At the Table with Ted & Mary: Christmas Favorites — Books, Movies & Games

Sometimes the simplest pleasures make the Christmas season feel truly magical—curling up with a good book, watching a classic film, or gathering around the table for a game that sparks laughter. In the first episode of At the Table with Ted & Mary, we share traditions and discoveries that help create a cozy, memorable holiday.

At the Table with Ted & Mary Series

After readers asked about the activities and content we enjoy, my husband Ted and I launched a new video series to talk about books, films, meals, and pastimes we love. In this episode we share what we’ve been enjoying in the weeks leading up to Christmas—books we return to, new discoveries, favorite films, and music that sets the mood.

We’ll continue releasing episodes through 2026, each celebrating the simple comforts that make a house feel like home. We hope this series becomes a cozy companion you can enjoy with a mug of tea, perhaps alongside family and friends.

We’re grateful to have you at the table with us, and we look forward to sharing more soon. Don’t worry—there will still be plenty of cooking videos, too.

A Favorite Christmas Book

One of the best ways to ease into the season is with a cherished book. I have a classic I return to each year that brings warmth and nostalgia, and a newer title I’m excited to read this season.

• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens — A timeless story of generosity, transformation, and holiday spirit, wonderful to read aloud or enjoy as an audio book.
• The Christmas Train by David Baldacci — A heartwarming, humorous holiday adventure with a touch of mystery.

If you want a special holiday meal, try recreating Bob Cratchit’s Christmas dinner with my roast goose recipe featuring sage and onion stuffing and a port cherry sauce.

Why We Love Audible

Listening to audiobooks can make a busy holiday season feel calmer and more enjoyable. I like to listen while I’m in the kitchen or relaxing in the evening, and Ted often listens during walks with our dog, Indy.

He’s enjoyed historical non-fiction on Audible, including a recent listen about a British tank regiment in WWII. Audible’s narration makes long-form storytelling easy to follow and immersive, whether you’re busy at home or on the go.

Audible Special Offer

Christmas Movies That Bring Us Joy

There’s something comforting about a holiday movie that feels like an old friend. These films fill our home with music, warmth, and laughter—favorites we love to watch year after year. We’re especially fond of multiple adaptations of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

• Scrooge (1970 musical) — A musical adaptation full of charm and memorable performances.
• A Christmas Carol (1984) — A faithful and moving version starring George C. Scott.
• A Christmas Carol (1999) — Patrick Stewart’s theatrical performance is powerful and heartfelt.
• White Christmas (1954) — A classic filled with song, dance, and holiday scenery.
• Christmas in Connecticut (1992 remake) — A warm, funny remake with cozy charm.

Christmas Music We Love to Stream on KNCT

For gentle, uplifting background music, we often stream holiday programming from KNCT Radio. Their easy-listening playlist spans generations and sets a peaceful tone for evenings at home. When we’re nearby we tune in at 91.3 FM, and when we’re away we stream online or via apps. No subscription is needed.

• KNCT plays many of our favorite artists from past decades, making it ideal for a relaxed holiday soundtrack.

Board Games We Are Enjoying This Season

A favorite holiday pastime is gathering around the table for a board game. These games brought laughter, strategy, and lively competition to our family nights.

• L’oaf — A silly, easy-to-learn card game that’s perfect for family gatherings.
• Quacks of Quedlinburg (Quacks) — A push-your-luck, potion-making game full of excitement.
• Barbecubes — A fast-paced dexterity game that’s great for laughter-filled rounds.
• Fromage and Fromaggio — A cheese-making themed game and its Italian sequel that we enjoy playing together.

Looking Ahead to More Cozy Moments Together

We hope you enjoyed this first episode of At the Table with Ted & Mary. We’re excited to continue sharing books, music, movies, games, and cozy traditions throughout 2026.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a healthy, joyful New Year. May your home be filled with peace, warmth, and simple comforts.

Homemade Christmas Gifts from the Heart

Food gifts are a meaningful way to show care during the holidays—delicious, simple to prepare, and easy to share with neighbors, teachers, or friends. Many of these treats are shelf-stable and practical to package for gifting.

More Holiday Inspiration

For additional ideas, there’s a curated video playlist of homemade holiday gift projects—delicious, practical, and made with care—to help you plan your Christmas giving.

Farmhouse Teas (and Herbs!)

If you’re sourcing dry herbs for holiday teas, Farmhouse Teas offers a wide selection of blends and loose herbs. There’s a seasonal discount available for readers to use on their orders.

Start Your Traditional Foods Journey

My passion for traditional cooking extends beyond the YouTube cooking school and into these cookbooks, both published by Penguin Random House. One book focuses on classic recipes and techniques, while the other is a guide to home food preservation. Together they help you build a nourishing traditional foods kitchen.

Download Your Free 36-Page Pantry List

For a detailed checklist of traditional foods, ingredients, and recipe links, download the free 36-page Traditional Foods Pantry List. It’s a printable resource that includes recipe videos and helpful guidance for stocking your pantry.

Join the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy

If you want more traditional foods videos and in-depth instruction, consider joining the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy. Members receive exclusive videos and other perks within the YouTube community.

Kitchen Academy Videos

See all →

Baking with Whole Grains: The Maslin Method, Grain Mills, and America’s Bread Basket

Explore whole grain baking with fresh-milled flour, grain mills, heritage wheats, and practical techniques.

A Sweet Season of Celebration and New Beginnings with The Maslin Method Baking School Series

Celebrate the close of a heartfelt book tour and the launch of The Maslin Method Baking School for traditional baking.

Why We Should Incorporate Mackerel Into Our Diet

Simple, nourishing ways to include mackerel in your meals.

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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 the Shopping Guide page for discounts on pantry and kitchen essentials

Recommended Reading

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