Alfie shares his mother's letter to his aunt, dated 6th of November 1948. He chats to Brendan about bygone times when turkeys, geese and bacon were posted to family living abroad.

"The Art of the Stitch" exhibition honours Maude Kearney, one of the driving forces behind Limerick lace. Grania McElligott has now donated hundreds of her grandmother's pieces to Limerick Museum. The exhibition runs until 31st January 2024.

On Monday's show Brendan spoke to Paddy O'Brien in Cork about older people and loneliness. Fiona O'Regan was inspired to get in touch with her local nursing home ahead of the Christmas period.

Marina Cassidy is a renowned Irish harpist, a vocalist and music therapist. Her lifelong love of music led to helping patients through the profound effect of music therapy.

Sara tells Brendan about her family's Christmas tradition. The "Pineapple Sweepstake" is a Christmas Day tradition passed down from generation to generation.

Paddy O'Brien has been advocating for the elderly for over 60 years. He spoke to Brendan about this work and how everyone can help their neighbours this Christmas.

Founded in 1892, Jackie Leonard and Sons is one of the country's oldest fruit and veg wholesalers. Justin Leonard is the fourth generation of the family to run the business and he joined Brendan to talk about produce, the old markets and the best way to prepare sprouts.

Dr Marion McGarry, a lecturer at the Atlantic Technological University in Galway and author of “Irish Customs and Rituals”, explains the Irish traditions we turn to in the dark winter months.

Valerie called in to to celebrate her recently retired postman Michael

On this week's show: A Facebook group designed to keep women safe while dating in New York; Dearbháil Lawless on the role education has played in her life; Ali Wheeler told us how her knicker designs ended up in a Jean Paul Gaultier ad; Oscar longlisted short film director Lochlainn McKenna and Dr Marion McGarry on Christmas traditions and customs.