Vintage Thingies Thursday: The Cinnamon Bear

I've just put my not-so-little children to bed with one of our favorite Christmas traditions, The Cinnamon Bear. This serialized radio show from 1937 consists of 26 episodes recounting the story of twins Judy and Jimmy and their quest to retrieve the star for their Christmas tree. As they journey through Maybe-land they meet all kinds of wonderful and wicked creatures portrayed by some of the best voice talents of the time. The story has a wonderful Wizard of Oz type appeal that I never grow tired of.

You can listen free online here, or download free mp3s of the episodes here or buy the CDs from Amazon here.

I listened to this show on the radio every Christmas while growing up in Portland Oregon. A local department store sponsored the show and offered opportunities to meet the Cinnamon Bear and have breakfast with him.

One year, when I was home from college and working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home, I was careful to schedule my breaks to coincide with the time the show aired on the radio. I got teased a lot by my coworkers for my devotion to this show. But I had the last laugh.

Our next-door neighbor ran a preschool, and hired the character to come out one morning to entertain the kids. Her plumbing wasn't working and apparently the poor Cinnamon Bear needed his cup of coffee. Badly. So the neighbor sent him over to my mom. I was sleeping in (typical teenager) when my mom insisted I get dressed and come downstairs immediately.

There he was. Full costume. I nearly died of happiness at the irony of it all. I got my mom to take several pictures which I flaunted to my coworkers on the next evening shift.

"See? He visited me. Because I believe."

And who's to say I'm wrong?

Vintage Thingies Thursday is hosted by Colorado Lady. Lots of great Christmas items this week!

What has the elf been up to?

The kids have been talking very seriously to Duncan about the problem with Meteor. He's a Webkinz that they received from Duncan a year ago, and the online account for him will expire in a few days. If they get a new Webkinz, they can extend the account and keep their virtual friend alive online.

Good thing Duncan has delivered. In his big green bag is a new Webkinz stuffed animal - a polar bear. I expect you'll be seeing more from him soon.



If you would like an elf for your house, please visit the wonderful folks at Elf Magic.

Tomorrow I will again be hosting "Finished for Friday." Please join me and share any projects you've wrapped up this week.