Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Cinnamon Bear 37-12-21 #22 "Santa Claus"

Date: December 22, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

In this classic episode of "The Cinnamon Bear," a beloved children's radio series from the Golden Age of Radio, Judy, Jimmy, and their magical friends finally reach Santa Claus's palace in their quest to repair the broken Silver Star for their Christmas tree. This episode centers on their magical meeting with Santa, a whimsical tour of his workshops, and an encounter with Jack Frost, who promises to mend their star — only for it to mysteriously disappear once again. The episode encapsulates the holiday spirit and timeless wonder characteristic of vintage radio storytelling.

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Arrival in the Land of Ice and Snow

• Judy, Jimmy, Cinnamon Bear, and Crazy Quilt Dragon arrive via magical flying hat, following Queen Melissa's instructions (02:39).
• They meet Nicky Froodle, a friendly snowman elf, who leads them to a palace and the person who can help with their star.

2. Meeting Santa Claus

• The door opens to reveal Santa Claus himself.
  • Judy (03:13): “Santa Claus.”
  • Jimmy (03:14): “Willikers, you don’t mean the real Santa Claus, do you, Mr. Froodle?”
• The children are awestruck and a bit nervous to meet him in person.
  • Santa Claus (04:02): “Now, don’t you know that I love children better than anything in the world?”
• Santa welcomes them warmly, invites Judy to sit on his lap, and Jimmy on the arm of his chair.

3. Magic of Santa and the Silver Star

• They discuss why Santa is never seen ("If they're awake, they can't see me at all" - 04:38).
• Santa received their letters and knows about their problem with the silver star, having talked with Queen Melissa “by short wave” (05:18).
  • Santa Claus (05:18): “Radio is my hobby when I have time to spare.”

4. Organizing Help and North Pole Logistics

• Santa can't repair the star himself, but knows someone who can — and will take the children there personally.
• Practical preparations: he orders the sleigh and fur suits for Judy and Jimmy, notes Crazy Quilt’s need for tailoring, and delegates tasks to Nicky Froodle (06:01-07:42).

5. Tour of Santa’s Workshop

• As they prepare for the trip, Santa highlights the candy factory, doll factory, and mechanical toy factory, emphasizing the hard work of elves and brownies (09:15-09:41).
• Santa Claus (09:29): “I have a crew of specially trained brownies and elves in each of these factories and they're busy all the year out.”

6. Meeting Jack Frost

• The group is introduced to Jack Frost, “the world's most famous painter” who “deals in winter fixtures” (10:13).
  • Jack sings his frosty, humorous theme song about his wintry talents and the wish to learn how to frost a cake (10:13-11:30).
    • Jack Frost (10:13): “I can paint a million pictures with my brushes and my mixtures, but I like the work much better if my feet were not so cold.”
    • Jack Frost (11:30): “This may sound rather silly, but I'd buy a radiator if I thought I would not melt.”

7. Repairing the Silver Star

• The children present their broken star; Jack Frost is confident he can fix it.
  • Jack Frost (12:06): “Oh, that'll be easy. I'm extra good at stars.”
  • He says stars are his specialty and even jokes about needing lessons from Judy’s mom to frost a cake.
• Jack uses “magic snow cement” to fix the star and sets it on his windowsill to harden in the cold north wind (12:46).
  • Judy (12:56): “Our silver star is all beautiful again, just like it was before.”

8. The Star Goes Missing — Another Cliffhanger

• As the group admires Jack’s frost designs and discusses their love of stars, Judy notices something alarming.
  • Judy (13:33): “A star. It's not on the windowsill. It's gone.”
• The episode ends with the recurring theme: another complication in their adventure.

Memorable Quotes and Moments with Timestamps

• Santa Claus's Warmth:
  • “Now, don’t you know that I love children better than anything in the world?” (Santa Claus, 04:02)
• Fun with Santa's Logistics:
  • “Santa, the service is extra good today.” (Judy, 08:03)
• Jack Frost’s Humorous Lament:
  • “This may sound rather silly, but I'd buy a radiator if I thought I would not melt.” (Jack Frost, 11:30)
• Magic of the Holidays:
  • “Oh, that'll be easy. I'm extra good at stars.” (Jack Frost, 12:06)
  • “Our silver star is all beautiful again, just like it was before.” (Judy, 12:56)
• Cliffhanger Discovery:
  • “A star. It's not on the windowsill. It's gone.” (Judy, 13:33)

Important Segments with Timestamps

• 02:39 – Narrator recaps the journey and sets up meeting with Santa.
• 03:29 – Santa warmly greets the children.
• 04:38 – Explanation of why children can’t see Santa when awake.
• 06:10 – Santa organizes fur suits and sleigh preparations.
• 09:15 – Tour of Santa's factories.
• 10:13 – Jack Frost’s theme song.
• 12:06 – Jack Frost fixes the silver star.
• 13:33 – Judy discovers the star is missing.

Style and Tone

In keeping with classic children’s adventure radio, the episode’s tone is warm, whimsical, and suspenseful. The friendly banter between Judy, Jimmy, Santa, and their magical friends, along with Jack Frost’s musical interlude, maintains an air of holiday magic and playfulness while moving the plot briskly toward its cliffhanger ending.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is a wonderful showcase of the joy and suspense that made "The Cinnamon Bear" an enduring holiday favorite for families. The magical adventure, charming character interactions, and the holiday spirit are all on full display as Judy and Jimmy meet Santa, get a tour of his amazing North Pole home, and put their quest in the hands of Jack Frost. But just when all seems well, the mystery deepens — leaving listeners eager for the next episode.