In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once. 

Everyone knows it’s hard to fall asleep on Christmas Eve. But, not everyone knows what this kid knows about the season. “Sleep Tight” was written by Silvie Zamora and performed by Abel Arias and Silvie Zamora.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once. 

Today marks the anniversary of the grand opening of the fictional cross-holiday shop, “Judai-Wicca,” which gives today’s episode its name. A delightful sketch written and performed by Robyn Roth and Denny Siegel. (Extra points for tuning in to the 13 Days of Halloween podcast and hearing the Wiccan Sisters walk us through some classic horror films in “The Wiccan Review.”)

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project (and the aforementioned 13 Days of Halloween) and the talented folks involved in all this holiday madness.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once. 

They work hard all year - they deserve a month off! “Taking An Elfie” was written by Robyn Roth, and performed by Keith Ferguson (with Robyn Roth featured as the child). 

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once. 

"O, Christmas Tree" - a simple phrase that packs an emotional punch. Today's episode is by Gale Brennan Jackson, and although it's technically about her childhood Christmas tree, you may see some of your own family and traditions in this very tender story.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once. 

It has never been more clear that looking at each other without prejudice would be a very useful thing to a society struggling to hang on to its society-ness. Dictionary dot com defines it thus: A highly structured system of human organization for large-scale community living that normally furnishes protection, continuity, security, and a national identity for its members. 

Today's personal story was written by Christine Zirbel and read by Silvie Zamora.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once. 

Today's episode is a beautiful personal story written by Rikki Schwartz,  and performed by Jenny Flack. It's about crossing the lines that make us different, and making a difference in someone's life.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once. 

There is, perhaps, no time of year more laden with traditions, legends, and folklore than this. So Christmastime is perfect to retell the tale of Saint Pubbins. Written by Chris Warren Gilbert and performed by Keith Ferguson, today's episode will both educate and amuse.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once. 

If you've ever tried to settle contentedly into a seasonal job, this episode is for you. "Macy's" was written by Gale Brennan Jackson, and read by Silvie Zamora. Theme music by Scott Passarella and Gary Grantham.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once. 

A celebration by any other date would be just as profound. 

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once. 

For some, the only time family gets together is during the holidays. But which holidays? Andy Crocker and Jen Bascom wrote the delightful parody lyrics to this tune about siblings and how easy it can be to get along.

Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.