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 23, 1975 - MPR’s Bill Siemering interviews Ole Olson, who shares happy Christmas memories from the Minnesota and Dakota prairies in the 1880s. Decorations were tumbleweeds, an apple was a gift, and you did not go out and play in the snow.
December 24, 1976 - Truman Capote reading his autobiographical story "A Christmas Memory" at the 1976 7th Annual UND Writer's Conference last March in Grand Forks. The conference title was New Journalism and the Novel.
December 17, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, a sound portrait of the business of Christmas, with the shopping for gifts a core part of the holiday season. Program includes various interviews and comments from holiday shoppers, business owners, toy makers, department store Santas, credit services, a reminiscence from local resident.
December 5, 1978 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan presents a report on Minnesota Historical Society’s exhibit, called "The Wish Book." The exhibit explores the role of the mail order catalog in American life at the turn-of-the-century.
December 4, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson explores the latest endeavors of retailers during the holiday season. Report includes interview with John Pellegrene, member of Dayton’s Marketing Division, who explains “the future” of shopping via a touch screen computer terminal; and others who look to the more traditional avenues in giving.
December 22, 1979 - MPR’s Rich Dietman talks with MPR producer Nick Nash on the upcoming live U.S. stereo broadcast of “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” by King's College, Cambridge.
December 22, 1979 - MPR’s Rich Dietman presents a sound print of what Christmas is in other countries. Segments include music and discussion with Willa Ramos (Mexico), Theodora Geokazus (Greece), Maria Moran (Philippines), and Florence Hart (Scotland). The group share the different traditions and celebrations.
December 23, 1981 - Bruce Bomier and his daughter, Beth, discuss Christmas elves. The Bomiers’ express the need for more appreciation of elves.
December 18, 1982 - Dale Connelly and team present beloved “journalist” Bud Buck talking with a “specialty retailer” about holiday shopping gift ideas.
December 24, 1984 - A Christmas card from KSJN's Morning Edition. In this edition of The Sounds of the Season from Around the Twin Cities, a glimpse into the life of Toy Wonder Shop in Minneapolis, with owner Hass Benoit.