Nothing Much Happens: Bedtime Stories to Help You Sleep

Episode: Mistletoe and Marmalade (Encore)

Host: Kathryn Nicolai
Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

In this encore episode of "Nothing Much Happens," Kathryn Nicolai shares “Mistletoe and Marmalade”—a gentle, cozy story about holiday decorating, family (both human and furry), and the small but meaningful moments that bring comfort and warmth. As always, the main purpose is to guide listeners towards relaxation and restful sleep through calming narrative and familiar, soothing scenes.

Key Discussion Points & Narrative Highlights

1. Setting the Intention and Ritual ([03:32]–[04:31])

• Kathryn welcomes listeners, reinforces the ritual aspect of the podcast, and gently guides them through a relaxation cue, reminding,

  “We are going to train your brain to settle and respond to this cue with sleep. It’s something that improves with practice.” ([03:04], Kathryn)

• She encourages patience for new listeners and emphasizes comfort and the importance of receiving it, leading a brief breathing exercise.

2. Introductions & Family Dynamics ([04:31]–[06:09])

• Story introduces a blended family during their first Christmas together, which includes:
  • The narrator, her ginger cat Marmalade, scruffy dog Crumb
  • Her partner and his greyhound, Birdie
• Sentiments of newness and familiarity in relationships:

  “In some ways, it felt like we’d been together for ages, and in others, it all felt brand new.” ([05:51], Kathryn)

3. Discovering Each Other ([06:09]–[07:19])

• The joys of learning new things about loved ones, e.g., her partner’s love for tabletop RPGs and chili varieties, her own handyman skills:

  “I had a feeling that this was one of the joys of loving someone for a long time. Realizing that there was always more to learn about them.” ([07:12], Kathryn)

• Everyday surprises between partners and shared laughter

4. Animal Companions’ Behaviors ([07:19]–[09:21])

• Quirky morning routines due to pets’ personalities (Birdie grazes, Crumb “scarfing” two breakfasts)
• Marmalade’s independent, affectionate nature; her priority rituals and subtle affection for the other animals

5. Decorating for the Holidays ([09:21]–[13:18])

• The family embarks on a fun, somewhat chaotic search for Christmas decorations throughout the house
• Tree placed in front of the window—debate between white and colored lights (narrator’s pick wins)
• Ornaments spark storytelling: cherished family mementos, homemade craft pieces

  “Here was the ornament made of popsicle sticks and cotton balls, heat glued together in kindergarten, unrecognizable as any particular thing but cherished just the same.” ([11:08], Kathryn)

6. Animal Curiosity and Play ([11:52]–[13:18])

• Marmalade investigates a green glass bulb, and receives a felt mouse ornament to play with instead, leading to a playful chase
• Prompt decision to move breakable ornaments higher, for pet safety

7. Cozy Moments & Togetherness ([13:25]–[15:25])

• Crumb and the snow globe:

  “A tinny version of the Christmas song played as he watched the suspended snowflakes slowly drift down over a little house not so different from our own.” ([13:41], Kathryn)

• Narrator hums along, makes a playful pun:

  “To pups from 1 to 92, though it’s been said many times, many ways, meowy Christmas to you.” ([14:05], Kathryn)

• Partner’s chuckle from the kitchen—shared joy in simple pleasures, and celebration of each other's quirks

8. Birdie and the Sweater ([15:17]–[16:31])

• Birdie receives and tolerates a festive “ugly Christmas sweater,” despite mild indignation:

  “He looked at me with consternation and despair, but I told him at least I wasn’t making him wear his antlers yet.” ([15:35], Kathryn)

• Culminates with partner presenting makeshift “mistletoe” (actually bay leaves and berries) for a sweet, impromptu romantic gesture:

  “He squatted down beside me and whispered, it’s mistletoe. I’m pretty sure these are bay leaves from the spice drawer. Hmm. They may still work, though.” ([16:15], Kathryn and Partner)

9. Story Repeats in Slower Pace ([16:43]–[30:31])

• The story is told again, in Kathryn’s slower, softer voice, allowing the calming details and gentle humor to flow once more—helping listeners drift more naturally toward sleep.
• Each heartwarming vignette is revisited: animals’ antics, ornament memories, playfulness, and sweet partner moments.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I had a feeling this was one of the joys of loving someone for a long time. Realizing that there was always more to learn about them.” ([07:12])
• “To pups from 1 to 92, though it’s been said many times, many ways, meowy Christmas to you.” ([14:05])
• “He looked at me with consternation and despair, but I told him at least I wasn’t making him wear his antlers yet.” ([15:35])
• “He squatted down beside me and whispered, it’s mistletoe. I’m pretty sure these are bay leaves from the spice drawer. Hmm. They may still work, though.” ([16:15])

Important Segment Timestamps

• [03:32] – Rituals and sleep cue introduction
• [04:31] – Story Theme: “Mistletoe and Marmalade”
• [05:03] – Blended family holiday preparations
• [09:33] – Decorating and ornament stories
• [11:52] – Marmalade’s playful curiosity
• [13:41] – Crumb and the snow globe moment
• [15:35] – Birdie in his Christmas sweater
• [16:15] – Improvised mistletoe and romantic gesture
• [16:43 – 30:31] – Full story retold, slower pace for sleep

Tone & Atmosphere

Kathryn’s voice is gentle and soothing, with a touch of quiet humor and loving observation. The tone is never hurried—every detail, interaction, and memory is offered as a small comfort, designed to evoke safety, nostalgia, and warmth. Listeners are invited to let go and rest, guided by sensory-rich storytelling in a peaceful, accepting environment.

Perfect for anyone needing reassurance, cozy comfort, or just a calm, happy place to drift off. Sweet dreams.