Minnesotans know that with the coming of bitter cold, something else is knocking on the door. The holiday season is a time of tales, readings, song, and reflection. Get your fill of lutefisk; hear the church bells rung “the old fashioned way;” take a tour of Hmong New Year; feel the melancholy of the farm; experience foreign students first encounters with turkeys and pumpkin pies; and learn the history of fruitcake. These are some of the wide-ranging stories of Minnesota holiday life that await your senses.
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December 25, 1993 - St. Paul author Lawrence Sutin shares his thoughts on being a non-Christian Christmas celebrant.
December 31, 1993 - MPR’s Greg Magnuson interviews MPR reporter Euan Kerr about the New Year’s Eve song “Auld Lang Syne.” Kerr, a Scot himself, explores the Scottish origins of song.
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."
October 28, 1994 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Duluth author Beatrice Ojakangas about her book "Beatrice Ojakangas' Great Holiday Baking Book." Ojakangas describes how her Finnish background plays into her baking and provides numerous recipe tips.
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.
December 24, 1994 - Midday studio guest is William Doherty, director of marriage and family therapy programs at the University of Minnesota. Doherty answers questions about family dynamics during the holiday season, and listeners call in with stories about their families' holiday rituals, traditions and expectations.
December 31, 1994 - To close out the year, MPR’s Euan Kerr wonderfully recites "Auld Lang Syne" in brogue.
November 11, 1995 - Minnesota author Lawrence Sutin comments on his life progression of Thanksgiving…from childhood memories and young adulthood, to the present day, where he is now the one carving the turkey.