Gordon Mote is back with another Christmas Challenge—and this one might be his most fun yet. With no warning and no preparation, Gordon takes on a rapid-fire lineup of Christmas songs, each played in a completely different genre. From country to classical, blues to gospel, and even reggae, the music (and the laughter) never stop. This is Christmas creativity at its finest—and proof that Gordon can make anything sound amazing.
Why do certain foods only show up at Christmas—and why do families argue about them every single year? In this Blue Plate Special, Andy digs into the stories behind holiday food traditions, from old European puddings to Southern ham, mac & cheese, and sweet potato pie. Along the way, he explains why these debates aren’t really about food at all, but about family, memory, and where we come from. Equal parts history and humor, this conversation will feel a lot like your own Christmas table.
First published in 1892, William Dean Howells’s Christmas Every Day is a charming and funny reminder to be careful what you wish for. When a little girl’s holiday dream comes true and Christmas arrives again…and again…and again, the joy of the season quickly turns into delightful chaos.
The “Hallelujah Chorus” has become one of the most joyful sounds of the Christmas season—but it wasn’t written for Christmas at all! In this festive piece, Andy Andrews shares the surprising origins of Handel’s Messiah, the critics who doubted it, and how a song meant for Lent became a celebration of hope heard around the world. Blending history, insight, and holiday wonder, Andy reminds us that what we create in one season may bless countless others in ways we never expect.
A brand new story for Christmas from Andy Andrews! Two adventurous brothers, eight and eleven years old, find themselves in an unexpected Christmastime adventure at night in the mysterious Hal’s Lake Swamp. Raised with a love for the outdoors and hunting, the boys are seasoned beyond their years, but nothing could prepare them for the eerie occurrences and intriguing characters they encounter in the swamp’s depths. Night falls and they realize…they’re lost! This story weaves a tapestry of spooky, moonlit encounters, and heartwarming moments, all set against the backdrop of a Southern wilderness. Perfect for those who enjoy a blend of suspense, nature, and the magic of childhood adventure, this tale promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what lies beyond the next turn in the swamp.
In this celestial narrative, archangels Michael and Gabriel plan a grand event for Jesus’ birth, only to learn from God that the celebration is not for the elite, but for all. As they adjust to simplicity over grandeur, the story unfolds the essence of the first Christmas – a tale of humility, inclusivity, and a miraculous night in Bethlehem.
In this tender reflection, a family faces the heartbreaking certainty that their beloved dog, Mabel, won’t make it to Christmas morning… until a simple gift from a ten-year-old boy changes everything. What unfolds is a gentle reminder that love shows up in unexpected moments—and sometimes, just sometimes, a small act of kindness becomes the spark for a Christmas miracle.
The classic “coming of age” story about a boy becoming aware of less fortunate children…and the truth about Christmas.
Our Captains are humble people, but… Some of them are SO talented that from time to time, the Harbourmaster will persuade them to “show off” just for you. Watch and listen as Gordon Mote displays a skill that will have you laughing and shaking your head in astonishment!