Holiday Stories 2025–2026
Eight winter stories of light, culture, and connection.
This collection brings together eight seasonal stories exploring light, hope, community, and the traditions people carry through the darker months. Listen from the beginning or choose a story that speaks to you today.
These episodes can be revisited throughout the year. Some include difficult themes, so review the individual story descriptions before sharing them with younger listeners.
An Inuit Winter Tale: The Origin of the Northern Lights · Sankta Lucia · The First Hanukkah · The Shortest Day · A Visit from St. Nicholas · Ujima · The Little Match Girl · The Three Kings
An Inuit Winter Tale: The Origin of the Northern Lights
A winter tale exploring the northern lights and the meaning people find in the night sky.
Sankta Lucia
A Nordic winter story exploring light, hope, and protection during the darkest part of the year.
The First Hanukkah
A story of courage, hope, and the miracle of light at the heart of Hanukkah.
The Shortest Day
A winter solstice story about darkness, returning dawn, and the hope carried through the longest night.
A Visit from St. Nicholas
The Christmas Eve story that helped shape the familiar image of Santa Claus and the anticipation of a holiday night.
Ujima
A Kwanzaa story exploring community, shared responsibility, and collective care.
The Little Match Girl
A New Year’s Eve story that invites reflection on compassion, vulnerability, and how we respond to people who need warmth and care.
Content note: This story includes poverty, neglect, and the death of a child. Consider whether it is appropriate for younger listeners.
The Three Kings
A journey exploring light, hope, generosity, and shared humanity.
Explore the New Holiday Stories
Continue the seasonal journey with Becoming the Light, our 2026–2027 holiday collection.
Keep the Stories Going
Share a story with someone who enjoys thoughtful seasonal listening. Follow Change Happened, Then What? for more documentary stories, reflections, and reasons to smile throughout the year.