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.
Please note: Most content related to this topic that is contemporary or created after 2005 can be found on our main content pages of MPR News, YourClassical MPR, The Current, APM Reports, and Marketplace.
November 20, 1972 - MPR’s Paul Gruchow shares a poignant childhood memory of the sights, sounds, and smells on a rural farm during the harvest season.
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.
November 25, 1976 - A special Midday program presents a selection of readings for Thanksgiving Day.
December 25, 1976 - As part of Home for the Weekend series, this program examines Christmas from the perspective of some cultural customs that make up the varied ethnic background of Midwest. Includes segments of music, stories and interviews.
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 15, 1979 - A discussion on the meaning and history of Hanukkah. Segment includes musical elements.
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.