Presents, Menorahs and Palm Trees: December Holiday Stories - Peter Aguero 2

“She says, 'Pete, we’re not gonna have a lot of money this year for Christmas, so I don't think we’re gonna be able to give each other presents.'”

Photo by Angela Stott

Presents, Menorahs and Palm Trees: December Holiday Stories

In this special December holiday hour, stories about celebration, differing traditions, and family. A mother and son do their best to keep the gifting spirit alive, a daughter tries to fulfill her mother’s wish for a Trinidadian feast, and a man waits and waits for the perfect moment to kiss a date. Those and more stories in this episode. Hosted by The Moth's Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Peter Aguero and his mother exchange holiday gifts made of paper.

Tracey Segarra sends a Hanukkah card that her mother-in-law takes issue with.

Steve Glickman attempts to escape a snowy Chicagoan Christmas for Puerto Vallarta.

Dawn Fraser is tasked to find the perfect ingredients for a Trinidadian Christmas.

Evan Lunt takes his grandmother’s menorah to college as a keepsake of her.

Bernie Somers counts down to a first kiss on New Year's Eve with a romantic interest.

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Stories in this Episode

11:51
Me and Mama vs. Christmas

by Peter Aguero

A mom gets everything she wants for Christmas.

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06:07
Mother Rita

by Tracey Segarra

Tracey Segarra sends a Hanukkah card that her mother-in-law takes issue with.

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06:19
Feliz Navidad

by Steve Glickman

Steve Glickman attempts to escape a snowy Chicagoan Christmas for Puerto Vallarta.

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06:26
A True Caribbean Christmas

by Dawn Fraser

Dawn Fraser is tasked to find the perfect ingredients for a Trinidadian Christmas.

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04:31
A Flame Through the Ages

by Evan Lunt

Evan Lunt takes his grandmother’s menorah to college as a keepsake of her.

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06:51
Saving Myself for New Years

by Bernie Somers

Bernie Somers counts down to a first kiss on New Year's Eve with a romantic interest.

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Extras From This Episode

Presents, Menorahs and Palm Trees: December Holiday Stories

Steve Glickman

Steve Glickman Mrh 1723 Extra 1

Steve and his new boyfriend on vacation in Belize.

Steve Glickman Mrh 1723 Extra 2

Steve with his three passports: the first is the one he lost and found 11 years later, the second is his replacement for the first (which expired in 2016), the third is his current. He says: "I love them all and will never part with them ever again."

For more information on Steve visit www.steveglickman.net

Tracey Segarra

Tracey Segarra Mrh 1723 Extra 1

Rita, Tracey's mother-in-law, and her granddaughters.

Tracey Segarra Mrh 1723 Extra 2

Reindeer pretzel cupcakes made as part of Tracey and her daughter's Christmas tradition to make unique holiday treats.

Dawn Fraser

Dawn Fraser Mrh 1723 Extra 3

The Fraser family celebrating Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago.

Dawn Fraser Mrh 1723 Extra 1

The Fraser Christmas spread, including the Dawn's traveling turkey.

Dawn Fraser Mrh 1723 Extra 2

Each Fraser makes a delicious plate of (travelled) foods.

The music in this story

  • The Drift - Uncanny Valley
  • Melody Creators - All I Want For Christmas
  • Modern Mandolin Quartet - Flower Duet from Lakme
  • Proyecto Solo - Puerto Vallarta
  • C.S. Heath - Deck the Halls
  • Nigel Kennedy and The Kroke Band - One Voice