - In this segment of Voices from the Heartland, Minnesota author Barton Sutter reads his essay on recycling Christmas trees. This essay was later collected in Sutter’s book "Cold Comfort: Life at the Top of the Map."
November 24, 1994 - Minnesota author Susan Carol Hauser reads short essay on her family’s ritual Thanksgiving drive to see the Christmas lights in downtown Minneapolis.
December 16, 1994 - In this segment of Voices from the Heartland, Minnesota author Susan Carol Hauser reads her Christmas essay “Finest Gifts,” a loving reflection of Christmas past with family.
December 23, 1994 - A Midday Christmas music special with studio guest Rick Shefchik of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Shefchik presents a selection of the newest songs and performers, new versions of old favorites, and the Christmas classics.