Join Tommy, Duncan, and Hayley as they take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reliving the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas and New Year past. From paper chains and foil garlands to brandy butter and festive chaos, this episode is packed with laughs, quirky family traditions, and the bittersweet charm of the holidays.

In This Episode:

Tommy recalls the classic Christmas decoration struggle: pastel paper chains, sticky loops, and the eternal battle with blue tack.

Hayley shares her bargain-hunting tips for Christmas decorations, including cheap finds at B&Q.

Duncan confesses his dislike for outdoor Christmas lights—but admits admiration for those who go all out.

Childhood Christmas memories: foil garlands, snow spray, and treasured baubles passed down through generations.

Humorous tales of works Christmas parties and novelty accountant outfits.

Reflections on New Year traditions: Auld Lang Syne, first-footing, and the thrill of staying up past midnight as a kid.

Memorable New Year's Eves, including a Y2K pub adventure, solo radio show disasters, and cozy family celebrations.

Modern-day rituals: quiet pub visits, takeaways, and enjoying New Year from the comfort of home.

Retro Takeaways:

There's always room for one more decoration—especially at bargain prices.

Holiday traditions evolve, but the nostalgia never fades.

The magic of Christmas and New Year often lies in the small, simple moments with friends and family.

Get in Touch:

Loved this trip down memory lane? Subscribe to the podcast and share your own retro holiday memories with us—we'd love to hear from you!

WhatsApp: 07405 341 500 (texts or voice notes welcome!)

Email: ramblingretrononsense@gmail.com

In this episode, Hayley takes us back to the golden age of 80s toys, from Cabbage Patch Kids and My Little Pony to Care Bears and even a few unexpected Star Wars figures. While parents queued for hours to secure the must-have gifts, kids simply soaked up the magic. Tommy reflects on never being one for "butch toys," while Duncan enjoys the nostalgia trip.

Hayley also shares what it was like growing up with both Hanukkah and Christmas — gelt first, then presents. The food contrast is strong: Hanukkah meals were simple and comforting, while Christmas brought big flavours and even bigger portions. There's a brief celebration of Jacob's crackers being kosher, which still brings delight.

The trio dig into the essential Christmas foods: pigs in blankets, roast potatoes and parsnips, plus the joys of Boxing Day with cold cuts, pickles and bubble & squeak. A debate over Yorkshire puddings highlights the shift from tradition — where they were strictly for beef — to the modern reality where everyone gets one.

Tommy recalls living next to a 30,000-turkey farm, an experience that left a permanent sensory imprint. There's also a nod to the classic Bernard Matthews adverts and their unmistakable "bootiful" charm.

When it comes to discovering the truth about Santa, everyone has a story. Tommy spotted Santa with a black beard under a white one. Hayley saw Santa half-dressed and smoking outside a grotto. Duncan's belief faded slowly, though it didn't stop an LBC caller accusing him of "doing the work of the devil."

Finally, they revisit the chaos of festive school events. Tommy's memory of an ultra-long midnight mass leads the group to agree that 90 minutes should be the absolute limit, while nativity plays should never exceed 20 minutes. And of course, the legendary "Nativity Emu" year makes an appearance — a teacher allowed any animal costume, resulting in thirty-seven emus on stage.

Get in touch:

WhatsApp: 07405 341 500
Email: ramblingretrononsense@gmail.com

We'd love to hear your childhood Christmas memories, festive disasters, toy obsessions or nativity nightmares. Send in your stories — we might read them out in a future episode!

This week, Hayley, Duncan and Tommy take a wonderfully weird wander through the world of bending spoons, double glazing, draughty windows, and banana-related childhood trauma.

From Uri Geller's "psychic" tricks to 80s wallpaper paste ads and Christmas cigar jingles, the gang ramble their way through memories of adverts, awkward dances, dodgy dinners and the strange magic of growing up in Britain.

In This Episode
Uri Geller & the power of persuasion: Duncan has his suspicions, Tommy blames magnets, and Hayley diplomatically settles on "entertainer."

The lost household art of "draught finding" — licking your lips to find where the cold air came in before double glazing ruined the fun.

1980s adverts galore: from helicopter wallpaper paste men to Barrett Homes voiceovers by Patrick Allen.

Funeral plan commercials — why is everyone so cheerful about cremation?

Tommy's impromptu performance of "Tom Thumb Cigars for Christmas" and other festive jingles that marked the real start of Christmas.

Stories of Ian Botham and Viv Richards, with Tommy recalling a legendary night that went hilariously off-script.

A nostalgic detour into Minder, with Tommy realising it was actually a comedy (and perfecting his Arthur Daley impression).

Charlie Mullins chat — political flip-flopping and the perils of too much bleach.

Hayley's forgotten first slow dance leads to talk of teenage discos, dodgy fashion, and Duncan's "octopus" moment.

Vegan dating dilemmas — Linda McCartney sausages, meat-free rules, and the great "what counts as a sausage" debate.

Tommy's's reflections on post-war Britain: first bananas, boiled courgettes, and caterpillars in cabbage.

Duncan's banana phobia — thanks to a childhood in Curaçao involving ants in the fruit.

Get in Touch
Got a retro memory, advert, or strange childhood food story to share? We'd love to hear from you!

WhatsApp: 07405 341 500

Email: ramblingretrononsense@gmail.com