Totally Rad Christmas!

What's up, dudes? It's another minisode! Today we're celebrating Halloween and Christmas with the John Barrett penned Ted E. Bear story "Christmas Comes to Monster Mountain!" It’s a the literary sequel to “The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas” and “The Great Bear Scare.”

John Barrett came up with the story to “The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas” and developed the teleplay for the special which was subsequently produced by DePatie-Freleng Enterprises in 1973. The special stars Ted E. Bear as a curious bear who yearns to discover and experience Christmastide, even as he endures ridicule from the entire bear community. Barrett also wrote several sequels to the special, including “The Great Bear Scare.” In this adventure, the bears of the city of Bearbank hear rumors that Count Dracula and the other monsters from Monster Mountain are going to invade and conquer Bearbank on Halloween. Teddy believes he has found a way to deter and repel the creatures, and indeed he does save the day. In fact, “The Great Bear Scare” was turned into a special layer in 1983, though the animation is stilted and incomplete. Dracula also has trouble turning into a bat for some reason.

That now brings us to “Christmas Comes to Monster Mountain.” Developed by the LeFave Company, it was published in 1981 by Children’s Press. The illustrations were done by Rick Reinert Productions in the style of the original special. 

Dracula, the leader of the monsters, is running for re-election, and needs a scheme so vile that it secures his victory. His diabolical plot: kidnap Santa. I wonder if Jack Skellington took notes from this book. He writes a letter to Santa pretending to be a young boy so that the good saint will visit him. Sure enough, on Christmas Eve, Santa comes down Dracula’s chimney and is caught in his trap. When Santa doesn’t come back up the chimney, his reindeer fly off to get help. Enter Ted E Bear! He agrees to help, and since he can’t rescue Santa from Dracula, he delivers all the presents in Santa’s stead. On Christmas morning, as Dracula revels in his success, Ted shows up and reveals that the ploy failed because he himself delivered the presents. Dracula is sure he will lose the election; however, Santa always brings extra gifts on his trip. Ted E Bear handed them out to all the monsters for Christmas. The monsters are so overcome with joy that Dracula wins in a landslide. He brought Christmas to Monster Mountain.

Scary monsters? Check. Undaunted protagonist? Got it. Learning to fly Santa’s sleigh in no time? For sure! So grab your flight map, hop on the sleigh, and deliver presents to this episode!

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What’s up, dudes? It’s the greatest store ever to an ‘80s kid! Yes, it’s Toys “R” Us, the category killer! Today we’re talking the Toys “R” Us Christmas Dream Book 1986!

Toys “R” Us goes all the way back to 1948, when Charles Lazarus opened a little Washington, D.C. shop called Children’s Bargain Town, selling baby furniture. Eventually he pivoted from cribs and strollers to playthings. In 1957, Lazarus opened the first store under the Toys “R” Us name, built like a supermarket for toys—long aisles, stacked shelves, self-service shopping, and wall-to-wall kids’ stuff. 

This book provides a huge variety of toys. From ThunderCats to Cabbage Patch Kids, there’s something for everyone. The Milton Bradley games provided hours of fun, and Cats Lair gave the ThunderCats a base and place of respite in between fighting mutants and berserkers. Of course, Robotech 3 3/4in figures were great to incorporate on your Joe team!

Electronic Battleship? Check. Lazer Tag? Rad! The Hart Family? Only if it's a surprise party playset! So grab your ThunderCats figures, throw them in your Sling ‘Em Fling ‘Em Wrestling Ring, and circle your favorites in this  Toys “R” Us Christmas Dream Book 1986!

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What's up, dudes? I've got Ken Kessler from Sounds of Christmas and Scott Leopold from Holly Jolly X'masu here to talk the jangle pop/alternative rock album by the Chris Stamey Group “Christmas Time!” After a stint with the dB's, Chris Stamey went out on his own as a solo artist. He invited his former bandmates back for a fun Christmas album.

"Christmas Time" was released as a 7-song vinyl EP under the credit Chris Stamey Group with Special Guests The dB’s. The EP mixed original songs with inventive takes on Christmas music, emphasizing chorused and reverbed guitars, melodic power pop, and quirky holiday charm. The record was mostly comprised of original tunes, the exception being a reworking of Deck the Hall by Cathy Harrington called Sha La La (Deck the Halls). Something Came Over Me is a reflective, melodic original that balances bittersweet lyrics with shimmering guitars and sophisticated pop arrangements. The opening title track is a bright, jangly power-pop original featuring Chris Stamey and Peter Holsapple’s harmonies, chiming guitars, and an infectious holiday hook that perfectly captures the warmth and excitement of Christmas. 

The Only Law That Santa Claus Understood is a witty folk-pop original by Ted Lyons that pairs clever storytelling with acoustic instrumentation and understated charm, offering one of the collection’s most unique lyrical perspectives. Snow Is Falling is a lush, atmospheric ballad featuring bass ostinato and Mary’s haunting lead vocal, slowly building into a dreamy meditation on the quiet beauty and peaceful solitude of a snowy Christmas evening. Both are followed by the acoustic guitar instrumental It's a Wonderful Life which quotes What Child is This? to end on a remarkable, intriguing disquiet.

Keyboards? Yep. Guitars? Got ‘em. Outlaw wild west Santa? For sure! So grab your record player, put on “Christmas Time,” and listen to this episode!

Sounds of Christmas
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Holly Jolly X'masu
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What’s up, dudes? I wanna rock and roll all night while dreaming of a white Christmas! Yes, we’re talking KISS “White Christmas!” I’ve got my whole band with me: Adam Pope from Wizards! The Podcast Guide to Comics and The Retro Network (Geekster), and Remember That Show?, Jeremy Phelps the Alamo City Santa, Vinnie Brezinsky from Huey and Bax, and Kathryn Sugg!

On Dec 19, 1987, KISS came out for an encore and sang the Irving Berlin classic “White Christmas!” The a capella harmonies were tight! And yes, Gene helps the audience keep the beat as they start clapping.

Also, Paul took over MTV for the Paul Stanley Guest VJ Hour! He’s joined by two present wrapping helpers in sexy Mrs. Claus outfits. He introduces videos, and does a QVC-style gift demo. Some are wild, like the mini car for Gene.

Makeup? Check. Guitars? Got ‘em. Waterbugs and ‘80s robots? What?! So paint your face, hop in your little car, and sing an encore to this episode on KISS “White Christmas!”

Wizards!
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Etsy: North Pole General Store 

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What’s up, dudes? If you’re looking for the ultimate Dolly Christmas special, her 1990 NBC holiday TV event “Dolly Parton: Christmas at Home” is a heartwarming trip back to a simpler Christmas. CJ Bélanger from Rose Suchak Ladder and I have a blast with this one! 

The special was made to coincide with the release of her new Christmas album. It follows Dolly from a charming Christmas store to a garland-filled Nashville recording studio in the middle of July—where she records holiday classics surrounded by enough tinsel, bows, and magnificent mullets to make any child of the ‘80s smile. From there, she heads home to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, reuniting with her family for playful sibling teasing, treasured childhood memories, and unforgettable performances of Christmas favorites including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Deck the Halls,” “We Three Kings,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” It’s classic Dolly: equal parts laughter, storytelling, heartfelt nostalgia, and sparkling holiday magic.

As the special continues, Dolly visits a nursing home, takes children through Dollywood during Christmastime, shares touching stories about homemade gifts and family traditions, and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas with performances of “Little Drummer Boy,” “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Joy to the World,” “The First Noel,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and a beautiful closing rendition of “Silent Night.” Watching today also offers a delightful time capsule of 1990 Christmas commercials, featuring Chevy, Kodak, McDonald’s, Toys “R” Us, Tylenol, and other nostalgic favorites that instantly transport viewers back to the golden age of holiday television. Filled with faith, family, unforgettable music, and enough Christmas spirit to light up the Smoky Mountains, this is one Dolly Parton Christmas special that deserves a place on every retro holiday watchlist.

One hundred year old carousel? Check. Wagon rides? Got it. Brothers teasing a sister’s looks? Definitely! So grab your guitar, sing about the wisemen, and visit a nursing home with this episode on “Dolly Parton: Christmas at Home!”

Rose Suchak Ladder
IG: @rosesuchakladderpod

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PARENTAL WARNING: DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE WITH CHILDREN PRESENT!

What’s up, dudes? It's July, and it's ridiculously hot, so we’re gonna have a watch-along party for the Rankin Bass classic “Frosty the Snowman”. I’ve got CJ Bélanger from Rose Suchak Ladder, Jeff Loftin from Lost Christmas podcast, Anthony Caruso from ‘Tis the Podcast, Santa Ambassador Matt Spaulding from North Pole Radio, and Jeremy Phelps the Alamo City Santa with me to provide commentary and enjoy the ride!

The story chronicles the experiences of Frosty the Snowman, an anthropomorphic being of precipitation who magically comes to life one Christmas. Embraced by the town's children because they created him, Frosty decides to escape the sweltering heat of the south and head to the North Pole. Throughout, he's chased Thunderbolt Ross-style by Prof. Hinkle, the Hogwarts reject. Unfortunately, the subpar magician even traps the enchanted snowman in a greenhouse which causes him to melt. Luckily, Santa Claus rescues the snowman and reanimates him with eldritch winter sorcery. He also forces the treacherous professor to write lines until he repents.

Hogwarts flunkie? Check. All-powerful Santa? Yep. Sideshow Bob-level of vengeance plots? Messy, messy, messy! So grab your magic hat, pull out the super smart rabbit, and bellywhop to this episode on "Frosty the Snowman!"

Rose Suchak Ladder
IG: @rosesuchakladderpod

Lost Christmas Podcast
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'Tis the Podcast
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IG: @alamocitysanta 

Etsy: North Pole General Store 

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IG: @northpole_generalstore 

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What's up, dudes? It's the third episode of the second season of the Stay Lit! podcast, all about the professional Christmas Light Installation industry. Matt Billington of Big & Bright Inflatables, retail genius Russ Schaller, and I sit down with A.R. Woodworking from The Woodworking Group. Is Christmas light installation a good fit for woodworkers? Can they use this business to supplement their slow months? Can they design custom woodworking projects to coincide with Christmas light installs? Tune in to find out!

Let's Get Lit Supply

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What's up, dudes? It's the second episode of the second season of the Stay Lit! podcast, all about the professional Christmas Light Installation industry. Nick Glassett of The Jump Off and Let's Get Lit and I break down the first half of the production cycle: pre-qualifying and making the deal with the client. There are quite a few items on a checklist to go over when first contact with the potential client is made. Don’t know them? Even if you do, check out this dive into the initial steps of a Christmas light installation business sale process.

Let's Get Lit Supply

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What’s up, dudes? Now that Masters of the Universe is out in theaters, we’re gonna have a watch-along party for the Filmation classic “He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special”. I’ve got Mike Westfall from Advent Calendar House, Jeff Loftin from Lost Christmas podcast,  and Chad Young from Horror Movie BBQ with me to provide commentary and enjoy the ride!

Advent Calendar House
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IG: @adventcalendarhouse

Lost Christmas Podcast
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IG: @lostchristmaspodcast

Horror Movie BBQ
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IG: @horrormoviebbq

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What’s up, dudes? It’s another bonkers He-Man Christmas tale from the UK comics! This time I’ve got Jeff Loftin from Lost Christmas and Thom Crowe from ‘Tis the Podcast with me to break down the power of Grayskull!

Hordak has cast a spell that freezes men’s hearts, cutting out all hope. Desperate to lift this ice-fear, He-Man and the heroic warriors battle the evil Horde. Unfortunately, the villains escape through a portal leaving Eternia to the desolation.  In a last ditch effort to bring hope to his people, He-Man concocts a plan with Man-At-Arms to deliver presents to all children. The fruits of his labor are seen through the eyes of woodcutter Nik-Las and his daughter Mouse. The sudden appearance of the doll gave Nik-Las hope and Mouse the courage to speak after many silent years. The ice-fear was banished from the realm!

Cage of ice spears? Check. He-Man holding a basketball? Yep. Father Kis-Mus? Well…they tried, didn’t they? So grab the Sword of Power, fill a sack with toys, and stave off the evil Horde with this episode about He-Man Christmas!

Lost Christmas Podcast
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Twitter: @LostChristmasP1
IG: @lostchristmaspodcast

'Tis the Podcast
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Check us out on Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram,  Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com!  Later, dudes!