A neighbor's Christmas gift that keeps on giving In the days leading up to Christmas 2018, the Williams family were told that their neighbor had passed away. He left behind a sack of 14 gifts for Cadi Williams to be opened each year on Christmas. John Ketchum
Springsteen's label was about to drop him. Then came 'Born to Run' Biographer Peter Ames Carlin describes the making of Born to Run as an "existential moment" for Springsteen. Carlin's book is Tonight in Jungleland. Originally broadcast Aug. 7, 2025. Terry Gross
50 years later, a journalist reunites with 'Santa Claus' Jewish newspaper boy In 1967, a journalist wrote about a boy buying presents on Christmas Eve. The story got an overwhelming response from readers. Fifty years later, the young boy and the journalist reconnected. Robin Washington
NPR listeners share their untraditional holiday traditions Holiday traditions don't all come with matching sweaters and cookie recipes — some are stranger, funnier, and deeply personal. We asked our listeners to share their unconventional holiday traditions. Linah Mohammad
A man is making gingerbread houses to extreme proportions and lengths Peter Williams makes highly elaborate gingerbread houses. He's depicted San Francisco's Painted Ladies and zoo, as well as a replica of the International Space Station. Patrick Jarenwattananon
Reindeer bring holiday magic to Illinois ranch year round Reindeer typically live in colder climates. However, they are a big hit on a ranch in central Illinois where they live year-round and become a special attraction during the holiday season. Adelyn Mui
Here to Help: Volunteering on Christmas Day The Washington, D.C., Jewish Community Center has designated Dec. 25 as a day of service. On Christmas Day, hundred of volunteers fan out, offering food, gifts, warm clothing for those in need.
'Twice' author Mitch Albom asks: What if you could relive any moment of your life? Albom is the author of Tuesdays with Morrie, which chronicled Albom's relationship with Morrie Schwartz, his old college professor who died of ALS. Originally broadcast Oct. 13, 2025. Tonya Mosley
At this museum, the tide brings in odd treasures that become a lasting lesson At the Plum Island Museum of Lost Toys and Curiosities, one-time treasures bring back memories and are a reminder of the eternal life of plastic waste. Tovia Smith
After the flames, a New York church returns to Christmas -- and to itself NPR's Michel Martin checks in with Middle Collegiate Church in Manhattan as it celebrates its first Christmas service since a devastating fire in 2020. Michel Martin