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Well, the Festive Fans have been toiling for three years, searching out celebrations, rich traditions, and delicious food from all over the world. We find joy in all of the countries we visit, as we continue our search for the happiest and most magical places on Earth. Like climbing a mystical mountain, we may have finally reached the pinnacle. Our podcast about the Philippines does not just describe a destination, it is a culture that embraces Christmas with unmatched passion and heart. Few countries celebrate the Yuletide season with as much energy, love, and spirit as the Philippines, making it truly the best holiday location in the world, and the Festive Fans admit we are thrilled.

Our experience in the Philippines is like reaching a sacred destination. We have spent years on a hunt for the true global spirit of Christmas. We have traveled the world seeking the best holiday destinations, where Christmas is genuine and magical. And, we have finally arrived at the optimal location, which is like finally arriving to meet that mysterious guru at the top of the mountain.

Just like the seeker who climbs a steep path hoping to gain wisdom, visitors who experience Christmas in the Philippines discover a celebration so rich in warmth and humanity that it does feel spiritually enlightening. The guru at the top of the mountain symbolizes our podcast as well, as we both try to expand consciousness, broaden horizons, and dissolve country borders. The emotional warmth of Christmas in the Philippines can be transformative, much like the beauty and reflection displayed by that fabled teacher.

One of the most remarkable reasons the Philippines is the best holiday location is that it celebrates the longest Christmas season in the world. Festivities begin as early as September and continue until January. The moment the “ber” months arrive, Christmas songs fill shopping malls, colorful lanterns light up the streets, and homes become decorated with sparkling lights and ornaments.

While many people associate Christmas with snow, the Philippines provides a tropical alternative filled with white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush mountains. This combination of holiday spirit and paradise-like landscapes makes the experience truly unforgettable.

We also learn so much this episode, as we discuss the Philippian tradition of Simbang Gabi, which is the ultimate test of Christmas devotion with nine pre-dawn masses. This custom is portrayed in the film we review -- 9 Mornings — which is not just about Simbang Gabi, but also a romantic drama. It promises to fully ignite your Christmas spirit. There are lessons here, but without being preachy, religious or melodramatic. Much like The Christmas Carol, the story is simple, as it examines how the true meaning of Christmas is about finding your purpose in life.

We also give a well-deserved shout out to the wives and mothers in our lives, and we hear from the most important people who matter, our kids. And maybe that’s the perfect conclusion to this episode. It highlights the best things in our lives — our kids, wives, and, of course, the Philippines at Christmastime!

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For this episode, our journey unfolds under warm African skies and rolling green hills, as we venture out of the lingering winter cold and into the famous mountains of Volcanoes National Park. Instead of tinsel and lights, we are surrounded by dormant volcanoes, dense rainforest, and bamboo groves. This is the land where Dian Fossey lived for 18 years, studying and protecting the mountain gorillas. The Festive Fans are in Rwanda, the land of Gorillas in the Mist.

The same mist that once cloaked Fossey’s research camps still lingers, softening and blurring the line between past and present. Rwanda’s story is powerful because of its remarkable success over the past three decades. It is currently one of Africa’s fastest-growing and most forward-looking countries. Rwanda has found a way to embrace both its amazing natural heritage and the profound human tragedy that occurred there.

In the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, the country faced incredible challenges, including a devastated infrastructure, deep social divisions, and a shattered economy. Yet Rwanda has deliberately worked to redefine its global image, from one defined by tragedy in the past to one associated with unity and possibility for the future.

Overall, Rwanda offers a different perspective on the Christmas holiday—one with less emphasis on lights, trees, and shopping, and more on simple acts of faith and gratitude. The atmosphere is festive but modest. It’s less about spectacle and more about meaning, making it a powerful reminder of what the season represents at its core.

Rwanda is a leader in environmental conservation, where plastic bags are banned, communities participate in monthly clean-up days (Umuganda), and conservation of landscapes like Volcanoes National Park is a national priority. This commitment to conservation, sustainability, and stewardship mirrors how Christmas is celebrated across the country. There is an emphasis on simplicity, shared meals, and gathering.

Rwanda’s Christmas is not just a religious or cultural event, but also an expression of the country’s philosophy that caring for one another and caring for the natural world can be deeply intertwined. In this way, its famous mountain gorillas are woven into this deeper Yuletide message that care, respect, and coexistence — amongst people, nature, and the animal kingdom — are at the heart of what truly makes the season meaningful.

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The Festive Fans are feeling a little tired. We have been woken up by a little one, relatively new to the world. Like watching any baby, it can be a little messy, unpredictable, and joyful. Our sense of time must have disappeared completely — April 6th feels exactly like April 18th — but we have been operating on very little sleep. So join us tonight, as we tend to the care of the very young nation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, a country that emerged from the war in the 1990s and is just an infant in country years.

The rise of Bosnia-Herzegovina after the devastation of war was the birth of an independent nation — marked by struggle but filled with immense promise. Like a newborn, Bosnia-Herzegovina has been given the opportunity to grow, heal, and redefine its future. Visiting here for the podcast gives us encouragement. We can see the progress they are making, and how the different cultures can coexist.

Through this episode’s film, Sabina K, we can see the struggles this new country faces in the post-war world. Since the 1990s, they’ve experienced war crimes and acts of vengeance. And yet, inspired by a true story and through Sabina’s character, we also see little glimpses of kindness among residents with ethnic and religious differences. In the midst of the dire circumstances framed in the story, hope still shines like the bright stars on a Christmas tree.

Understanding the Christmas season in Bosnia-Herzegovina brings us an awareness of its history. Traditions have been preserved despite historical upheaval. The scars of war are still visible, yet so is their determination to move forward. There is a blend of traditions — Bosniaks (mostly Muslim), Croats (mostly Catholic), and Serbs (mostly Orthodox). This diversity shapes Bosnia-Herzegovina today. What may have once contributed to its violence now seems to be guiding Bosnia-Herzegovina toward a more unified and better future.

In the end, our show is not just about observing foreign traditions—it is about understanding a country. Witnessing the gradual blending of its once-divided ethnic identities is like watching a fretful baby finally drift off to a peaceful sleep. The tension and unrest that once defined the nation is seeping away. The future for Bosnia-Herzegovina is shaped less by conflict and more by coexistence, and there is no better Christmas gift. Although the past cannot be undone, this fragile peace gives us hope for a more harmonious tomorrow.

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As we arrive, the snow falls softly over the Alps, blanketing the jagged peaks and pine-covered slopes. This is a place of such breathtaking winter scenery, it is like a living snow globe. There is a chill in the air but, even more so, there is the hardy aroma of … melted cheese. Yes, this episode the Festive Fans are visiting Switzerland, with its small mountain villages and wooden chalets glowing with light, it is a special place that always feels like Christmas.

Switzerland is so picturesque, the whole country looks like the set of a Hallmark movie. You can find twinkling lights, cozy cabins, and mountains that look like they are frosted in powdered sugar. Outside, church bells ring throughout the valleys, and even the cows seem like they’re part of the holiday decor.

However, as we learn from tonight's movie, The Very Last Christmas, there can be something unsettling about the breathtaking beauty of Switzerland. The Alps look serene, but the snow, mountains, and winter can also bring danger. This same landscape that inspires awe can also be destructive. We are cautioned not to be fooled by the peaceful winter scene—it’s a reminder that even the most beautiful places have threats, hidden beneath the surface. The joy of the season may feel richer when set against the vast, humbling presence of the Alps.

So, join us as we celebrate the Christmas customs and traditions of Switzerland, but also where we explore the incredible landscape. The mountains are not only symbols of splendor, but also of respect. Avalanches, sudden and unstoppable, remind us that nature is never fully tamed. This episode is a series of contrasts — of party and peril and mirth and menace. The Festive Fans are on a festive journey, but nothing says “holiday cheer” like admiring a beautiful alpine slope… from a safe distance, preferably indoors, and while enjoying some Guetzli.

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Said the night wind to the Festive Fan

"Want to go where I go?"

An island in the sea, Festive Fan

"Want to go where I go?"

Witness Christmas, where it’s communist

They just keep it hidden from sight

They just keep it hidden from sight

Wow. Spring has sprung. The weather is warmer, the grass is greener, and two hairy bears have emerged from hibernation. Yes, Mark and Bob are back and awake. They are ready to travel on an empty stomach, but this podcast better serve up a location with some decent cuisine. Well, the Gods have delivered, as we are off to a place with bold flavors from its Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, and known for a famous sandwich filled with savory ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard … yes, we are off to Cuba!

Did you know that this little island was the inspiration for the song Do You Hear What I Hear? It may sound like an old classic carol, but it was inspired by the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. At the time, the United States and the Soviet Union were locked in a dangerous confrontation over nuclear missiles discovered in Cuba. The world feared that the conflict could lead to a nuclear war, and the song was a written as a plea for peace. In the song, the night wind tells a lamb about a star, the lamb tells a shepherd, and eventually a king learns about a child who will bring “goodness and light.” It reflects on the Nativity, but this is a real example of how Cuba has played a central role in shaping world history.

So, the Festive Fans are off this tiny communist nation to understand how it celebrates the holiday. Cuba has strong Catholic roots, but after the revolution in 1959, public celebrations of Christmas were prohibited. Only after Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1998, Christmas was officially reinstated and Cubans were finally able to embrace the holiday again. We also view the documentary Revolution Rent to explore modern-day Cuba through the journey of Cuban-American theater director Andy Señor Jr. He returns to the country where his parents were exiled to stage the Broadway musical Rent on Christmas Eve. The film follows putting on the stage production from auditions to opening night and offers a nuanced portrait of contemporary Cuban society.

Cuba. So close and yet so far away. We have experienced so much together -- the Revolution, the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Mariel Boatlift, and Elián González – and yet we still behave like two lovers in a spat, slamming our collective doors shut. Our breakup was loud and public, full of accusations and hurt feelings, and both sides walking away angry. Now, with our long, shared history, we have to settle with anguished glances and pining away for a nostalgic past. In fact, as we write this, we are contemplating another ill-timed attempt to get back together, convinced that if we just push hard enough, everything will somehow go back to the way it was. We still have a lingering sense that somehow our story as a couple isn’t finished. The passion may have cooled, but that jealousy, it still simmers.

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As we kick off the second half today, you might be thinking that it is nearly the end of February and we are still not done with the Christmas celebration. We know it’s been a little bit of time, but we really wanted to share the recording with those who weren’t able to attend. There was something electric about this year’s live show — the space, the stage, the lights, the crowd, the music — but what really transformed the night into something unforgettable was our special guests. We invited them to appear because of their celebrity status. We thought it would add excitement and prestige to our event. We hoped that their presence would attract fans, but the moment they stepped on stage, everything changed.

What we didn’t expect was that their celebrity glow would fade into genuine warmth. The night became no longer about hosting celebrities. When you listen to the interviews, you realize we that were connecting with some remarkable human beings. We think you should know more about them:

• Jackie Kostek is an anchor and reporter at CBS Chicago, covering a variety of topics for the CBS News Chicago morning show. She has had a lot of fun on the live Jump Start with Jackie segments – log rolling, roller-coaster riding, eating, drinking, dancing, skating, and getting to know many of the city’s new businesses and festivals. She also worked as the in-arena and digital host for the Chicago Blackhawks and was the weekend anchor and reporter at KTNV in Las Vegas. Jackie also produced episodes of PBS' national travel show, Family Travel with Colleen Kelly, and served as the Director of Photography for an independent documentary about online harassment. She received a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Columbia University in New York and a Bachelor’s in Journalism and American Studies from the University of Kansas.

• Darryl Postelnick is better known for his TikTok segments — “Cooking with Darryl” — where he is a social media influencer with more than 3 million followers. Darryl always enjoyed cooking, so his young daughter thought it would be fun to film him after he retired. Even though he is not a chef or never went to culinary school, his second video reached viral status. He became very popular with Gen Z and some attribute it to his dad energy and his approachable cooking style and vibrant online presence. Whatever the attraction, it has provided a second career for him. He's got a cookbook called R U Kidding Me and even collaborated with Saugatuck Brewing Company on a beer called “Saugatuck R. U. Kidding Me IPA”, which just might be the reason the Festive Fans follow him.

• The Maeberries are a Chicago-based music group that specializes in 50s, 60s, and 70s music. The group loves soul and folk music and enjoys playing well-known songs with a funky jazzy twist. They play at local bars and other events. Kaylee Mae Hofman is the lead singer for the band.

In the end, we had our own Linus moment. It wasn’t about the star power. What matters is the heart behind it. We experienced some real holiday magic at this year’s show. Because of our guests, this December night wa

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Another two-part episode? What’s next - a crossover podcast with “Deck Hallmark”?

Nope, we decided to start 2026 with big things. First, we kicked off January with our super-stuffed England episodes filled with extras and special guests. Now we are presenting our recent live Christmas event in audio form. We don’t want you to experience it secondhand, so we are trying to convey the gestures, reactions, and energy that you can’t see or feel. Since we can’t come over to your homes to pantomime the chaos of a live environment, we are going to inject some comments through the show to help you know what’s happening.

Imagine the ideal holiday event location. The Festive Foreign Film Fans Live Show unfolds in a nightclub where the air is buzzing with laughter and conversation. The stage glows in saturated reds and greens. At the center is a giant 4F logo and standing in front of it are your two seasoned hosts — looking a bit more weathered than their cartoon alter egos. Behind us are the Maeberries, a jazz band that swings through festive holiday standards. Off to one side sits a Santa throne — decked in Christmas lights — but a ready hot seat for our really popular and charming guests. The whole scene feels intimate yet electric, blending holiday hysteria with nightclub cool.

Our Live Show is not like our podcast but more like a variety show. We don’t cover any movies or songs, although we do test the audience on information only gleaned from our past episodes. The whole thing has the feel of a fever dream turned into a public spectacle. On this night, we’re incredibly lucky to welcome two guests who aren’t just hugely popular, but fun and normal. They show up and share some incredible Christmas stories. Jackie Kostek, a television news anchor, stays for the whole evening, appearing in another skit and joining us for a sing-a-long at the end of the show. Darryl Postelnick has an amazing background and brings several of his books for prizes and personally signs each one for the winners. They both made the night memorable. It’s rare to find celebrities who are so generous with their time, especially at the busy holiday season. We don’t take for granted how their presence elevated the entire show.

This night features trivia and prizes, a surprise dance routine, and, along with the real music, some goofy songs, jingling bells, and two hosts whose material falls flat in the best way possible. The whole room is in on the joke, creating a rare kind of holiday magic meets playful nonsense. We just wish the world could be a little more like this more of the time.

This show is the highlight of our Festive Fans year, and we hope you enjoy it and much as we did!

(Is Cousin Chad is still talking? … )

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Hey, Festive Fans, let nothing ye dismay, we’re back with Part Two of our super-sized Festive Foreign Film Fans Special Royal English Christmas/New Year's Triple-Stuffed Podcast Episode Extravaganza! Phew, if you think that’s a lot to say, just consider the exciting, action-packed show we’re describing. It is a two-part journey across England and, along the way, we unwrap traditions old and new, share some of their Christmas music, eat Latvian piragi, and listen as our guests recall their own Christmas memories. This episode is filled with real tidings of comfort and joy! It is more stuffed than the man with the bag, and you know that’s what everybody’s talking about. England has so much Yule merriment and festive atmosphere that we couldn’t fit it all into one show!

Come all ye faithful! We have brought in some incredible people to create our audio content, so we don’t have to. And, as loyal listeners know, we don’t give up the microphone lightly -- you have to pry it out of our chubby little fingers. We’ve already heard from Adam Parker Sibun from the “Merry Britsmas” podcast. He gave us some of the unique details we crave (thanks to his Nan for her crazy gift-giving ideas), but we’ve only just begun to appreciate the story of Christmas in England. For today’s journey, we have Jack Ford, from the “Total Christmas” podcast. Jack and his show are the inspiration for the “Festive Foreign Film Fans”, so you can blame him. He has, well, a total knowledge of British Christmas and is excellent at creating a fun holiday agenda. We also talk to Matt Fitzpatrick, who is currently the 22nd top ranked golfer in the world and one of the Top 5 golfers from England. So what does Matt know about Christmas? Enough to recognize that “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie. Plus, he is a Sheffield United fan.

If you didn’t listen to Part One, let nothing ye dismay. What we explored last episode only built the foundation and set the stage for Part Two, where we now dive deeper into the sounds, customs, and curious details that bring an English Christmas to life. These Three Guests with Accents Are pretty special, providing us their own personal reflections. Through their stories, it’s no Silent Night as we hear how Christmas is experienced, remembered, and felt across the pond. We even find time to fit in our own choice for best British Christmas song and some royal trivia that may surprise even the most devoted Anglophile.

So don’t un-deck the halls or pack away the holly just yet. Welcome back to the next chapter of our cozy, classic English Christmas tale.

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