At the Table with Ted & Mary, Episode 1 — Christmas Favorites: Books, Movies, Games & More!

Sometimes the simplest joys make the Christmas season feel truly magical—curling up with a good book, watching a classic movie, or gathering around the table for a game that gets everyone laughing. In this first episode of At the Table with Ted & Mary, we share some of our favorite traditions and discoveries for a cozy, memorable Christmas season.

At the Table with Ted & Mary Series

After you asked about the activities and content we like, my husband Ted and I decided to start a new video series where we chat about the books, movies, foods, and other things we enjoy. In today’s episode, we talk about what we’ve been doing and books, movies, and music we’ve been appreciating in the days leading up to Christmas.

As we head into 2026, we’ll be sharing more episodes throughout the year. Each one will celebrate the simple joys that bring comfort to home and heart, especially when shared with those we love. We hope this new series will become a cozy companion for you—something you can watch with a cup of tea, maybe even alongside your own loved ones.

We’re so grateful to have you at the table with us, and we can’t wait for you to join us on this new adventure. And don’t worry. I’ll still be sharing plenty of cooking videos too!

A Favorite Christmas Book

Often, the best way to settle into the Christmas season is with a good book in hand. The first is a story that I return to year after year—a tale that brings warmth, wonder, and a touch of nostalgia to the holidays.
The second book is a new read that I look forward to enjoying this season.

• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
  A timeless tale that reminds us of generosity, redemption, and the joy of Christmas—perfect for reading aloud or enjoying on audio (more about that below).
• The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
  A delightful holiday adventure with heart, humor, and a bit of mystery!

Want to make something memorable this holiday season? Recreate Bob Cratchit’s Christmas dinner with my How to Make the Best Roast Goose with Sage and Onion Stuffing and a Port Wine Cherry Sauce recipe.

Why We Love Audible

In today’s episode, we chatted about how listening to books can make even the busiest holiday season feel calmer and more enjoyable. I love listening to audiobooks when I’m working in the kitchen or relaxing in the evening.

Ted shared that he likes listening to podcasts and audiobooks while walking our dog, Indy, around the neighborhood. He said that he was currently listening to the Audible version of Brothers in Arms by James Holland. Narrated by a reader with a UK accent, this audio version of Holland’s non-fiction book chronicles the incredible experiences of the Sherwood Rangers, a British tank regiment during WWII, from D-Day to VE-Day. Although it’s not a Christmas tale, it was still an engaging story indeed!

Audible Special Offer

Ted mentioned that your Audible membership also includes a free set of rotating books throughout the year, which is how he was listening to Brothers in Arms at no additional charge.

Christmas Movies That Bring Us Joy

There’s something so comforting about settling in with a Christmas movie that feels like an old friend. These are the films that fill our home with laughter, music, and nostalgia each year—stories we never tire of watching and love sharing with you. (And if you couldn’t guess…yes, we are huge fans of a variety of renditions of Charles Dickens’ beloved story A Christmas Carol!)

• Scrooge (1970 Musical)
  A lively, charming adaptation full of music and nostalgia—with an incredibly talented Albert Finney in the lead role.
• A Christmas Carol (1984)
  This 1984 adaptation of A Christmas Carol, starring George C. Scott, is one of the most compelling and faithful renditions of Dickens’ classic. Scott brings Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation to life with remarkable depth and warmth.
• A Christmas Carol (1999)
  Patrick Stewart’s 1999 rendition of A Christmas Carol offers a powerful, theatrical performance that captures both the intensity and the heart of Scrooge’s journey, making it a memorable favorite for many families. (You may remember Stewart as the captain of the starship Enterprise in the Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series.)
• White Christmas
  This 1954 classic is filled with song, dance, and beautiful holiday scenery. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Allen always set the perfect tone for the season.
• Christmas in Connecticut (1992 Remake)
  With Dyan Cannon and Kris Kristofferson, this heartwarming remake brings a cozy charm all its own…along with lots of laughs to warm any heart…even a Scrooge!

Christmas Music We Love to Stream on KNCT

For peaceful, joyful, easy-listening background music all season long, we often stream holiday programming from KNCT Radio. It’s soothing, uplifting, and perfect for evenings at home. You’ll find lots of favorites that span generations from the 1940s onward.

• Stream Easy-Listening Music for Free on KNCT Radio

We love listening to KNCT, either on the radio at 91.3 FM when we’re in Central Texas, or through streaming their music via their website or their Apple iTunes app when we’re out of their broadcast range. You don’t need a subscription service. They play many of our favorite artists, including Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, The Lettermen, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, The Carpenters, and more.

Board Games We Are Enjoying This Season

One of our favorite ways to unwind during the holidays is by gathering around the table for a entertaining board game. These are the games that had us laughing, thinking, and enjoying the simple fun of being together this season.

• L’oaf
  A silly, laugh-out-loud card game we’ve had so much fun with—easy to learn and great for family gatherings. You win by “loafing” the most—baking as little as you can and having the other players shoulder most of the work.
• Quacks of Quedlinburg (recently renamed to Quacks)
  A clever, strategy-based game that kept us on our toes and provided lots of fun competition. In this push-your-luck game, you need to make potions by adding ingredients, but be careful not to add too much lest your own pot explodes!
• Barbecubes
  Barbecubes is a lighthearted, fast-paced game that had us laughing from the very first round, making it a delightful addition to our holiday game nights. If you like games like Jenga, that require a bit of dexterity, you’ll enjoy this game too!
• Fromage and Fromaggio
  In past years, we’ve loved playing Fromage, a French cheesemaking game. We’re looking forward to trying the sequel, Fromaggio, a standalone game that takes you to Italy for more cheesemaking.

Looking Ahead to More Cozy Moments Together

We hope you enjoyed this very first episode in our new At the Table with Ted & Mary series. We’re already looking forward to sharing more of our favorite books, movies, music, games, and cozy pastimes with you in 2026.

In the meantime, we wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, and Blessed New Year. May your home be filled with peace, joy, and all the simple comforts that make this season so special.

Homemade Christmas Gifts from the Heart

There’s something truly special about giving a homemade gift during the Christmas season—especially when it’s something delicious. Food gifts have a way of bringing comfort, joy, and a little extra sweetness to those we love.

And the best part? These treats are simple to make, shelf-stable, and perfect for sharing with friends, neighbors, teachers, or anyone who could use a bit of holiday cheer.

More Holiday Inspiration

If you’re looking for even more inspiration, I’ve put together a lovely video playlist filled with homemade holiday gift ideas—all delicious, all practical, and all made with love. It’s a delightful collection to explore as you prepare your Christmas giving.

Farmhouse Teas (and Herbs!)

If you are looking for an excellent source for dry herbs to make teas this holiday season, look no further than Farmhouse Teas. And even better, they are offering my sweet friends a 10% discount off their wide selection of herbal tea blends and individual dry herbs.

Start Your Traditional Foods Journey

Sharing my passion for traditional cooking goes beyond my YouTube cooking school—it also comes to life in the pages of my cookbooks. Both of my books, The Modern Pioneer Cookbook and The Modern Pioneer Pantry, are proudly published by Penguin Random House.

The first is filled with time-honored recipes to help you create a traditional foods kitchen, while the second is your complete guide to home food preservation. Order both books today to start or continue your traditional foods journey.

Download Your Free 36-Page Pantry List

For an extensive list of the traditional foods you can make and purchase to stock your pantry, be sure to download my free 36-page Traditional Foods Pantry List. This comprehensive eBook is full of links to recipe videos, helpful articles, and more!

Join the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy

Are you looking for more traditional foods videos? If so, I invite you to join the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy. Members of this optional paid YouTube community get access to exclusive videos and other members-only perks. Plus, your YouTube comments include a special members-only badge.

Kitchen Academy Videos

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How to Make Oatmeal Higher in Protein (The Old-Fashioned Way)

Turn simple oats into a hearty, protein-rich porridge.

The Only Traditional Recipes You’ll Ever Need!

Focus on traditional recipes with real food. Don’t chase trends.

Let’s Talk Akkermansia: A Tiny Helper for Big Gut Health

Discover how Akkermansia muciniphila supports gut and immune health—and how traditional foods help this mighty microbe thrive.

Stay in Touch with Mary’s Nest

1. Subscribe to My YouTube Channel for Traditional Foods Videos (Free) - When you subscribe, be sure to click on the notification bell that will let you know each time I upload a new video.
2. Subscribe to Mary’s Traditional Foods Newsletter (Free) - Get a free 36-page eBook for signing up: How to Stock Your Essential Traditional Foods Four-Corners Pantry.
3. Join the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy - For more detailed videos and exclusive members-only perks, join my YouTube membership community.
4. Order The Modern Pioneer Cookbook - Get a hardcover book of Mary's nourishing recipes from a Traditional Foods Kitchen. This bestselling cookbook is published by Penguin Random House with their DK imprint.
5. Order The Modern Pioneer Pantry - Get Mary's latest hardcover cookbook about preserving food and making delicious meals from your Four Corners Pantry. Mary's second cookbook is also published by Penguin Random House.

I look forward to having you join me in my Texas Hill Country Kitchen!

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Shop for My Favorite Items

Favorite Christmas Movies

• Scrooge
• A Christmas Carol (1984)
• A Christmas Carol (1999)
• Christmas in Connecticut (1992)
• White Christmas

Favorite Christmas Books

• A Christmas Carol
• The Christmas Train

Favorite Games

• L’oaf
• Charcuterie
• Quacks
• Barbecubes
• Fromage
• Fromaggio

Amazon Shop and Shopping Guide

• Visit Mary’s Nest Amazon Shop
• Get a 30-day Audible trial with a free audiobook
• Visit my Shopping Guide page
  Get up to 15% off for stocking your Traditional Foods Pantry and equipping your Modern Pioneer Kitchen, including discounts from US Wellness Meats, Farmhouse Teas, Backwoods Home, Masontops, Cultures for Health, Survival Garden Seeds, Redmond Real Salt, and More!

Recommended Reading

• The Modern Pioneer Cookbook
• The Modern Pioneer Pantry
• Nourishing Traditions