Holiday Special 2014: Monkeys, Megachurches, and First Elves - Taylor Negron

“My mother said, 'Look, you will never, ever, see a monkey walk through that door.' But something very magical happened, that Christmas of 1970.”

Photo by Dare Kumolu-Johnson

Holiday Special 2014: Monkeys, Megachurches, and First Elves

Simon Doonan encounters challenges when called on to decorate the White House for Christmas, a man is hesitant to work with a ‘Hollywood’ style church in his neighborhood, a Jewish girl meets Santa, and a boy thinks his dreams have finally come true when he gets an exotic pet.

Listen Now Add to Playlist
Download Episode

Find
Stories in this Episode

12:52
The First Elf

by Simon Doonan

A stylist stirs up controversy when called on to decorate the White House for Christmas.

Listen Now Add to Playlist
10:33
This Church

by Mark Redmond

Mark Redmond works with a homeless shelter in Vermont.

Listen Now Add to Playlist
05:20
Jewish Santa

by Ophira Eisenberg

A Jewish girl meets Santa.

Listen Now Add to Playlist
14:49
California Gothic

by Taylor Negron

A boy thinks his dreams have finally come true when he gets an exotic pet. 

Listen Now Add to Playlist

Extras From This Episode

Holiday Special 2014: Monkeys, Megachurches, and First Elves

Simon Doonan

Whitehouse Christmas Tree Transvestite Ornament Thumb2

Hedda Lettuce ornament on The White House tree.

Doonan Extras 1 465X311

Christmas decorations at The White House.

Doonan Extras 2 465X311

The White House Christmas tree, decorated by Simon Doonan.

Mark Redmond

515Hx Wg6 Efs Sx322 Bo1204203200

Mark Redmond's newest book, 'Called: A Memoir'

The music in this story

  • The Drift - Uncanny Valley
  • Mannheim Steamroller - Faeries
  • Mark O’Connor - One Winter’s Night
  • Taj Mahal - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
  • The Carl Orff Ensemble - Gassenhauer
  • Three Dog Night - Joy to the World