Over the River and Through the Woods - Mary Gaitskill photo by Jason Falchook

“I eagerly reach for the envelope, which is addressed to the Grinch.”

Photo by Jason Falchook

Over the River and Through the Woods

--- This episode is available on your local radio station, on PRX and below via The Moth Player. It will be published on iTunes | Spotify | RadioPublic | RSS --- 12/19/23 ---

This week, a special holiday episode from The Moth. Unlikely Christmas wishes, letters from The Grinch, and a husband by Chanukah. This episode is hosted by Angelica Lindsey-Ali. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Ten-year-old Jessi Berdinka's peculiar Christmas wish is granted.

Amy Klein gets help from a matchmaking rabbi.

Mary Gaitskill pens letters as The Grinch for a neighborhood kid.

Juno Men and her cousin go to a casino over Thanksgiving. 

Niceol Blue is a street kid with nowhere to go for Christmas.


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Stories in this Episode

05:56
Sweet Pickles

by Jesse Berdinka

Ten-year-old Jessi Berdinka's peculiar Christmas wish is granted.

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05:13
The Matchmaking Rabbi

by Amy Klein

Amy Klein gets help from a matchmaking rabbi.

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16:34
The Grinch Rides Again

by Mary Gaitskill

After a traumatic life event, Mary Gaitskill finds a new sense of purpose... by becoming the Grinch for a little girl.

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06:18
Back to 40

by Juno Men

Juno Men and her cousin go to a casino over Thanksgiving. 

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06:39
The Sandwich Christian Christmas

by Niceol Blue

Niceol Blue is a street kid with nowhere to go for Christmas.

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Extras From This Episode

Over the River and Through the Woods Extras

Jessi Berdinka

Jesse As A Child On Christmas

Jesse as a child on Christmas.

Niceol Blue

Niceol Her Partner Órla On Their Christmas Swim In Galway

Niceol and her partner Órla On Their Christmas Swim In Galway

Niceol From Around The Time Of The Story

Niceol from around the time of the story.

Niceol From Around The Time Of The Story 2
1 From Left To Right Cousin Alvin Aunt Sitha Alvins Mom Cousin Randy Alvins Brother And Juno

(From left to right) Cousin Alvin, Aunt Sitha Alvin's Mom, Cousin Randy Alvin's Brother, and Juno

2 Alvin Juno Sitha And Randy Recreating The Bench Scene From Good Will Hunting While In Boston

Alvin, Juno, Sitha, and Randy recreating the bench scene from 'Good Will Hunting' while in Boston.

Amy Klein

Amy Solomon And Their Daughter

Amy, Solomon, and their daughter.

Amy Her Book Credit Charlotte Crawford

Amy and her book. Photo Credit Charlotte Crawford.

The music in this story

  • The Drift - Uncanny Valley
  • John Colatrane - My Favorite Things
  • Donny Hathaway - This Christmas
  • Chest Baker - Silent Night 1
  • Gerard Edery + George Mgrdichian - Las Rosas Linda
  • Vince Giraldi Trio - Skating
  • Duke Levine - Across the Universe
  • Ryan Marvel - Huron Carol