[tubemonkey]

Here are a couple of Christmas stories from NPR

A Christmas Carol -- Charles Dickens -- performed by Jonathan Winters & Mimi Kennedy

This is an abridged dramatization by Jonathan Winters for NPR in Dec 2004. Total length is 59 minutes, including a 6 minute introduction. A standard reading is roughly 3 hours in length.

"Marley was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. Old Marley was as dead as a doornail."

So begins A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Some say this short story, first published in 1843, transformed Christmas into a major holiday. Before A Christmas Carol, there was surprisingly little celebration during the Christmas season. After its publication, the holiday became a high point of the year. The tale has inspired movies, operas, readings and countless stage performances around the globe.

Master comedian Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of this holiday classic, using a special performing edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations. He re-creates Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley's spirit and the three Christmas ghosts: Past, Present and Future. Mimi Kennedy also performs.

SantaLand Diaries -- David Sedaris -- read by David Sedaris

*** NOT SAFE FOR CHILDREN ***

This story isn't "dirty", but the humor is a bit dark and not suited for children. There are 3 versions ranging from 7:01 to 8:21 minutes.

• SantaLand Diaries -- 1992 (8:21 min) - original full length reading
• SantaLand Diaries -- 2005 (7:01 min)
• SantaLand Diaries -- 2014 (7:25 min)

Time For A Holiday Favorite: 'Santaland Diaries' --> NPR (Dec 2014)

You might not expect "Santa's Helper" to be a career-altering gig, but for David Sedaris, it changed everything. The writer and humorist spent a season working at Macy's as a department store elf. He described his short tenure as Crumpet the Elf in "The Santaland Diaries," an essay that he read on Morning Edition in 1992.

Instantly, a classic was born. Sedaris' reading has become an NPR holiday tradition. Click the "Listen" link above to hear Sedaris read his story.

Sedaris and Crumpet the Elf: A Holiday Tradition --> NPR (Dec 2005)

The life of David Sedaris took an unexpected, and not entirely unwelcome, turn when his "Santaland Diaries" were first broadcast on Morning Edition in 1992.

Sedaris recounted his experiences playing Crumpet the elf at Macy's in New York during the holidays. Almost overnight, he went from obscurity to sought-after talent.

Now, 13 years later, he is a best-selling author who still appears on public radio from time-to-time.

And in those intervening years, the popularity of his original NPR appearance has only grown. So, here, once again, is Sedaris reading in 1992 from his "Santaland Diaries."