Welcome to our Saint Patrick’s Day Lit for Christmas party of Season Five!
In this episode, Marty and Beth get bombed on Bailey's Mint Mudslides and discuss "Christmas Morning" by Irish writer Frank O'Connor.
BONUS POINTS: Take a shot every time Beth makes a seuxal innuendo.
CAUTION: You WILL get very drunk.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT
Bailey's Mint Mudslide:
Ingredients:
Directions:
Non-Alcoholic Directions:
Substitute two scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream for the Bailey's Irish Cream and Creme de Menthe. Eliminate the ice. Double the Vanilla Creamer (2 shots) to thin the mixture.
Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:
Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published two poetry collections, The Mysteries ofthe Rosary from Mayapple Press and A Bigfoot Bestiary and Other Wonders from Modern History Press . For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com). Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education. She hasworked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier. Currently, she works in a call center and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
The Dubliners. "Whiskey in the Jar." More of the Hard Stuff. Major Minor, 1968.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
O'Connor, Frank. "Christmas Morning." Collected Short Stories. New York, Knopf, 1981.
Welcome to our Black History Month Lit for Christmas party!
In this episode, Marty and Beth sip Blue Eyes and discuss Toni Morrison's novel The Bluest Eye.
BONUS POINTS: Take a shot every time you hear Beth make a bad pun. CAUTION: You WILL get very drunk.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
The Blue Eye
Ingredients:
· 2 shots Vodka
· 1 shot Blue Curacao
· 3 shots Baja Blast Mountain Dew
· 1 shot white cranberry juice
· 3 or 4 whole blueberries
Directions:
1. Gently mix vodka, Blue Curacao, Baja Blast Mountain Dew, white cranberry juice to a shaker over ice.
2. Strain into martini glass.
3. Add three or four whole blueberries for garnish.
Directions for Non-Alcoholic The Blue Eye Recipe
Follow same directions as above, eliminating vodka and Blue Curacao. Increase amount of Baja Blast Mountain Dew to 4 shots and white cranberry juice to 2 shots.
Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:
Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting. He has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms as U.P. Poet Laureate, and has published the poetry collections The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press and A Bigfoot Bestiary and Other Wonders from Modern History Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com).
Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education. She hasworked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier. Currently, she works in a call center and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature withher loving husband.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
UB40. "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain." Getting Over the Storm. Virgin/Universal, 2 September, 2013.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. New York, Penguin Group, 1970.
Yes, we are back, Lit for Christmas party goers! Bigger and better.
Apologies for our long hiatus. Life became quite complicated last year, and we had to put quite a few things on hold. However, we are here and ready to Christmas party again!
In this episode, Marty and Beth imbibe in Peppermint Patties and discuss Dave Barry's The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Miracle Christmas Dog.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
Peppermint Patty
(courtesy of https://novelnightcaps.com/recipe/hot-peppermint-patty-cocktail/)
Ingredients
Directions
Lit for Christmas Party Hosts
Marty has a Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms as U.P. Poet Laureate, and has published two poetry collections, The Mysteries of the Rosasy from Mayapple Press and A Bigfoot Bestiary and Other Wonders from Modern History Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing, visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com). Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education. She was worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier. Currently, she words in a call center and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H., used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
Osmond, Donny. "Puppy Love." Portrait of Donny. MGM, 27 May, 1972.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Barry, Dave. The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Miracle Christmas Dog. New York. G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2006.
Welcome to our Valentine’s Day Lit for Christmas party of Season Four!
In this episode, Marty and Beth guzzle down Love Martinis and discuss Seven Stories of Christmas Love by Dr. Love himself, Leo Buscaglia.
BONUS POINTS: Take a shot every time you hear our 15-year-old son in the background. CAUTION: You WILL get very drunk.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
Love Martini
(courtesy of https://picturetherecipe.com/recipes/valentines-special-love-martini-cocktail/)
Ingredients:
· 1/2 shot Malibu Rum (Substitute Coconut Cream for non-alcoholic version)
· 1/2 shot Peach Schnapps (Substitute Peach Nectar for non-alcoholic version)
· 1/2 shot Vodka (Substitute (Substitute Strykk Not Vodka for non-alcoholic version)
· 3 shots Cranberry Juice
· 2 strawberries, for garnish (optional)
· A wedge of lime (optional)
· Sugar to rim the glass (optional)
Directions:
1. To make strawberry hearts for garnish, cut a small "v" to remove the stem of the strawberry. Then cut it into slices.
2. Rim martini glass with sugar (optional). Use a lime/lemon wedge along the rim of the glass to get it wet and dip the glass in a plate with sugar.
3. Gently mix the Malibu Rum, Peach Schnapps, Vodka, and Cranberry Juice together in a shaker over ice and pour it into the prepared glass.
4. Garnish your love martini with a couple strawberry hearts and a strawberry on the rim.
Directions for Non-Alcoholic Love Martini Recipe
Follow same directions as above, eliminating, substituting Coconut Cream, Peach Nectar, and Strykk Not Vodka for Malibu Rum, Peach Schnapps, and Vodka.
Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:
Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education. She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier. Currently, she works in a call center and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
Bieber, Justin. "Christmas Love." Under the Mistletoe. RBMG/Island Def Jam Music Group, 1 November, 2011.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Buscaglia, Leo. Seven Stories of Christmas Love. New York, William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1987.
Welcome to our first Lit for Christmas party of Season Four!
In this episode, Marty and Beth partake in a little drink called the Frodo and talk about the creator of Middle Earth, J. R. R. Tolkien, and his book Letters from Father Christmas, in celebration of what would have been Tolkien’s 132nd birthday on January 3, 2024.
BONUS POINTS: Take a shot every time you hear the words "Polar Bear." CAUTION: You WILL get very drunk.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
Frodo
(courtesy of Tara Reyes and https://popgoestheculture.com/pop-culture-kitchen-middle-earth-cocktails/)
Ingredients:
Directions:
Directions for Non-Alcoholic Frodo Recipe
Follow same directions as above, eliminating vodka and substituting two shots of peach nectar for peach schnapps.
Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:
Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Spotify. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education. She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier. Currently, she works in a call center and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
Dalton, Brendan and the 1740 Boys Choir. "Christmas in the Shire." Christmas in Middle-Earth. bandcamp.com, 27 November, 2020.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Tolkien, J. R. R. Letters from Father Christmas. Harper Collins Publishing, 1999.
Merry Christmas, all you Lit for Christmas partiers!
Welcome to this bonus Christmas Day party! For this special Lit for Christmas party, Marty shares his essay "Joy to the World."
BONUS POINTS: Tell someone you love them today.
TODAY'S CHRISTMAS SPIRIT:
Marty Schnog
Directions:
Lit for Christmas Party Host:
Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
Additional Episode Music:
"JOYFUL (Ode to Joy)" by Anne Crosby Gaudet (youtube.com/watch?v=5mXVv2U5HNA)
This episode's Christmas lit:
Achatz, Martin. "Joy to the World."
Welcome to our Christmas Eve Lit for Christmas party!
In this episode, Marty and his friend and new cohost and co-drunk, Andrea, talk about the meaning of life, joy, and Christmas as they discuss Paul Kalanithi’s When Breath Becomes Air. It’s an episode that’s sure to appreciate your loved ones this holiday season.
BONUS POINTS: Take a shot anytime you hear a terrible dad joke! WARNING: THERE ARE A LOT OF THEM!
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
The Brain Cocktail (recipe adapted from cookingchanneltv.com)
Ingredients:
Directions:
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE:
Use ingredients and follow above directions, making the substitutions listed above.
YOUR HOSTS
Marty has a Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor ho puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Andrea has had several careers and has a hard time labeling herself. She has an art degree from Michigan State and considers herself an anti-social hockey mom, timid badass, and defender of public resources. She currently works at Peter White Public Library as the hype girl.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
McLachlan, Sarah. "In the Bleak Midwinter." Wintersong by Sarah McLachlan. Arista, 2006.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Kalanithi, Paul. When Breath Becomes Air. Vintage, 2017.
Welcome to our post-Thanksgiving Lit for Christmas party!
In this episode, Marty and his friend, Madeline, celebrate an early Krampusnacht as they discuss Brom’s yuletide offering, Krampus the Yule Lord. It’s a knock-down, drag-out, to-the-death battle between Santa and Krampus!
BONUS POINTS: Take a shot anytime the word “yule” is said! Yule be drunk before you know it!
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
Yuletide Moon Cocktail (recipe adapted from adirondackwinery.com)
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Place cherries in a tall glass, then muddle. Keep the cherries in the glass once muddled.
2. Add orange juice, maple syrup, Merlot (cranberry juice for virgin version), bourbon (non-alcoholic bourbon for virgin version), and mix.
3. Pour into an old fashion glass with handful of ice.
4. Stir then add lemon peel (optional), cinnamon, and nutmeg.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE:
Use ingredients and follow above directions, making the substitutions listed above.
YOUR HOSTS
Marty has a Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor ho puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Madeline has a BA in English Creative Writing and gin drinking. Currently, she is pursuing a Library Science graduate degree and avoiding the Lizard Man of Bloomington. In her spare time, she enjoys reading eco-lit, true crime, and Alice Hoffman books.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
"We Wish You a Scary Christmas." Pipes, Douglas. Krampus Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Back Lot Music, 2015.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Brom, Gerald. Krampus the Yule Lord. Harper Collins Publishers, New York: 2012.
Welcome to a little shot of Lit for Christmas for Christmas Podcast Day!
For this special episode, Marty shares some shots of Christmas poems about Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol that he's written over the years! Merry Christmas Podcast Day!
BONUS POINTS: If you already have your Christmas tree up, take three extra shots of whatever's open in the liquor cabinet.
Lit for Christmas Party Host:
Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Music for this bonus episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This episode's Christmas lit:
Achatz, Martin. "Fezziwigging," "Ghosts of Christmas Past"
Welcome to our Halloween Lit for Christmas party!
In this episode, Marty and Beth partake in a little drink called the Bobby Burns and talk about the King of Horror's novella "The Breathing Method" from the novella collection Different Seasons.
BONUS POINTS: Take a shot every time you hear the word "breathing." CAUTION: You WILL get very drunk.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
Bobby Burns (courtesy of Liquor.com)
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Add the scotch, vermouth and Benedictine to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Twist a lemon peel over the glass to release its oils and then drop it into the drink.
Directions for Non-Alcoholic Bobby Burns Recipe
Follow same directions as above, substituting apple juice for scotch, lemon-lime soda for vermouth, and cranberry juice for Benedictine.
Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:
Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education. She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier. Currently, she works in a call center and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
Manson, Marilyn. "This Is Halloween." Nightmare Revisited. Walt Disney, 2008.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
King, Stephen. “The Breathing Method.” Different Seasons. Viking Press, 1982.
WARNING: This episode contains adult language and discussion of a certain guy in red fur that may not be appropriate for small children.
Welcome to our first 'ber month Lit for Christmas party of the year!
In this episode, Marty and his friend, Madeline, become Merry Prankster’s as the discuss Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in honor of what would have been Kesey’s 88th birthday on September 17.
BONUS POINTS: Take a drink every time someone says the word “crazy.”
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
Surfer on Acide (recipe adapted from Liquor.com)
Ingredients
Directions:
1. Add all the ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake, strain, and pour into a highball glass with ice.
3. Garnish with pineapple wedge (optional).
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE:
Use ingredients and follow above directions, making the substitutions listed above.
YOUR HOSTS
Marty has a Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Madeline has a BA in English Creative Writing and gin drinking. Currently, she is pursuing a Library Science graduate degree and avoiding the Lizard Man of Bloomington. In her spare time, she enjoys reading eco-lit, true crime, and Alice Hoffman books.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
"O Come All Ye Grateful Dead-Heads." Rivers, Bob. Twisted Christmas. Critique/Atco/Atlantic, 1988.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Kesey, Ken. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Penguin Books, New York: 1962.
Welcome to this late (by a few days) Lit for Christmas August party!
In this episode, Marty and his wife, Beth, partake in a few Mars Explosions while talking about Ray Bradbury’s short-short story “The Gift” in honor of Bradbury’s 103rd birthday. Also, learn the history of grenadine.
BONUS POINTS: Take a shot every time you hear a bad Close Encounters of the Third Kind allusion.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
Mars Explosion (courtesy of https://cocktailsandshots.com/recipe/mars-explosion/#google_vignette)
Ingredients:
Directions:
Directions for Non-Alcoholic Mars Explosion Recipe
Follow same directions as above, omitting vodka and rum, substituting 4 shots of orange juice instead.
Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:
Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education. She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier. Currently, she works in a call center and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
Zimmerman, Roy. "Christmas on Mars." Real American. Metaphor Records, 2010.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Bradbury, Ray. “The Gift.” Esquire, 1 Dec. 1952.
Welcome to our very, very, very late Lit for Christmas in July party! In a day's time, look for our August Lit for Christmas party!
In this episode, Marty and his friend, Madeline, charm some Copperheads and discuss opioid addiction, foster care, and Kingsolver love.
BONUS POINTS: Take a drink every time Marty or Madeline make a bad exorcism pun.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
Copperhead (recipe adapted from https://www.thedrinkkings.com/copperhead-recipe/)
Ingredients
· 2 shots of vodka (omit for nonalcoholic alternative)
· 5 shots of ginger ale (7 shots for nonalcoholic alternative)
· Lime wedge or 1 shot of lime juice
· Ice
Directions:
1. Add all the ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake, strain, and pour into a highball glass with ice.
3. Squeeze the lime wedge into drink (or add lime juice), drop wedge into drink, and serve.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE:
Use ingredients and follow above directions, omitting vodka and using 7 shots of ginger ale.
Marty has a Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Madeline has a BA in English Creative Writing and gin drinking. Currently, she is pursuing a Library Science graduate degree and avoiding the Lizard Man of Bloomington. In her spare time, she enjoys reading eco-lit, true crime, and Alice Hoffman books.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
"Christmas Time’s A Comin’." O’Connor, Mark. An Appalachian Christmas. OMAC Records, 2011.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Kingsolver, Barbara. Demon Copperhead. HarperCollins Publishers, 2022.
Merry Christmas in July, all you Lit for Christmas partiers!
Welcome to this bonus shot of Christmas in July! For this special Lit for Christmas pre-party, Marty shares his essay "Just Like the Ones I Used to Know." In a couple weeks, a brand new, full Lit for Christmas party will drop.
BONUS POINTS: Say "Merry Christmas" to at least three of your neighbors!
NOTE: Still working on sound issues. My apologies.
Welcome to the Lit for Christmas Pride Month party!
In this episode, Marty and his wife, Beth, enjoy a few Tom Collinses while talking about David Sedaris's collection of essays/short stories Holidays on Ice. Also, witness a podcast first: Marty spills his drink all over his laptop.
BONUS POINTS: Take a shot every time you hear the word "ice."
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
Tom Collins (courtesy of liquor.com and sipyours.com)
Ingredients:
Directions:
Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:
Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education. She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier. Currently, she works in a call center and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
Vanilla Ice. "Ice Ice Baby." To the Extreme. SBK, 1990.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Sedaris, David. Holidays on Ice. Little, Brown and Company: New York, NY, 2008.
Welcome to our May Lit for Christmas party!
In this episode, Marty and his friend, Madeline, enjoy Sex on the Beach and tackle the stigma of mental illness talking about Sonya Sones’ Saving Red.
BONUS POINTS: Take a drink every time Marty says “you know”! WARNING: YOU WILL GET VERY DRUNK!
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
Sex on the Beach (recipe adapted from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sex-on-the-beach-cocktail_n_596f74dfe4b0a03aba86b779)
Ingredients
Directions:
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE (CUDDLES ON THE BEACH):
Use ingredients and follow above directions, omitting vodka and substituting peach nectar for peach schnapps.
Marty has a Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Madeline has a BA in English Creative Writing and gin drinking. Currently, she is pursuing a Library Science graduate degree and avoiding the Lizard Man of Bloomington. In her spare time, she enjoys reading eco-lit, true crime, and Alice Hoffman books.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
"California Dreamin’." The Mamas & the Papas. If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears. RCA Victor, 1965.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Sones, Sonya. Saving Red. HarperCollins Publishers, 2016.
NOTE: Apologies for the sound quality of this recording.
Welcome to the Lit for Christmas National Poetry Month party!
In this episode, Marty and his wife, Beth, imbibe in the official state cocktail for Michigan, visit the Motor City (and Greece and France) with colby Cedar Smith's novel in verse Call Me Athena: Girl from Detroit.
BONUS POINTS: Take a shot every time you hear the word "call."
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
The Hummer
courtesy of Punch (https://punchdrink.com/articles/how-the-hummer-cocktail-recipe-became-detroit-michigan/)
Ingredients:
Directions:
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE (courtesy of boozybisou.com):
Ingredients:
Use above ingredients and follow same directions to prepare.
Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:
Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education. She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier. Currently, she works in a call center and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
Kiss. "Detroit Rock City." Destroyer. Casablanca, 1976.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Cedar Smith, Colby. Call Me Athena: Girl from Detroit. Andrews McMeel Publishing: Kansas City, Missouri, 2021.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion of physical and emotional trauma and abuse.
Welcome to our St. Patrick’s Day Lit for Christmas party!
In this episode, Marty and his friend, Madeline, indulge in a wee drop of Irish Cream, Crème de Menthe, and vodka and get serious (and seriously drunk) talking about Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These.
BONUS POINTS: Take a drink every time Marty tries on a bad Irish accent!
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
Bailey’s Mint Martini (recipe adapted from lemontreedwelling.com)
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Fill cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add ingredients; cover and shake well.
3. Strain into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings as desired.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE:
Use ingredients and follow above directions, substituting mint simple syrup for Crème de Menthe, Bailey’s Coffee Creamer for Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Arkay’s Zero-Proof Vodka for vodka.
Marty has a Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Madeline has a BA in English Creative Writing and gin drinking. Currently, she is pursuing a Library Science graduate degree and avoiding the Lizard Man of Bloomington. In her spare time, she enjoys reading eco-lit, true crime, and Alice Hoffman books.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" byM agic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
"The Christmas Reel." The Chieftains. The Chieftains 10. Claddagh Records Ltd., 1981.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Keegan, Claire. Small Things Like These. Grove Press: New York, NY, 2021.
Welcome to the Lit for Christmas Eve party!
In this episode, Marty and his wife, Beth, take a little trip to the Caribbean with a lot of rum and John Grisham's Skipping Christmas.
BONUS POINTS: Take a shot for every bad John Grisham allusion and pun.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT:
Bahama Mama
courtesy of cocktails.lovetoknow.com
Ingredients:
Directions:
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE (courtesy of boozybisou.com):
Ingredients:
Use above ingredients and follow same directions to prepare.
Lit for Christmas Party Hosts:
Marty has an Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Beth has a BS in English Secondary Education. She has worked as a substitute teacher, medical transcriptionist, medical office receptionist, deli counter attendant, and Office Max cashier. Currently, she works in a call center and enjoys discussing/arguing about literature with her loving husband.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
"Skipping Christmas." Rivera, Brent. Brent Rivera Productions Inc. 2017. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwl7iUgIk2I>
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Grisham, John. Skipping Christmas. Doubleday: New York, NY, 2001.
Welcome to our out of this world Lit for Christmas party!
In this episode, Marty and his friend, Madeline, drink alien secretions and have a close encounter of the Christmas kind with Whitley Strieber's Communion: A True Story.
BONUS POINTS: For any listener who's been abducted by aliens!
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT SPIRIT:
Alien Secretion (recipe courtesy of Tipsy Bartender)
Ingredients:
Directions:
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT NONALCOHOLIC ALTERNATIVE:
Use ingredients and follow above directions, substituting melon syrup for melon liqueur and coconut and rum extract for coconut rum.
Marty has a Master's in fiction writing, MFA in poetry writing, and teaches in the English Department at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He served two terms at Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula, and has published the poetry collection The Mysteries of the Rosary from Mayapple Press. For more of Marty's thoughts and writing visit his blog Saint Marty (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com) or listen to his other podcast Confessions of Saint Marty, also on Anchor.fm. Marty is a writer, blogger, wine sipper, easy drunk, and poetry obsessor who puts his Christmas tree up in mid-October and refuses to take it down until the snow starts melting.
Madeline has a BA in English Creative Writing and gin drinking. Currently, she is pursuing a Library Science graduate degree and avoiding the Lizard Man of Bloomington. In her spare time, she enjoys reading eco-lit, true crime, and Alice Hoffman books.
Music for this episode:
"Jingle Bells Jazzy Style" by Julius H, used courtesy of Pixabay.
"A Christmas Treat" by Magic-828, used courtesy of Pixabay.
Other music in the episode:
"I Want an Alien for Christmas." Fountains of Wayne. I Want an Alien for Christmas. Atlantic, 1997.
A Christmas Carol sound clips from:
The Campbell Theater 1939 radio production of A Christmas Carol, narrated by Orson Welles and starring Lionel Barrymore.
This month's Christmas lit:
Strieber, Whitley. Communion: A True Story. Walker & Collier, 1987.