Welcome to our Christmas in September party! In this episode, Marty and his friend, Madeline, are haunted by Liquefied Ghosts and Louise Erdrich's The Sentence. BONUS POINTS:  Count how many times Madeline talks about the Lizard Man in the sewers of Bloomington. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT SPIRIT: Liquified Ghost Ingredients: 2 oz. vodka 1 oz. vanilla simple syrup (or regular simple syrup if you use cream soda instead of club soda) 1 oz. cream 2 oz. club soda (or cream soda) Directions: Mix all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker and stir just to blend. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Nonalcoholic Alternative: Substitute 2 oz. of cream soda for the 2 oz. of vodka. Marty has a Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting. Madeline has a BA in English Creative Writing and gin drinking.  Currently, she is pursuing a Library Science graduate degree and avoiding the Lizard Man of Bloomington.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading eco-lit, true crime, and Alice Hoffman books. Music for this episode: "Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay. "A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay. A Christmas Carol sound clips from: The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore. Other music in the episode: "I Put a Spell on You."  Simone, Nina.  Phillips Records, 1965. This month's Christmas lit: Erdrich, Louise.  The Sentence.  Harper Collins, 2021.

Welcome back to this Lit for Christmas vacation party! In this episode, Marty and his wife, Beth, return to the land of scotch, talking about O. Henry's classic Christmas short story "The Gift of the Magi" and a chest freezer full of dead cats. BONUS POINTS:  Help Beth title the poem she wrote for this episode! This episode is dedicated to LFC's number one fan--Helen Haskell-Remien (January 15, 1956 - August 21, 2022).  "I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing, / as though I had wings." -- Mary Oliver SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: Oh Henry! Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz. Scotch whiskey  3/4 oz. Benedictine 4 oz. Ginger Ale Directions: Mix ingredients.  Pour over ice.  Add twist of lemon is you like. SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE: 1 1/2 oz. nonalcoholic Bourbon  3/4 oz. Simple Syrup 4 oz. Ginger Ale Mix ingredients.  Pour over ice.  Add twist of lemon is you like. Lit for Christmas Party Hosts: Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting. Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education.  She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier.  Currently, she is the front desk clerk at a hotel and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband. Music for this episode: "Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay. "A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay. Other music in the episode: "Gift of the Magi."  Mitchell, Joni.  Joni Mitchell Archives--Vol. 1:  The Early Years (1963-1967).  Rhino Records, 30 October 2020. A Christmas Carol sound clips from: The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore. This month's Christmas lit: Henry, O.  "The Gift of the Magi."  New York Sunday World, 1905. <https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/1-the_gift_of_the_magi_0.pdf>

Welcome to our Christmas in July party! In this episode, Marty is joined by his friend, Madeline, as they both get hammered on sherry and hammer on Alex Haley's A Different Kind of Christmas. BONUS POINTS:  Place bets as to when Marty will throw up during the episode. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT SPIRIT: Sherry (sweet or dry) NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE: Nonalcoholic sherry OR fruit juice Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting. Madeline has a BA in English Creative Writing and gin drinking.  Currently, she works the Reference Desk at a library, but she will soon become a graduate student studying for her Masters of Library Science.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading eco-lit, true crime, and Alice Hoffman books. Music for this episode: "Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay. "A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay. A Christmas Carol sound clips from: The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore. Other music in the episode: "I've Been Working on the Railroad."  K. H. Lee.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1QfUz9dEn8) This month's Christmas lit: Haley, Alex.  A Different Kind of Christmas.  Doubleday, 1988.

Welcome back to this Lit for Christmas vacation party! In this episode, Marty and his wife, Beth, drink way too much spiked eggnog, reflect on whale sperm, and talk about writer/producer/director John Hughes' short story "Christmas '59," which was adapted for the silver screen into National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. BONUS POINTS:  Count how many times Marty says "whale penis." SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: SPIKED EGGNOG Ingredients: 4 shots Butterscotch Schnapps/Peachtree Schnapps/Bailey's Irish Cream/Rum/Whiskey of Choice 4 oz. eggnog 6 oz. heavy cream (or half-and-half, or milk) Directions: Mix eggnog and heavy cream.  Pour over ice, if you like.  Add liquor of choice and stir. SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE: Eggnog Lit for Christmas Party Hosts: Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting. Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education.  She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier.  Currently, she is the front desk clerk at a hotel and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband. Music for this episode: "Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay. "A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay. Other music in the episode: "Christmas Vacation."  Staples, Mavis.  Warner Bros. Records, September 1989. A Christmas Carol sound clips from: The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore. This month's Christmas lit: Hughes, John.  "Christmas '59."  National Lampoon, 1980. <http://web.archive.org/web/20010223220801/www.nationallampoon.com/flashbacks/xmas59/xmas59.html>

Welcome to this Mental Health Awareness Month Lit of Christmas party. In this episode, Marty is joined again by his friend, Madeline, as they get blitzed on scotch and sodas, talk about J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, and all that David Copperfield crap. BONUS POINTS:  Count how many times Marty says he's sweating. Marty would like to dedicate this episode to his good friend, Lon Emerick, who was NOT a phony.  Godspeed, my friend! RECIPE FOR SCOTCH AND SODA: Ingredients: 4 oz. of scotch of choice 4 oz. of soda of choice (Diet Coke, club soda) Fill a high ball glass with ice and add scotch. Top with soda and gently stir. RECIPE FOR VIRGIN SCOTCH AND SODA AND TONIC: Follow recipe above, but substitute non-alcoholic whiskey such as Spiritless's Kentucky 74 for scotch. Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting. Madeline has a BA in English Creative Writing and gin drinking.  Currently, she works the Reference Desk at a library, but she will soon become a graduate student studying for her Masters of Library Science.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading eco-lit, true crime, and Alice Hoffman books. Music for this episode: "Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay. "A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay. A Christmas Carol sound clips from: The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore. Other music in the episode: "Comin' Thro the Rye."  Siobahn Miller.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLrIG51x3Jg) This month's Christmas lit: Salinger, J. D.  The Catcher in the Rye.  Little, Brown, 1951.

Welcome back to the third Lit for Christmas party of Season Two! In this episode, Marty and his wife, Beth, kill a bottle of red wine and dish about former U. S. Poet Laureate's Billy Collins' collection of poems Nine Horses for National Poetry Month. BONUS POINTS:  Count how many times Marty uses the phrase "academic snobbery." SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: Red Wine SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE: Sparkling fruit juice Lit for Christmas Party Hosts: Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting. Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education.  She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier.  Currently, she is the front desk clerk at a hotel and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband. Music for this episode: "Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay. "A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay. A Christmas Carol sound clips from: The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore. This month's Christmas lit: Collins, Billy.  Nine Horses.  Random House, 2002.

Welcome back to this special Saint Patrick's Day Lit for Christmas party! In this episode, Marty is joined by his friend, Madeline, venturing into the land of gin again to discuss Irish writer Sally Rooney's novel Normal People.  There may be a pot of gold at the end, or some aspirin and Alka-Seltzer. BONUS POINTS:  Count how many times Marty almost refers to Madeline as Amanda!  (Hint:  It's a lot!) RECIPE FOR GIN AND TONIC: Ingredients: 2 oz. of gin of choice 4 oz. of tonic water 2 lime wheels or other seasonal garnish Fill a high ball glass with ice and add gin. Top with tonic water and gently stir. Garnish with lime wheels or seasonal garnish of choice. RECIPE FOR GIN AND TONIC: Ingredients: 2 oz. of juniper syrup* 1 oz. of lemon juice 4 oz. of tonic water lemon wheel Fill high ball glass with ice. Add juniper syrup and lemon juice. Add tonic water and gently stir. Garnish with lemon wheel. * Juniper Syrup:  In a heatproof bowl, add the peel and pith of one large lemon, two tablespoons of juniper berries (lightly crushed), and a pinch of loose black tea.  In a saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil, then pour over lemon peel mixture and let set for 15 minutes to infuse.  Strain the infused water into a measuring cup, and return two cups of the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat.  Add one cup of sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved.  Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely before using.  Will keep in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to three weeks. RECIPE FROM imbibemagazine.com Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting. Madeline has a BA in English Creative Writing and gin drinking.  Currently, she works the Reference Desk at a library, but she will soon become a graduate student studying for her Masters of Library Science.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading eco-lit, true crime, and Alice Hoffman books.  Music for this episode: "Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay. "A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay. A Christmas Carol sound clips from: The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore. Other music in the episode: "People Are Strange."  The Doors.  Elektra Records, September 1967. "White Christmas" found on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPiAkpZ_6pA) This month's Christmas lit: Rooney, Sally.  Normal People.  Faber & Faber, 2018.

Welcome back to the first Lit for Christmas party of Season Two! In this episode, Marty is joined by his wife, Beth, to guzzle some New York sours and discuss Oscar Hijuelos' Mr. Ives' Christmas.  Be prepared for some drunken magical realism! BONUS POINTS:  Count how many times Beth says Antonio Banderas! RECIPE FOR NEW YORK SOUR: Ingredients: 2 oz. of whiskey/bourbon 1 1/2 oz. lemon juice 1 oz. Simple Syrup Maraschino cherries Sweet red wine Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.   Shake well.   Pour into rocks glass.  Add a splash of red wine on top. Garnish with two Maraschino cherries. RECIPE FOR VIRGIN NEW YORK SOUR:   Substitute alcohol free whiskey/bourbon (Ritual Zero Proof Whisky Alternative or Lyre's American Malt).  Substitute pomegranate juice for red wine.  Lit for Christmas Party Hosts: Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting. Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education.  She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier.  Currently, she is the front desk clerk at a hotel and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband. Music for this episode: "Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay. "A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay. A Christmas Carol sound clips from: The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore. Other music in the episode: "Fairytale of New York."  The Pogues.  RAK Studios, November 1987. This month's Christmas lit: Hijuelos, Oscar.  Mr. Ives' Christmas.  HarperCollins Publishers, 1995.

Welcome to Season Two of Lit for Christmas! For this Shot of Christmas Spirit, Marty fills you in on what's coming up this year in the Lit for Christmas parties and shares a memory and poem about his sister, Rose. BONUS POINTS:  Every time you see someone you love, hug them. Lit for Christmas Party Hosts: Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting. Music for this bonus episode: "Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay. A Christmas Carol sound clips from: The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore. Additional bonus episode music: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" by The Piano Guys This episode's Christmas lit: Achatz, Martin.  "Fear Not."

Welcome to our little Lit for Christmas party this Christmas day! For this special Lit for Christmas party, Marty drinks solo and shares his essay "How Lovely Are Your Branches" and his poem "Revision Suggestions for Luke." BONUS POINTS:  Every time Marty says the words "Christmas Tree," add more RumChata to your hot chocolate. TODAY'S CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: RumChata Hot Chocolate Directions: Make a mug of hot chocolate Add three two four shots of Rumchata Drink Lit for Christmas Party Hosts: Amanda got her undergrad at U of M in English, MFA from Goddard College, and JD from Wayne State University Law School.  She's a writer, fleece-legging addict, private poetry hoarder, public child herder, heirloom seed collector, candle dripper, cocktail mixer, and Christmas geek. Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press.  For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm.  Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting. Music for this episode: "Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay. "A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay. A Christmas Carol sound clips from: The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore. Additional Episode Music: "O Tannenbaum" by The Vince Guaraldi Trio "O Little Town of Bethlehem" by Jesse Wall This episode's Christmas lit: Achatz, Martin.  "How Lovely Are Your Branches" and "Revision Suggestions for Luke."