Traveling? 23 festive ways to stay entertained
Podcasts, TV episodes and books to download
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Whether you’re flying, driving or taking a snowmobile home for the holidays, here’s a winter-themed list of TV episodes, podcasts and books to download onto your mobile device.
We’re bringing the holiday spirit straight to your screen.
1. “The Bracebridge Dinner” (“Gilmore Girls,” Season 2, Ep. 10.)
Rory’s trying to keep her Jess-and-Dean situation under control during a fancy feast in Stars Hollow. There are snowmen, Elizabethan costumes and even a horse-drawn sleigh. (Netflix)
2. “Danny and Mindy” (“The Mindy Project,” Season 2, Ep. 22)
This season finale doesn’t take place during winter, but it’s a fun nod to “Sleepless in Seattle,” a holiday classic. (Hulu)
3. “The Best Chrismakkuh Ever” (“The O.C.,” Season 1, Ep. 13)
Ryan is introduced to Seth’s unique holiday celebrations. Seth is still juggling his relationships with Summer and Anna. (Hulu)
4. “Can’t Fix Crazy” (“Orange is the New Black,” Season 1, Ep. 13)
It’s the Christmas pageant at Litchfield prison, and Piper Chapman is on the verge of a breakdown. (Netflix)
5. “Christmas Special” (“Downton Abbey,” Season 2)
Matthew Crawley and Mary Talbot’s start-stop relationship finally reaches a critical point, outside, where the snow is falling. (Amazon Prime)
6. “Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days” by Jeanette Winterson
Twelve magical, sometimes spooky, tales perfect for a cold and sunny December day. In between each story is a rather entertaining holiday recipe that might inspire a few traditions of your own. (Audiobook)
7. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
In this Christmas classic, an impoverished family of four sisters paints a charming portrait of 19th-century family life. (Audiobook)
8. “Holidays on Ice” by David Sedaris
“I am a 33-year-old man applying for a job as a full-time elf.” This book of essays is full of cringeworthy classics from Sedaris. Read it aloud to your travel companions for an ab workout fueled by laughter. (Audiobook)
9. “The Inseparables” by Stuart Nadler
The story of the Olyphant women delights as they make good and bad decisions. Read if you like family dramas. (Audiobook)
10. “The Shipping News” by E. Annie Proulx
After Quoyle’s life falls apart, the newspaper reporter seeks refuge in Newfoundland, where traveling by boat and snowmobile becomes his new normal. This book won the Pulitzer Prize and the U.S. National Book Award. (Audiobook)
11. “Aspic” by Tatyana Tolstaya
Metamorphosis and transformation are captured in this brief fictional story about a traditional Russian New Year’s Eve dish.
12. “Skin” by Roald Dahl
Drioli is ambling through miserable, winter weather when he sees a painting. Memories of the painter flood him in this dark short story about a tattoo, written by the beloved children’s novelist.
FOOD SCIENCE
13. “Cookie science secrets” (Science Friday)
Did you know chewier cookies are made with bread flour? Plus, a secret, patented cookie recipe. (web)
ADVENTURE
14. “On the Ice” (30 for 30 podcasts)
In 1997, a group of 20 women set off for the first all-women’s trek of the North Pole. They were stay-at-home mothers, journalists, software developers and police officers. (web)
MENTAL HEALTH
15. “Happy(ish) Holidays II” (Terrible, Thanks for Asking)
Lauren’s brother died right before Thanksgiving. Two years later, her mother took her own life on Christmas Eve. The holidays aren’t a cheerful season for everyone. (web)
16. “Sugar for the Holidays” (Dear Sugars)
Steve Almond and Cheryl Strayed, author of “Wild,” discuss listeners’ anxieties about returning home for the holidays. (web)
HUMOR
17. “The Queens Do the Holidays” (2 Dope Queens)
Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson discuss the best Tom Hanks character, worst gifts they’ve received and bad holiday breakups. (video)
18. “Mrs. Claus” (The Heart)
Six minutes of rhyming fun, inside a naughty Mrs. Claus’s head on Christmas evening. Meant for mature audiences. (web)
LOVE
19. “The Living Room” (Love + Radio)
Imagine being able to see everything your neighbors are doing, all the time. Diane Weipert becomes invested in the relationship of a young couple from her three bay windows. (web)
MUSIC
20. “Frozen Music” (99% Invisible)
A 10-minute piece about freezing music into an object. (web)
SPIRITUALITY
21. “Anatomy of Gratitude” (On Being)
Brother David Steindl-Rast is a Benedictine monk and teacher who once gave a TED talk with over 5 million views. In this episode, he speaks about the uniqueness of every moment. (web)
22. “Why I Don’t Do Christmas” (On Being)
Host Krista Tippett reveals why she didn’t buy any presents for her kids one year. (web)
MONEY
23. “New Year’s Resolutions & Picking a Rewards Card” (Oh My Dollar!)
Lillian Karabaic shares smart tips on how to approach your budget and finances in an approachable way. (web)
Illustrations by Sofia Hydman for The Lily • Art direction by Amy Cavenaile
