The Moth Radio Hour: Menorahs, Presents and Palm Trees - December Holiday Stories
The Moth
Deep Dive
Why did Peter Aguero and his mother decide to exchange paper gifts instead of real ones?
Due to financial difficulties, they couldn't afford to buy each other presents. Instead, they cut out pictures of desired items from magazines to symbolize the gifts they wished they could give.
What was the significance of the menorah Evan Lunt took to college?
The menorah belonged to his grandmother, who was very religious. Evan asked for it twice, adhering to Jewish tradition, and it became a symbol of his connection to her even after her passing.
Why did Tracy Segarra's mother-in-law stop communicating with her after receiving a Hanukkah card?
Tracy's mother-in-law, a devout Jehovah's Witness, was upset because Tracy and her husband decided to raise their daughters as Jews, which conflicted with her religious beliefs.
What unusual item did Dawn Frazier bring from New York to Trinidad for Christmas?
Dawn transported a 30-pound turkey, which her mother insisted on having for a traditional Trinidadian Christmas feast, despite the difficulty of carrying it through multiple flights.
Why did Steve Glickman fake a trip to Puerto Vallarta?
After losing his passport, Steve couldn't go on his planned trip. To avoid embarrassment, he pretended to have gone and shared fabricated stories about his vacation to maintain his image among friends and coworkers.
What was the turning point for Evan Lunt in connecting with his grandmother's spirit during Hanukkah?
On the fourth night of Hanukkah, Evan prayed to his grandmother while lighting the menorah. The candles mysteriously went out, but the shamas candle remained lit, which he took as a sign that his grandmother was still with him.
Why did Bernie Summers delay kissing his date on New Year's Eve?
Bernie planned to kiss his date at midnight on New Year's Eve to symbolize the start of a new relationship. However, the crowded party prevented him from reaching her in time, leading to her disappointment.
How did Tracy Segarra and her mother-in-law reconcile after their conflict over religion?
Despite the initial tension, Tracy called her mother-in-law months later, and they reconnected without discussing the issue, resuming their relationship as if the conflict had never happened.
- Financial struggles during Christmas
- Creative gift exchange from magazine cutouts
- Family bonds and resilience