Lit for Christmas

Martin Achatz
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Two poet pals imbibe in a little Christmas cheer and get naughty and nice discussing Christmas literature.

  1. Episode Three: Bailey's Mint Mudslides & Frank O'Connor

    03/31/2025

    Episode Three: Bailey's Mint Mudslides & Frank O'Connor

    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: Two shots original Bailey's Irish CreamOne shot Creme de Menthe SyrupOne shot Vanilla CreamerHershey's Chocolate Syrup1 cup of ice1 Hershey's kissDirections: In a blender, put ice, Bailey's Irish Cream, Creme de Menthe, and Vanilla Creamer. Blend well.Drizzle sides of glass with Hershey's Chocolate Syrup.Pour blended mixture into drizzled glass.Add Hershey's kiss, if desired.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.

    1h 14m
  2. Episode Two: Blue Eyes & Toni Morrison

    02/28/2025

    Episode Two: Blue Eyes & Toni Morrison

    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.

    1h 12m
  3. Episode One: Dogs, Peppermint Patties, & Dave Barry

    02/01/2025

    Episode One: Dogs, Peppermint Patties, & Dave Barry

    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 Mug of you favorite hot chocolate 3 shots of Peppermint Schnapps Marshmallows or whipped cream (if you prefer) Directions Make your mug of hot chocolate (we used Swiss Miss) Three shots of Peppermint Schnapps (use mint or peppermint extract for non-alcoholic version) 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.

    1h 6m
  4. Episode Two: Love Martinis and Leo Buscaglia

    03/04/2024

    Episode Two: Love Martinis and Leo Buscaglia

    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.

    1h 21m
  5. Episode One: Frodos and J. R. R. Tolkien

    02/05/2024

    Episode One: Frodos and J. R. R. Tolkien

    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: 1 shot vodka (eliminate for nonalcoholic version) 1 shot peach schnapps (substitute peach nectar for nonalcoholic version) 2 shots cranberry juice 2 shots lemonade Directions: Add the cranberry juice to a cocktail glass with ice. Add vodka, peach schnapps, and lemonade to a mixing glass and shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry, if desired. 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.

    1h 26m
  6. Christmas 2023 Shot: "Joy to the World"

    12/25/2023 · BONUS

    Christmas 2023 Shot: "Joy to the World"

    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: Pour a mug of eggnog Add three to four shots of Bailey's Irish Cream Drink 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."

    21 min
  7. Episode Twelve: The Brain Cocktail & Kalanithi

    12/24/2023

    Episode Twelve: The Brain Cocktail & Kalanithi

    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: 1 1/2 shots of peach schnapps (substitute peach juice for virgin version) 1 1/2 shots of Bailey's Irish Cream (substitute Bailey's Coffee Creamer for virgin version) Dash of grenadine Directions: Pour peach schnapps in a glass. Slowly add Bailey's Irish Cream, allowing it to clot. Slowly drizzle with a dash of grenadine on top. 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.

    1h 56m
  8. Episode Eleven: Yuletide Moon & Brom

    11/26/2023

    Episode Eleven: Yuletide Moon & Brom

    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: 1 shot of Merlot or dry red wine (substitute cranberry juice for virgin version) 1 shot of Bourbon (substitute non-alcoholic bourbon for virgin version) 4 Cherries, pitted (fresh or in jar) 3 tablespoons Orange Juice 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup Dash of cinnamon and nutmeg 1 Lemon Zest (optional) 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.

    2h 7m
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About

Two poet pals imbibe in a little Christmas cheer and get naughty and nice discussing Christmas literature.

Information

  • Creator
    Martin Achatz
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Martin Achatz
  • Show Website
    Lit for Christmas