The Moth Holiday Special: Ophira Eisenberg & Andy Christie

Release Date: December 24, 2013

Introduction

In this heartwarming holiday special of The Moth, host Dan Kennedy sets the stage by sharing two engaging audience stories that align with the evening's theme. He seamlessly transitions into the featured narratives, promising listeners emotionally rich and insightful tales from two beloved storytellers: Ophira Eisenberg and Andy Christie.

Ophira Eisenberg: Discovering Santa's True Identity

Timestamp: [03:43] – [07:31]

Ophira Eisenberg begins her story by revealing her childhood obsession with Santa Claus, despite being Jewish. Her longing to experience the magic of Santa led her to devise a plan to convince her mother to take her to see Santa at the mall.

"I was obsessed with Santa Claus as a child. I really was." – Ophira Eisenberg [03:43]

Her determination culminates in a dramatic display of emotion, forcing her mother to relent. Nervously, Ophira sits on Santa's lap, only to experience a surprising revelation.

"Santa's Jewish." – Ophira Eisenberg [06:50]

Caught off guard by Santa's unexpected confession, Ophira faces a whirlwind of emotions. The encounter turns chaotic as elves usher her out, leaving her to process the newfound truth. In a touching resolution, her mother calmly accepts Santa's identity, reinforcing a message of understanding and acceptance.

"Who else do you think works on Christmas? There you go." – Ophira Eisenberg [07:31]

This story beautifully encapsulates themes of identity, cultural tradition, and the innocence of childhood curiosity, all wrapped in holiday spirit.

Andy Christie: The Value of a Gift

Timestamp: [08:20] – [17:41]

Andy Christie shares a poignant tale from his childhood Christmas Eve, highlighting the disparity in gifts received between him and his older brother, Artie. While Artie receives an extravagant fish tank, Andy is initially excited to open a seemingly modest book.

"I burst into tears. I knew where these things came from." – Andy Christie [08:20]

As Andy uncovers the book's disturbing illustrations and realizes it's filled with intricate, unsettling artwork he cannot comprehend, his disappointment deepens. The book, though appearing worthless to him, holds intrinsic value unbeknownst to his young self.

"It's what book people call a first impression with plates. And it is worth a lot more than a fish tank." – Andy Christie [17:41]

In a moment of sibling solidarity, Artie offers to swap his prized fish tank for Andy's book, unaware of its true worth. This exchange not only resolves the immediate conflict but also imparts a lasting lesson on perceived value and the hidden treasures in unexpected places.

Andy’s story delves into themes of generosity, the complexity of understanding value beyond the surface, and the deep bonds between siblings shaped by shared experiences.

Conclusion

Dan Kennedy wraps up the episode by applauding the storytellers for their evocative narratives that offer both humor and introspection, perfectly capturing the essence of holiday reflections. The episode serves as a testament to The Moth's ability to illuminate personal stories that resonate universally, leaving listeners with a sense of warmth and contemplative joy during the festive season.

Notable Quotes:

• Ophira Eisenberg: "Santa's Jewish." [06:50]
• Andy Christie: "I burst into tears. I knew where these things came from." [08:20]
• Andy Christie: "It's what book people call a first impression with plates. And it is worth a lot more than a fish tank." [17:41]

About the Storytellers:

• Ophira Eisenberg is a comedian and host of NPR's Ask Me Another. She has made appearances on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Comedy Central, and has authored a memoir titled Screw Everyone Sleeping, My Way to Monogamy. Ophira is also a regular host and storyteller with The Moth.

• Andy Christie is a Creative Director at Slim Films, an animation and illustration studio. His writing has been featured in The New York Times and the Thomas Bellar anthology Lost and Found. Andy's autobiographical stories are included in The Moth Anthology and have been showcased on the Moth Radio Hour and WFUV's Cityscape.

Production Credits:

Podcast audio was produced by Paul Ruest at Argo Studios in New York. The Moth Podcast and Radio Hour are presented by PRX Public Radio Exchange, dedicated to making public radio more accessible and engaging.

This holiday special episode of The Moth masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes with broader themes of identity, value, and familial bonds, offering listeners a memorable and meaningful auditory experience.