Storytime for Grownups: Christmas Spectacular 2025 Introduction

Host: Faith Moore
Date: October 18, 2025
Episode Theme: Introduction to the upcoming Christmas Spectacular — a family-oriented, Victorian-themed read-along of "A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Episode Overview

This episode serves as a festive announcement and invitation for listeners to join Faith Moore in the 2025 Christmas edition of Storytime for Grownups. The event will feature a read-aloud and commentary on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved classic, A Little Princess, bridging the spirit of a Victorian Christmas with the joy of family storytelling. The format continues the podcast’s tradition of combining audiobook-style narration with literary notes, making classic literature accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Christmas Spectacular Concept

• Victorian Christmas Theme:
  • Faith introduces the idea that the 2025 season’s focus will be on an authentic Victorian Christmas, exploring both the traditions and their historical context.
  • The Victorian era marked a transformation in Christmas, placing family and children at the center.
• Family and Accessibility:
  • While typically aimed at adults, this special event encourages listeners to gather with children and family members — making it a shared experience.

Cultural and Historical Context

• Victorian Era Innovations:
  • Faith notes the role of the railroad in making family reunions possible ("the advent of the railroad made it possible for people to travel longer distances... Christmas became the time when families came together").
  • A shift towards family-centric celebrations is emphasized as a hallmark of the period.

The Book Selection

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett:
  • Chosen as the featured text for its Victorian origins and cross-generational appeal.
  • Episodes will be structured like an "audiobook with built-in notes," designed to enrich the experience with context and commentary.

Schedule & Format

• Read-Aloud Schedule:
  • The read-aloud begins November 3rd.
  • New episodes will release every Monday and Thursday throughout November and December.
  • Episodes will be family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:06] “Christmas is coming early to Storytime for Grownups this year. So deck the halls, exchange your tea for hot chocolate, and settle in. It’s time for the Storytime for Grownups Christmas Spectacular.”
  — Faith Moore, setting a warm, festive tone.

• [00:26] “Suddenly the focus was on family and children...Christmas became the time when families came together to celebrate the season.”
  — Faith Moore, on the transformation of Christmas traditions during the Victorian era.

• [00:55] “Story time is not just for grownups. It’s time for us to gather around the fire with our family members and read a book that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.”
  — Faith Moore, highlighting the inclusive, intergenerational aspect of the event.

• [01:05] “We’ll be reading ... A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I’m Faith Moore, and I invite you and your family to spend November and December with me as we read this family classic aloud chapter by chapter, with a few notes along the way, like an audiobook with built-in notes.”
  — Faith Moore, formally inviting listeners to participate.

• [01:22] “So brew a pot of tea or a mug of hot chocolate, find a cozy chair, throw another log on the fire and settle in. It’s story time.”
  — Faith Moore, closing with signature coziness and encouragement.

Episode Structure With Timestamps

• 00:00–00:26: Festive introduction; announcement of early Christmas celebration on the podcast.
• 00:26–00:55: Historical context: how Victorian innovations shaped Christmas into a family holiday.
• 00:55–01:05: The invitation to make Storytime a family event; preview of the book selection.
• 01:05–01:22: Details on the schedule, format, and how to participate; signature cozy send-off.

Tone and Style

The episode adopts a warm, inclusive, and gently informative tone, inviting listeners to experience the nostalgia and comfort of a Victorian Christmas storytime. Faith’s approach remains both accessible to newcomers and welcoming to longtime fans, emphasizing the joy of shared literature during the holiday season.

Summary Takeaway

Storytime for Grownups’ 2025 Christmas Spectacular promises a cozy, communal celebration of classic literature, blending the magic of Victorian holiday traditions with the timeless delight of storytelling. Listeners are encouraged to share in the experience with their loved ones as “A Little Princess” unfolds, chapter by chapter, throughout the festive months.