🎄✨ Merry! Merry! ✨🎄
- Your Holiday Guide For A Delightful Holiday Season!
The season is here for all the cozy, inviting vibes! Welcome to our holiday newsletter. We cherish the holidays and all they encompass: spending time with family and friends, enjoying the music, food, crafts & decorations, movies, games, making memories, and everything in between!
We decided to spread some holiday joy and share some of our favorites with you! Keep checking back, as I update this daily with all kinds of holiday fun!
Here is a little peek at what you might find!
What Is Your Favorite Part Of The Holiday Season?
Scroll below for our holiday schedule, show players, gluten-free recipes (because who needs gluten anyway?), crafts & décor (Videos to Watch), movies (fun favorites to watch over & over), stories (that will make you chuckle), games (that will end in laughter), & more fun than a cat in a laser pointer factory!
Or you can use the menu to find something faster—like a kid dodging chores!
*I will be updating this post throughout the holiday season so please check back!
If you're not someone who likes to scroll, you can use the menu to locate what you need. This is organized similarly to the annual newsletter I used to make for holiday cards and my small holiday cheer bags. Although it appears lengthy, I've made it simple to navigate using the menu. If you get lost and need to return, just click on the Merry! Merry! banner to find your way back!
The Menu {Links Are Pink!}
🎶 Eclectic Wonderland Radio Show - Holiday Lineup 🎶 {Links In Pink!}
Join us for unique seasonal performances this month on Eclectic Wonderland!
Enjoy an delightful blend of music, stories, and seasonal inspiration—ideal for creating a joyful, festive atmosphere. Tune in and add a touch of magic to your Holidays!
WDRT offers a two-week archive of our show and others! If you miss a live broadcast, you can click here for Our Archive or find it under the show posts. You can also discover other shows by clicking here for The WDRT Schedule
Once our show is no longer in the Archive, I upload them to Mixcloud and post the players here and in our show notes!
Below each show listing on this page, you'll find a short description of the show, a player or link to the archived show, and a link to the complete show notes. If the show hasn't aired yet, the date is provided; all details will be updated after it airs.
November Shows
Turkey Drop
Our Thanksgiving Show
Our Thanksgiving Show was a tribute to WKRP in Cincinnati and Dr. Demento. Our November Audio Oddities show—think Dr. Demento meets our favorite Thanksgiving sitcom moments: novelty songs, parodies, sound collages, and experimental tunes for a wonderfully weird Turkey Day.
December Shows
Our Holiday Line Up & Schedule! {Links Are Pink}
Alternate Christmas: Another Drum, Drum, Drum, Drummer Boy
Wednesday, December 4, 1-3 PM Central
Think alternate versions of your favorite Christmas classics—covers, mash-ups, remixes, and parodies. It’s holiday music with a twist!
Fruitcake Returns
Wednesday, December 11, 1-3 PM Central
“Fruitcake” began as holiday mixtapes I gifted to friends and neighbors, later becoming mixed CDs included with holiday cards. Now, it’s a staple of our holiday shows! I’ll even share the story of how it got its quirky name.
Fruitcake Returns with a Side of Festive Indie Delights
Wednesday, December 18, 1-3 PM Central
This is Fruitcake meets Better Than K-Tel, our monthly indie showcase, where we highlight music from independent artists.
Flying Fruitcake
Wednesday, December 25, 1-3 PM Central
Yes, this year, Christmas Day lands on our show! Flying Fruitcake blends the spirit of Fruitcake with our Audio Oddities show—think Dr. Demento meets a musical Dr. Frankenstein. Expect novelty songs, sound collages, and experimental tunes for a wonderfully weird Christmas.
The Season Of Giving!
The Fruitcake Story
Fruitcake Is Our Yearly Holiday Mix, which we send out to Family and friends. It usually goes with a Holiday Cheer Package, In Goody Bags, or sent in Greeting Cards. {Note! The music from our first Few Mixes are in the Shows Below.}
The Back Story
When I was growing up, we would receive a fruitcake every Christmas. That Fruitcake would end up in the Fruitcake CryoFreeze. The top part of a really old Frigidaire lived at the base of the stairs, just outside the lower level bathroom & laundry room.
I remember the first time we received one. The technicolored fruit was pretty, and I was excited about the cake! Then my mom quickly informed me that we did not want to eat it, and she made an “icky face” as she shoved it in the freezer. … and it stayed in there.
The following year, we got another one, and it went to live with the other Fruitcake.
We got another fruitcake every year, which went to live with the others.
When I inquired about them, I was told that they lasted FOREVER.
Years passed, and we moved, but I do not think the fruitcakes moved with us. {I never saw Them Again!}
I know the Frigidaire went to live in a friend’s treehouse. I watched as they rolled their prize away on their skateboards. No, they did not become the keepers of the fruitcakes; I looked.
I never asked about the Mysterious Disappearance of The Fruitcakes. My mom probably buried them so no one would become upset by their disposal.
Fruitcakes became the butt of many jokes, and I even had a Christmas Pin on my Santa Hat that Said, “No Fruitcake!”
One Christmas, a friend offended my pin and asked me why I hated Fruitcake so much? I shared our family history, and that is when I realized I had never tried one. That is when they had their grandma make me a fruit cake. She took one out of the freezer and soaked it in rum. I took a bite, and I got sick. I am not sure if it was gluten, the weird texture, or what, but it was at that moment I knew why my mom was not excited about Fruitcake.
Many Years Went By, and We started Creating Holiday mixed CDs To Add To Our Holiday Cheer Goody bags. The name “Fruitcake” seemed obvious. We wanted to create a tastier tradition, something fun to pass around. We hope you Enjoy These Mixes! These are from Our Very First Few Fruitcake Mixes!
Gluten-free Fruitcake!
Gluten-free Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Cream Cheese
Grain-Free Corn Bread
{Coming Soon}
Gluten-Free Stuffing
{Coming Soon}
I Love Holiday Crafts & Decore, And I also LOVE Craft Videos. I shared a few of my favorites for now, and will update them soon. {These are kind of a Space Holder}
Here are some fun and creative holiday craft ideas, along with links to YouTube tutorials to help you get started:
Craft Ideas:
1. Paper Wreaths: Use colorful paper or recycled materials to make festive wreaths.
Garlands: String together paper shapes, popcorn, or cranberries to make festive garlands.
Festive Pillows: Create holiday-themed pillow covers using fabric paint or stencils.
• Tutorial: 14 Easy DIY Christmas & Winter Decor Craft Ideas .
2. DIY Ornaments: Create unique ornaments using clay, pinecones, or felt.
• Tutorial: Top 7 DIY Christmas Crafts .
3. Holiday Centerpieces: Combine mason jars, candles, and greenery for beautiful table decor.
Upcycled Holiday Decor: Transform everyday items like tin cans or old jars into beautiful decorations.
• Tutorial: 5 Quick & Easy Christmas Crafts .
4. Handmade Cards: Design personalized greeting cards with stamps, watercolors, or embossed patterns.
• Tutorial: 15 Easy Homemade Christmas Decorations and Crafts .
5. Fun Decor: Craft Fun Little Knick-Knacks and Places to Stash Holiday Snacks.
• Tutorial: Top 8 DIY Christmas Crafts .
What Are Your Favorite Holiday Crafts?
Top 20 Holiday Movies to Watch This Season
1. Elf (2003)
Buddy the Elf’s joyful journey to find his father will have you laughing and spreading Christmas cheer loud enough for all to hear!
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey’s hilarious and heartwarming take on Dr. Seuss’s beloved tale is a must-watch every year.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington’s spooky yet festive adventure blurs the line between Halloween and Christmas in the most magical way.
4. A Christmas Story (1983)
“You’ll shoot your eye out!” Relive Ralphie’s quest for the perfect Christmas gift in this nostalgic gem.
5. Home Alone (1990)
Kevin McCallister’s antics against two bumbling burglars will leave you in stitches and feeling festive.
6. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
An all-time classic that reminds us how one life can touch so many others. A tearjerker in the best way.
7. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Faith, hope, and believing in Santa—this charming story is as timeless as the holidays themselves.
8. The Polar Express (2004)
Hop aboard this magical train to the North Pole for a heartwarming story of belief and holiday wonder.
9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The Griswold family’s holiday chaos is laugh-out-loud funny and all too relatable.
10. Love Actually (2003)
Intertwining stories of love during the holiday season make this a heartwarming (and tear-inducing) classic.
11. White Christmas (1954)
Bing Crosby’s crooning and stunning musical numbers make this film a snow-covered dream.
12. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Charles Dickens’s classic tale, retold with Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the whole Muppet gang—pure holiday magic!
13. Scrooged (1988)
Bill Murray brings humor and heart to this modern twist on A Christmas Carol.
14. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
This animated favorite brings holiday magic to life with the story of everyone’s favorite snowman.
15. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Stop-motion animation and a timeless story of misfits finding their place make this a must-see.
16. The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen’s hilarious transformation into Santa Claus will keep you smiling the whole way through.
17. Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Linus’s speech about the true meaning of Christmas is a moment that never gets old.
18. Gremlins (1984)
Who knew Christmas could get this mischievously fun? A quirky holiday classic with a darker twist.
19. Die Hard (1988)
Yes, it’s a Christmas movie! John McClane’s fight to save the holidays at Nakatomi Plaza is iconic.
20. The Holiday (2006)
Two women swap homes for the holidays, finding love and new beginnings in this cozy rom-com.
These 20 movies are perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or when you need a little extra holiday magic. Happy watching!
What Are Your Favorite Holiday Films?
Holiday Dice Game
This fun and fast-paced dice game is perfect for holiday gatherings! It works well with wrapped presents, which can be White Elephant gifts, grab bag items, or any mix of silly, useful, or surprising treasures.
What You’ll Need
- A set of dice (1 or 2, depending on group size).
- Wrapped gifts (1 or more per player).
- A table or space to sit in a circle.
Game Setup
1. Prepare the Gifts
Each participant brings a wrapped gift to the party (or the host can provide them). Gifts can range from quirky and fun to practical, depending on the group’s style.
2. Arrange the Players:
Sit in a circle with all the wrapped gifts in the middle or in front of each player.
How to Play
1. Start Rolling
Decide who rolls the dice first (youngest player, oldest player, or draw straws). Players take turns rolling one die clockwise.
2. Follow the Dice Rules:
Each number rolled has a specific action:
- Roll a 1: Switch gifts with the person to your right.
- Roll a 2: Switch gifts with the person to your left.
- Roll a 3 or 4: Switch gifts with anyone in the circle **and** unwrap the gift if it’s still wrapped.
- Roll a 5 or 6: Unwrap the gift in front of you (if it’s already unwrapped, your turn ends).
3. Keep Playing:
- Continue playing until everyone has unwrapped a gift. You can also set a timer (e.g., 10–15 minutes) to keep the game moving along.
- Once all gifts are unwrapped, you can stop the game, or add one last “final swap” round where everyone rolls once more.
Optional Rules for Extra Fun
- Steal Limits: Limit the number of times a single gift can be switched to prevent endless swapping.
- Special Dice Rule: If someone rolls a certain number (like a 6), they can’t participate in the next turn.
- Double Roll Rule: For larger groups, let players roll two dice and combine their rolls for even wackier combinations (e.g., 1 + 2 = swap with two people).
Winning
There’s no "winner" in this game—everyone walks away with a gift! The fun is in the surprises, laughter, and inevitable chaos of swapping gifts.
This is a fantastic way to liven up holiday gatherings and keep everyone engaged!
Holiday Madlib Sing-A Longs
Rules for Playing Mad Libs
Mad Libs is a fun word game where players fill in blanks with random words to create silly and unexpected stories or songs. Here’s how to play for those new to it:
1. Choose a Story or Song
Pick a pre-written Mad Lib story, song, or script that has blanks where words are missing. These blanks will be labeled with specific word types (e.g., noun, verb, adjective).
2. Gather a Group
Mad Libs is best played with 2 or more people. One person acts as the “Reader”, while the others act as the “Contributors” to provide the words.
3. Don’t Read the Story Ahead of Time
The Reader should keep the story or song secret from the Contributors. This keeps the results hilarious and surprising when the final version is revealed.
4. Ask for Words
The Reader asks the Contributors for specific word types, such as:
• Noun: A person, place, or thing (e.g., “dog,” “mountain”).
• Verb: An action word (e.g., “run,” “jump”).
• Adjective: A word describing a noun (e.g., “funny,” “green”).
• Adverb: A word describing how something is done (e.g., “quickly,” “loudly”).
You can also use proper names, exclamations, or even silly sounds if the blank calls for it!
5. Fill in the Blanks
As Contributors give words, the Reader writes them into the blanks without revealing the story or context.
6. Read It Out Loud
Once all the blanks are filled, the Reader reads the completed story or song out loud. The random words usually result in a hilarious and nonsensical story!
7. Keep It Creative and Fun
• Encourage wacky and unexpected answers (e.g., “smelly unicorn” or “singing sandwich”).
• For extra laughs, use a timer for quick responses.
Optional Rules for Extra Fun
• Themes: Use seasonal Mad Libs (like holidays) or specific topics (movies, songs, etc.).
• Prizes: Reward the funniest or most outrageous word choices.
• Group Singing: For song Mad Libs, everyone sings the completed lyrics together.
Mad Libs is all about laughing and enjoying the unpredictable results!
Find Some of Favorites Below!
Rudolph the (Adjective) Reindeer {🎵 Mad Lib Version}
“(Name) the (Adjective) Reindeer,
Had a very (Adjective) (Noun),
And if you ever (Verb, past tense),
You would even say it (Adverb).
All of the other (Plural Noun),
Used to (Verb) and call him (Name),
They never let poor (Name)
Join in any (Adjective) (Plural Noun).
Then one (Adjective) (Noun) Eve,
(Special Name) came to say,
‘(Name), with your (Adjective) (Noun) so (Adjective),
Won’t you (Verb) my (Adjective) (Vehicle) tonight?’
Then how the (Plural Noun) (Verb, past tense) with (Emotion),
As they (Verb, past tense) and shouted with (Noun),
‘(Name) the (Adjective) Reindeer,
You’ll go down in (Noun).’”
Frosty the (Noun) {🎵 Mad Lib Version}
“Frosty the (Noun)
Was a (Adjective) (Noun), they say.
He was made of (Material),
But the (Plural Noun)
Knew he’d (Verb) one day.
There must have been some (Noun)
In that old (Adjective) (Noun) they found,
For when they placed it on his (Body Part),
He began to (Verb) around.
Oh, Frosty the (Noun)
Was (Adjective) as he could be,
And the (Plural Noun) all say
He could (Verb) and (Verb),
Just the same as you and me.
Thumpity-thump-thump,
Thumpity-thump-thump,
Look at Frosty (Verb)!
Thumpity-thump-thump,
Thumpity-thump-thump,
Over the (Place) so (Adjective).
Frosty the (Noun)
Had to (Verb) on his way,
But he (Verb, past tense) goodbye,
Saying, ‘Don’t you (Verb),
I’ll be back again someday.’”
Jingle Bells 🎵 Mad Lib Version
“Dashing through the (Noun),
In a (Adjective) open (Vehicle),
O’er the (Plural Noun) we go,
(Verb) all the way.
(Bodily Noise) on bobtails (Verb),
Making (Adjective) spirits bright,
What fun it is to (Verb) and (Verb)
A (Adjective) song tonight!
Chorus:
Jingle (Plural Noun), jingle (Plural Noun),
Jingle all the way!
Oh, what (Noun) it is to (Verb)
In a (Adjective) open (Vehicle), hey!
Jingle (Plural Noun), jingle (Plural Noun),
Jingle all the way!
Oh, what (Noun) it is to (Verb)
In a (Adjective) open (Vehicle).
A day or two ago,
I thought I’d take a (Noun),
And soon (Name) (Verb, past tense) by
In a (Adjective) open (Vehicle).
The (Adjective) horse was (Adjective),
Misfortune seemed his (Noun),
We got into a (Noun) drift,
And then we (Verb, past tense)!”
A Chance To Win!
🎁 Want one of our Fruitcake Mixes? Email us, like our post, or comment for your chance to win! 🎶
If you find yourself alone this season, remember that it’s still worth celebrating. Never tell yourself there’s no point in decorating for Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever traditions are close to your heart. The very best reason to celebrate is you.
You matter. To God, the Universe, the Great Spirit—however you understand it—you are just as precious and important as anyone else on this planet.
So go ahead: buy yourself a gift, wrap it up, and place it under the tree. Don’t wait for someone else to guess what you need—take care of yourself. Fill your home with the comforting smells of good food, set the table like a guest of honor, and eat from your nicest plate.
This is a special season, and you deserve to be a part of it—music, lights, and all. If you learn to enjoy your own company, you’ll find you’re never really alone.
And if you want, reach out. Invite someone else who might be feeling lonely to join you, or connect with loved ones virtually. Remember: you are loved. You deserve joy, warmth, and connection. No matter what, you are never truly alone.
Peace, love, and cosmic bunny rabbits,
Tea
Just wanted to take a moment to share how grateful I am for all of you, my wonderful friends. I truly cherish knowing you’re there and love following your stories. You all bring something unique and beautiful to the world, and I hope you realize just how special you are.
Wishing each of you love, peace, health, and joy throughout this season and into the new year. You’re all miracles, and I’m so thankful for the light you bring into my life. ❤️
Peace, love, and cosmic bunny rabbits,
Tea
Sweet Friends, please remember: you are absolutely perfect, just as you are. You are enough. You do enough. You are loved and cherished for the unique and beautiful person you are. You’re not here to live up to anyone else’s expectations or to mold yourself to make others happy. Your life is yours to live—your goals, your dreams, your pace.
You deserve love, joy, and peace simply for being you. Don’t ever feel the need to dim your light to fit in. You were born to shine, to be authentic, to be you. The world is brighter because of your brilliance, your kindness, your heart. Be yourself, unapologetically. You are amazing, and you deserve to be loved and accepted just as you are. Always.
Peace, Love & Cosmic Bunnie Rabbits,
Tea
You are a true gift to this world, and your presence here is no coincidence—you're here for a reason. The world needs people who follow what lights them up inside, and there’s always room for your unique brilliance to shine. When you lean into what brings you joy, miraculous things start to happen. Doors open, paths align, and life begins to flow in ways you never imagined. Listen to the gentle whispers of your heart—they know the way. Follow what fills you with happiness and purpose, because the world needs you. You are a gift, and your light makes all the difference.
I hope your day is delightful. Peace, love, and cosmic bunny rabbits,
xo Tea
Show Links {Links In Pink!}
Exciting news! Drumroll, please... 🥁 We've added a nifty little button that's like a magical portal to all our show links! No more wandering aimlessly through the vast expanse of cyberspace - just one click and voilà, you're there! It's like having a secret passage to the treasure trove of entertainment!
Access All Areas with Our Show Links Button!
But hey, we get it - some of you are the adventurous type, seeking that thrill of discovery. Fear not, intrepid explorers! For you brave souls, our "Connect!" section awaits, a treasure map of links to satisfy even the most curious of minds. So whether you're a button-clicker or a link-hunter, we've got you covered!
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✨ Step into the Rabbit Hole! ✨
Ever wonder about the curious tales behind the songs on Eclectic Wonderland? Are you itching to relive the magic of our playlists, explore the artists who create the tunes you love, and dive deeper into our musical mischief? Then it's time to join the Eclectic Wonderland Newsletter!
Each edition is packed with:
🎶 Exclusive show notes: Peek behind the curtain of each playlist and discover the stories that inspired them.
🌟 Full playlists: Revisit all the tracks from your favorite shows.
🔗 Links to all the artists: Get connected with the musicians who made your Wonderland experience magical.
📻 Missed a show? No worries! We’ve got links to the archives and built-in players for past shows no longer available in the archives.
🎩 And so much more!
Sign up today and keep the wonder alive long after the show ends. We can’t wait to have you join our wacky, whimsical world!
Thank you for listening; we appreciate you and hope your day is delightful.
Peace, love, and Cosmic Bunny Rabbits 🐰✨
Much Love & Warm Fuzzies!
🧜♀️ Thank You for Listening!
We appreciate you. ❤️
We Hope Your Day Is Delightful!
Peace, Love & Cosmic Bunny Rabbits!