The Moth Holiday Special: Unexpected Gifts of December

Pierre Epstein

Pierre Epstein Radio Extra

This photo was taken six months after Igor came to America. Pierre was eleven when it was taken.

Ed McCarthy

Ed Mc Carthy Radio Extra

Ed McCarthy with his brothers. “Mom's favorite ornament was a small manger, which you can see in the photo. That ornament, along with some of the others in the photo, were rescued.” - Ed

David Freiberg


For the past 12 years Sebastien has been driving down from Quebec and “planting” himself (and hundreds of trees) in the exact same spot on Broadway and 88th St. He makes friends, brings Xmas cheer, and then like Santa, takes off for the far north. Here he is pictured with Storyteller and fellow Canadian, David Frieberg. The two share a love of trees, community, and a good story. 

Mrh 1623 David Frieberg Extra 1
Mrh 1623 David Frieberg Extra 2

In the 23 years since the Gabriel Forest was planted in the snow banks of 89th St.
Gabriel has grown up and branched out to LA, following his entertainment industry dreams. David returned to his roots and first love...art and painting. You can see some of what blossomed on his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmadethis/

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this Episode

51:01
The Moth Holiday Special: Unexpected Gifts of December

by Moth Radio Hour

--- 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 --- on 12/13/22 ---

A special Holiday Hour from The Moth. The unexpected gifts of December: holiday customs, brand new traditions, flying cows, fruit, luminaries and a magical forest. Hosted by The Moth’s Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Adam Ruben is at a loss when it comes to buying Christmas gifts.
Pierre Epstein is a little boy tracking the progress of his Uncle Igor's escape from Nazi-occupied France.
Ed McCarthy breaks into the house he grew up in to rescue a precious box of Christmas decorations.
Katie Fales grandfather is a rancher who was to rescue a bunch of stranded steer.
Catherine McCarthy finally admits she's homesick during Christmas in Thailand.
David Frieberg and his son are amazed by an accidental forest during a blizzard in NYC.
Denise Scheurmann has a terminally ill father but her neighbors don't forget to light her Christmas luminaries.

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