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Merry Christmas

Posted at 5:12 AM on December 25, 2008 by Dale Connelly (39 Comments)

Greetings to all and may Christmas day find you healthy and bring you peace.

Here in the studio it is both busy and not, as the roster of "guests" marches through. Ann Reed, Peter Ostroushko, Krista Detor, Dave Weber and Erik Brandt were all recorded over the past few weeks, so none of them are truly here in person - they are safe and comfortable at home with their families, as I hope you are. Producer Mike Pengra also has today off - a well deserved break after a rather hectic few months.

Behind the scenes at the radio station, a handful of people are here to keep things running. Dave Campbell is operating The Current, and John Zech is in charge of classical music. The multi-talented Toni Randolph is a one-woman news department at the moment, and Lachlan Rorie is the point man for everything involving the many complicated and critical technical systems supporting us.

The company is delightful. Everyone seems happy to be here, and why shouldn't we be? The work is pleasant and there are cookies. We know radio is important to you and it is a privilege to provide it, but there's also comfort in the knowledge that this is not a life-or-death essential, like fire fighting and police protection and heat and light and everything we take for granted.
Somebody at the sewer department has to be on duty today too, just in case.
Think about having THAT sort of Christmas, and be grateful. I am!

Another good reason to be at the radio station today is the very real possibility that people receiving Heartland-capable HD radios and computers and iPhones and iPod Touches will tune in to see if this new service really exists. I'd like those people to find something that sounds alive, at least, if not downright lively. (Sorry, HAL). There will be plenty of time to sit through the endless automated announcements that populate the rest of the day once the wrapping paper has been wadded up and stuffed in the trash. On Christmas morning, the puppy should come out of his box with a little bit of light in his eyes, don't you think?

How is Christmas going for you so far? Any nice surprises?
And if you don't observe the holiday, what are you doing to amuse yourself?

Comments (39)

Merry Christmas Dale!

I'm glad you're here, and doing what you, and all of us who are listening, enjoy.

This morning I am struck by contrasts. Here I sit, wearing a night shirt and night cap like one right out of A Christmas Carol; a present to my wife was wool yarn because she likes to knit warm woolen socks for herself (and me too!); and I'm listening to music from a computer! What a nice blend of old and new.

Come to think of it, that's what I really liked about the Morning Show, and now Radio Heartland is keeping that going.

Thanks again to you and your staff for all your wonderful work . . . .

Posted by Don in Rochester | December 25, 2008 5:49 AM

Merry Christmas, Dale, and all my fellow Radio Heartland listeners from here in comparatively balmy Music City, Nashville, TN!

If Peter and Ann were there I would tell you to give them my best, since I don't think I've seen them since my move here.

Christmas Eve plans changed at the last minute for me yesterday. So, I spent it instead as depicted in this song a friend co-wrote, called "Merry Christmas To Me". Here is a cute video of the song if anyone's interested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a-Z0XAzaUE

Today I get to do something I do at least once a month. I hang out with a bunch of talented singer/songwriters, eat some great food and grab a spot in a room and listen to them sing their wonderful songs in spontaneous rounds. I do love this town.

Posted by Wendy V | December 25, 2008 6:05 AM

MERRY CHRISTMAS Dale, Also I'm glad you are doing what you do. I feel you are starting a new Christmas tradition for myself. I'm enjoying your show before I go to work today. Thanks again for beautiful music. Take Care

Posted by Steven in Moorhead | December 25, 2008 6:14 AM

Merry Christmas! and Happy Hanukkah!

We'll have relatives over who might otherwise be eating blintzes but will be eating rosettes, sandbakkles, kringle, kranzekaka bars, cardamom bread, limpa and speke skinke, rolle polse, havarti, jarlsberg, gjetost & fiskeboller. . . as you can see topmost in my mind is dessert - which will also include offerings of rice pudding and rommegrot.

I'll play some hardanger fiddle music (on CD) in the background and some Hanukkah gifts will be opened by grandchildren.

Posted by Claire Thoen | December 25, 2008 6:33 AM

Merry Christmas, Dale! Thank-you for being a warm, friendly, live voice on Christmas Day. We are celebrating in our flat in Prague with our daughters and son-in-law. Last night was major gift opening, but to day we celebrate my husband's December 25 birthday. A previous comment mentioned a lot of Norwegian food, but where was the lefse? We'll be having some of it with our dinner later. --Michele

Posted by Michele | December 25, 2008 7:00 AM

Good Morning Dale,
We are so glad to have you with us on this Christmas morning. Last night we opened our holiday gift to ourselves - an HD radio alarm clock, just so we could awaken to the familiar and friendly sound of your voice.....what a wonderful way to start the day.

Glad to have you back in our daily lives again.

Steve and Tom

PS: We're great fans of accordion music - of any type!!

Posted by Steve and Tom | December 25, 2008 7:02 AM

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, etc. (OK. Diwali happened a couple weeks ago. I don't understand the Hindu calendar.)

I'm the early-riser in our household. As Jimmy Buffett says "I'm gettin' up about the time I used to go to bed." Most of the time, this isn't an issue. I like the quiet and there's no-one to complain about my choice in music. I can check my email, do my banking, and read the paper -- all while listening to Radio Heartland on the Internet.

On Chistmas, though, I have this problem. There's this tree under which there are boxes and bags and envelopes. Some have my name on them. None of which I can open until all are awake. It's policy -- I mean, "tradition". All I can do is stare at them until the rest of the family's up. And I can't ignore them. There's something about wrapped packages that draws you to them, forces you to shake them gently, try to gauge the weight and density. Could it be a new tool? A camera?

Merry Christmas, Dale and all the listeners. I hope your day is filled with the pleasure of anticipation and the thrill of giving and receiving.

Posted by Pat Beckfield | December 25, 2008 7:02 AM

Merry Christmas, Dale. Thank you for adding to the spirit of anticipation and gratitude in this special season—and every day!

Posted by Sue | December 25, 2008 7:08 AM

I can't even put into words how I LOVE being able to listen to 'my kind of music' 24/7. It's cost some money since I had to go out and buy an HD radio which I can't figure out except to hear Radio Heartland. Now I have 2 radios next to my bed: one with the alarm set which I immediately switch off and turn on The Dale Connelly Show!! Thank you After the initial announcement I truly cried when talking about not having the Morning Show and then tried to find a substitute station to wake up to ..Yuk! I still do the station search on the way to work cause I have the old radio in my old car. The News Station is great; but too early in the morning to listen to the sad state of affairs. Anyway, have a wonderful day and I'm up early to hear your show with the special guests. (P.S. 1st time I've had anything to do with a blog; you are bringing me into the 2st century!)

Posted by Fran Howley | December 25, 2008 7:10 AM

Merry Christmas to one and all. I can't believe I'm up at this hour having teenagers who love to sleep in. But the dogs have already demanded their daily trip into their frozen restroom. Nature demands that for every benefit in life there must be an equal and opposite burden. So if you think sleeping on the couch all day sounds great, just remember you must give some other comfort.

Plus we realized that roasting chestnuts did not make our Christmas Eve list. So here we are with an open fire....I think we'll roast them in the oven. Enjoy the fire and wait for our daughter to awaken. She attended midnight Mass at the Cathedral with a freind and returned home at 2:00, Santa having already arrived in between her leaving anf returning home: that's planning.

Thanks for being here on Christmas to preside over our little, but growing radio/internet community.

Shalom!

Posted by Bill | December 25, 2008 7:12 AM

Thanks for sharing your Christmas morning with us!

Posted by Brad in St. Paul | December 25, 2008 7:13 AM

thanks to all you folks who came in to make sure we can hear RH this morning - what a nice little community this blog is. and i like that Dale makes us all feel comfortable to just plop our thoughts out there - how nice. thank you to all who "do" the blog comments.
the only trouble is that, since i live "up north," i can only listen on the computer. and when i'm listening, i'm not feeding or taking care of the goats or chickens (i won't tell you their comments about RH - those chickens can get pretty rude). so, i'm outta here - hope you all have a pleasant rest of the day.

Posted by barb | December 25, 2008 7:15 AM

Thank you for being up, live and at the station today. We also have the tradition of not opening gifts until everyone is up, and our daughter went to midnight Mass for the first time with friends this year, so it might be a while. We're roasting chestnuts in the oven for stuffing. We have a fire in the fireplace, and the ones who are up are enjoying their stockings and coffee. Best wishes to everyone at Minnesota Public Radio today and always.

And I guess this is why Bill and I have been married 20 years. We think alike. I see he just posted.

Posted by Julie | December 25, 2008 7:16 AM

Posted by Fran Howley | December 25, 2008 7:26 AM

One of the ice candle lanterns we made stayed lit all last night out in the snow and is still going this morning. I thought that was a beautiful thing. A lovely day to all.

Posted by Karri in Maplewood | December 25, 2008 7:29 AM

I'm preheating the oven to bake the spritz. One thing I failed to cross off my list yesterday.

Thanks for playing Burl Ives!

Posted by Linda in St. Paul | December 25, 2008 7:37 AM

I've been watching a beautiful sunrise as I listen to the show this morning. All is quiet so far -- hubby, dogs, and cat are all still sleeping, so I get a few minutes to enjoy the peace of the day. Your comment about the stocking on the doorknob brought back memories from my own childhood; my mother placed our stockings at the foot of our beds and we were permitted dig through them to the orange she always put in the toe as soon as we woke up. That satisfied us for a while and gave her a few extra minutes of sleep.

Posted by Connie | December 25, 2008 7:46 AM

Merry Christmas,
I am in the same situation as Barb "up north" -- I can only listen to RH on my computer, but now I have to go outside to feed animals. The Morning
Show used to accompany me out there as I have radios in the horse and goat barns...but now I must miss the third hour of RH. How and/or where do I lobby for a repeat of the third hour along with the first two?

Thanks for being there, Dale. Cynthia "up north"

Posted by Cynthia Johnson | December 25, 2008 8:07 AM

Wow, it's interactive radio!! Thank you for playing "Walking After Midnight" for us. We were remembering when we used to have to send a postcard to get a song played, but sometimes you would play one for us if it was a really special occasion. When Sophia was born (17 years ago), you played "Little Potato" for us when we called, because we didn't know the exact day. Thank you for being there all those years.

Everyone is up, the chestnuts are roasted and peeled, presents are opened, and now it's time for biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Thanks again, and we hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Bill, Julie, Sophia and Julian

Posted by Julie | December 25, 2008 8:11 AM

Merry Christmas Dale, I hope you have a wonderful day! I also want to say that I have been a fan of your work ever since I was a little child. I'm currently 21, and have found that over the years I have become more appreciative of what you do.

Katie

Posted by Katie | December 25, 2008 8:12 AM

Good Morning Dale and fellow bloggers!

It's a beautiful sunrise, and the tree is lit, only one child has awakened and opened his one present. The teenager types are still asleep. My oldest in the Marines is home for a few more days.

I feel weepy with gratitude and a tinge of sadness that I couldn't do more for them, but all is well. I made a nice dinner last night and we'll be joining my husband's family today at the annual Christmas gathering. That's always a wonderful time.

Roasting chestnuts sounds wonderful, but I don't have a clue how to do it! I assume it can be done in the oven. Anyway, Love and Peace to all of you and wishes for a prosperous New Year. I appreciate RH and all that it provides: Dale C & friends, great music all the time, new friends on this blog and a sense of happiness.

Joanne

Posted by Joanne in Big Lake | December 25, 2008 8:13 AM

I take back Wednesday's comment about lists being overrated.
I had so many things to do yesterday and didn't organize my time well and practically ruined Christmas. Thankfully I have a loving and forgiving family who let me off the hook for making them wait an extra hour to eat Christmas Eve dinner. Lesson learned - make a list!
Thanks for the program this morning Dale. The only other voice I know that rivals Mel Torme's in smoothness is yours.

Posted by Donna | December 25, 2008 8:18 AM

I got up at 7:20 this morning, which I think is pretty good for being up until two... ;)

Thank you for playing "Walking after Midnight," and thank you, Mom, for requesting it!

Posted by Sophia | December 25, 2008 8:26 AM

Merry Christmas to you, Dale, and to your colleagues keeping the stations going. Please thank your family for sharing you with us -- I'm hoping they like to sleep late and you'll be home before they miss you.

Posted by Kris | December 25, 2008 8:27 AM

Thanks staff at Radio Heartland for being here today. Two of five kids are home for Christmas...it is a quiet and peaceful holiday. Thanks thanks and thanks for sharing your gifts with us and best to all of you and your families/friends/pets etc.

Posted by michelle in Winona | December 25, 2008 8:27 AM

I just realized that, depending on what happens, this may be my second-to-last Christmas at home... *sad face*

Posted by Sophia | December 25, 2008 8:34 AM

Dale, a heartfelt thanks for being with us today.

I listened to the Morning Show frequently but not everyday. I never heard you say Mike Pengra has the day off. Thanks to those who are filling in those big shoes.

Happy Holidays!

Posted by Kathy in Mpls | December 25, 2008 8:35 AM

Oh my, you're here this morning. Wasn't expecting that, but appreciate your constancy. Peeled a clementine as I listened to Pieta Brown. Simple pleasures. No traditions anymore since I've been alone the past 5 Christmases. I'll go out for a long run today amid the winter scenery then take in a movie. Oh yeah, and I have a fabulously wrapped gift to open from a friend in Denver. Merry Christmas to all at Radio Heartland. God bless us, everyone!

Posted by Katherine, New Brighton | December 25, 2008 8:36 AM

Merry Christmas to all those live humans at that station this Christmas from the dunleapinstitute enjoying the season in Arizona. - Thanks for the stream

Posted by David - Somerset | December 25, 2008 8:37 AM

This is the 1st Christmas I have been alone in my life . . . so, radio Heartland is soothing my spirit with an interesting blend of music, each selection a surprise.

Incidentally, I heard you through Michigan Tech's public radio station back in the early 1980's. Lost you for the interim until a few days ago when a friend mentioned Heartland to me.

Thanks for the music, Dale, and best wishes to you.

Posted by Patti | December 25, 2008 8:58 AM

Thank you, Dale

For all you've done and still do.

Now, if there was only a way to take Radio Heartland on my morning walks. The music is terrific as ever.

Posted by Ken in Northfield | December 25, 2008 9:00 AM

A beautiful start to Christmas Day 2008 -- listening to Dale and Radio Heartland. Thanks so much for a new tradition! I've had to work many a holiday, having worked for the airlines and now retail, so I am especially aware of the sacrifice that you have made to entertain us across the country (world? universe?) as you came in to work today, Dale. Anyway, I still miss MN so much, even though this is my 3rd Christmas in FL. I'll make a Christmas "gift" to Radio Heartland with a pledge as soon as I finish this, and hope other listeners will do that on our country's biggest gift-giving day. (Remember, even $10 multiplied by how many are listening is a wow) Merry Christmas to all, peace on earth to all, and may you enjoy one lifelong memory-making moment today.

Posted by Joyce Olsen | December 25, 2008 9:03 AM

Merry Christmas, Dale (and all the other bloggers). We'd like to join our voice to the others thanking you for being here to keep our music available. We are currently in Boulder, CO which means it's an hour in MN than here but with the internet neither time nor distance matters. We can be here with our family and there with our virtual friends.

- Doug & June

Posted by Doug & June | December 25, 2008 9:11 AM

Merry Christmas everyone, and thanks for the comments on this busy holiday. It becomes clear to me day by day that no one can take Jim Ed's place, but listeners who post to the blog are stepping in as co-hosts of the show. It's nice to have someone to participate in the conversation, even if you are not physically here in the studio.
I'm heading home to celebrate with the family, but will be back tomorrow morning (Friday).
Thanks for your support in this remarkable new adventure!

Posted by Dale Connelly | December 25, 2008 9:38 AM

Merry Christmas Dale (and team), and Radio Heartland listeners!

The last couple of years our family has totally backed off on giving presents. It started with a couple of us being unemployed, but it was so wonderful that the tradition will continue. The focus is family getting together for dinner and just enjoying each other's company. It's amazing how stress free and enjoyable the holiday season can really be. Grand kids are on the way and we won't deny them, but for the rest of us, family is the greatest gift of all.

Posted by Dave S | December 25, 2008 10:19 AM

Good Morning (barely) and Merry Christmas, Dale!

I'm listening to your rebroadcast after blissfully sleeping in this morning (the kids are grown and the grandson is out of town until tomorrow). I bought my wife an HD radio for Christmas that I've listened to constantly since I gave it to her last week (not sure if she's turned it on yet), and I bought an HD car radio for her that will fit best in the car that I drive everyday to work. I'm sure she'll appreciate that as well.

Thanks for Radio Heartland-I love it! It's a great present for every day of the year. A pretty red bow on the package would be the variety of international music that was served up on the Morning Show.

íQue te vaya bien!

Posted by David R | December 25, 2008 11:46 AM

Christmas greetings to you, Dale, and to the RH bloggers!

I also thank all of you at MPR who are covering the holiday hours. I have been in health care for 25 years, and know the ups and downs of evening, night, weekend and holiday work. It certainly has its blessings, but there is a downside too.

We had a wonderful time opening gifts with the family this morning, starting at about 7am. The youngest grandchild (not quite three yrs old) was so overwhelmed with the activity that she asked to go down for a nap at 8am!

DD and her family have now left the domicile and are on the road to North Dakota to join in the family festivities there.

With only my DH and DS left here to fuss over, I am able to get my RH fix and check the blog. I agree with those that said RH will folded into Christmas listening traditions from here on out. Another tradition at our home, passed down from my Canadian-born mother, is the popping of 'crackers' on Christmas Eve. A 'cracker' is a paper cylinder which has ends that you pull to make a pop, and which, after they popped open, spill out a small gift, a paper crown and a riddle or word game of some sort. Here's a riddle for you -

Q: Why didn't the skeleton go to the Christmas Ball?

A: He had no 'body' to go with! (Insert wild laughter here)

Dale - I heard the KNOW call letters today as you identified RH. What does that mean? That we will be getting some news and weather from that MPR source?

Posted by Teri in Zimmerman | December 25, 2008 1:43 PM

Hi Dale.

Got out of the Morning Show habit when you moved to 89.3 and only today, while printing some Christmas present pictures, thought to bring you and your new home up on the interweb for a listen.

I'm liking this a lot - now we have the kitchen HD radio tuned here and will be HD tuner shopping for the stereos tomorrow.

The problem with listening to your mix of music is that I end up spending too much on CDs. Having the on-line instant access to shopping doesn't help control impulse spending much.

Oh, well.

Thanks for the music.

Posted by dodd | December 25, 2008 2:30 PM

Merry Christmas

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