Grab your cocoa (or should we say cuppa?), because the Christmas Cousins are going international! This week, Cousin Chad welcomes back our favorite English cousin, Craig the Christmas Guy 365, for a festive cultural exchange that’s part Downton Abbey, part Home Alone 2: Lost in Translation.

First up: Halloween in the UK. Why do some Brits think it’s a bit too spooky—or too American? We dive into how the holiday differs across the pond, and why it still raises an eyebrow or two.

Then it’s on to Craig’s must-do Christmas checklist—the traditions, treats, and twinkling moments that make his season complete. What’s he most looking forward to this year? And what new festivities are on his radar?

Finally, Craig flips the script: what does he want to see Cousin Seth try, taste, or tackle next on his Christmas journey? From mince pies to mistletoe mishaps, nothing’s off the table (or the pudding).

It’s a very special week on The Christmas Cousins Podcast, as we continue our crossover with our friends from The Christmas-Aficionado for the Hallmark Happy Hour!

Cousin Chad is joined by the always-jolly Joe the Christmas Aficionado, the festive legend Cousin Lee, and a super special guest — Brian from Deck the Hallmark! Together, they’ll unwrap the much-anticipated new holiday movie “Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper” and pair it with the perfect seasonal beer. 🍺🎅

But wait… where’s Cousin Seth? 🤔 Rumors are swirling. Is he home with a mysterious yuletide illness? Nursing a grudge against Brian from Deck the Hallmark? Or simply too jealous of Joe’s perfectly coiffed Christmas hair? We may never know!

Either way, it’s bound to be a holly-jolly good time — with laughter, festive banter, and maybe even a “Seth on the Lam” segment or two. Tune in and celebrate the chaos, Christmas-style! 🎁

Ever wonder how those magical Christmas stores that stay open all year actually survive — or who’s shopping there in July? In this episode, the Christmas Cousins take a deep dive into the fascinating, slightly bonkers world of year-round Christmas shops...and maybe an epic Cousin Seth story!

From the iconic Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan — the world’s largest Christmas store — to small, family-run ornament shops in seaside towns, we unwrap the history, the economics, and the unshakable holiday spirit that keeps these festive places alive long after the lights come down.

Cousin Seth asks the hard-hitting questions (“Do they play Christmas music… all year?”), while Cousin Chad explores what drives people to keep the magic going 365 days a year. Expect laughs, wonder, and maybe even a newfound respect for the brave souls who live in a permanent winter wonderland.

The Christmas Cousins are back — and this time, it’s a full-on crossover event!

Welcome to Hallmark Happy Hour, another collaboration with Joe the Christmas Aficionado, streaming live on his YouTube channel and later available right here on the podcast.

We’re kicking off Hallmark’s 2025 Countdown to Christmas season in royal style with "A Royal Montana Christmas" — and pairing it with a beer that perfectly matches the movie’s mood, charm, and Christmas spirit...or lack thereof?

Joining Cousin Chad and Cousin Seth for this festive roundtable are Joe, King Of All Superfans, Lee (@Steelcitychristmas) and Casey from @HeartofReviews, and her partner — plus a healthy dose of tangents, laughter, and a few hijack attempts from Seth (because what’s a Christmas Cousins episode without that?).

Expect spirited debate, a little too much cheer, and maybe — just maybe — a few actual movie insights. Grab a drink and join us for this fun, chaotic, and oh-so-merry kickoff to the season! 

The Christmas Cousins are officially kicking off the Countdown to Christmas season — and yes, it’s only October, but you know how we roll. In this festive catch-up episode, we dive into Hallmark Channel’s opening weekend lineup, swap early-season impressions, and see just how ready Cousin Seth really is to sleigh his way into the holidays.

We also tackle one of the most important questions of the year: what kind of Christmas tree will Seth choose for Year Three? Will he return to his real-tree roots, stick with artificial convenience, or surprise us all? Of course, there are many tangents along the way...

It’s cozy, chaotic, and full of laughs — the perfect warm-up to another merry and slightly misguided holiday season with your favorite cousins.

The Christmas Cousins are back — but this time, we’re swapping snowflakes for cobwebs! Returning guest Kerry Frances (actress, writer, director, singer and future Hollywood legend — you’ve seen her in Knives Out and more) joins us to dive into Hallmark’s biggest Halloween event yet, Haul Out the Halloween.

We break down everything from the casting and chemistry to the pumpkin-filled plot, the cozy-but-spooky vibes, and of course — Cousin Seth’s signature take. Is Hallmark ready to take over Halloween like it did Christmas? We’ve got theories, candy corn, and a lot of laughs.

It’s a little haunted, a lot heartfelt, and 100% Cousin-approved. 🎃

The Favorite Christmas Ever series rolls on — and this time, we’re joined by none other than Brian Herald, one of the beloved cohosts of Deck the Hallmark!

We get cozy and nostalgic as Brian takes us back to his most magical Christmas memories, the traditions that made him fall in love with the season, and the cozy chaos that makes the holidays so unforgettable (there's also a classic Cousin Seth story mixed in that is a must listen).

It’s warm, witty, and full of that classic Cousins cheer — the kind of episode that makes you want to grab some cocoa, light the tree, and pretend you’re part of the Herald household for the holidays.

Welcome back Christmas Cousins!

In this episode, we sit down with the one and only Brian Earl, the legendary host of Christmas Past and author "Of Christmases Long, Long Ago".

We unwrap Brian’s own Christmas origin story — how he fell in love with the season, why he finds it endlessly fascinating, and how he turned his passion into one of the most beloved holiday podcasts around. We also dive into his brand-new book, swap stories about the psychology behind Christmas obsession (we may or may not be the case study), and find out what’s next for Christmas Past.

It’s festive, it’s funny, it’s a sleigh ride through nostalgia and nerdy holiday joy — Christmas Cousins style!

A must-listen for Christmas enthusiasts, nostalgia lovers, and anyone who believes the spirit of the season never fades!

Move over, Homer. Cousin Seth embarks on his very own epic journey: the long-feared, long-awaited Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats Challenge. Like Ulysses facing sirens and cyclops, Seth battles spoonfuls of Trader Joe’s pumpkin oats — not one, not two, but three consecutive servings.!!!

Will he conquer his culinary nemesis and return victorious to his own modern-day Ithaca (a Chicago townhouse...err, mega-mansion)? Or will pumpkin spice finally vanquish him once and for all?

Join the Cousins for an odyssey of fall flavors, heroism, and questionable breakfast choices.

The Cousins (plus the legendary Lee, the King of All Superfans and the inimitable Joe @christmas_aficionado) head back to the Hallmark archives to pluck out a forgotten autumn “classic” — Growing the Big One (2010).

Why this movie? No one knows. Did it give us cozy fall vibes or just confuse us like a corn maze after dark? Did they really “grow the big one”? Only one way to find out. It’s a hayride of surprises, snark, and superfan-level insights as we kick off fall, Cousins-style.

The Christmas Cousins are back with a very special guest: renowned film critic and author Alonso Duralde! He’s here to talk about the newly revised and updated edition of his essential holiday classic Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas.

We dive into how this book can level up your holiday season (and maybe even convince Cousin Seth to finally start his Christmas movie homework). Along the way, we explore Alonso’s own origin story: how does one actually get paid to watch movies for a living? What’s it like to literally write the book on Christmas movies? And what’s next for him?

And, where exactly was Cousin Seth the whole time?!?

It’s back. It’s bigger than ever. And yes, people around the world (okay, mostly our listeners) wait all year for it: the Trader Joe’s Fall Tasting Extravaganza! 🎃🍁

The Christmas Cousins are grabbing life by the fall once again, joined by Cousin Lee, as they dive headfirst into aisles of pumpkin-spiced madness. Will Seth survive the onslaught of gourds, cinnamon, and questionable novelty snacks? Will Chad discover a new fall favorite? And will Lee keep the cousins from derailing into pure chaos? (Spoiler: probably not.)

From beloved returning treats to brand-new fall finds, we’re tasting it all so you don’t have to waste your cart space. Some items shine, some… should never see the light of day again.

But here’s the best part: you get to play along. Tell us which Trader Joe’s fall items we missed, which ones you love, and which ones are so revolting that Seth deserves his own special punishment—er, tasting episode.

So pour yourself a pumpkin coffee (or three), and join us for the most eagerly awaited fall foodie event of the season.

Yes, yes—we know. The Hallmark Channel dropped their brand-new Countdown to Christmas movie list days ago, and the entire internet has already screamed, swooned, or side-eyed their way through it. But here at the Christmas Cousins, we do things differently. Translation: we’re late.

But being late has its perks. Because while everyone else has had their say, only we bring you the one-of-a-kind, completely unpredictable reactions of Cousin Seth. Three seasons in, Seth is still wrapping his head around the fact that these movies exist—let alone that people (like Cousin Chad) plan their lives around them. Will he be excited? Confused? Weirdly passionate about a movie he’s never going to watch? Like his eggnog takes, there’s no telling what you’re gonna get.

So buckle up for our very belated, very necessary Hallmark movie list breakdown. Everyone else reacted already… but nobody did it with Cousin Seth energy. 🎄

By popular demand, it’s finally here—the Cousin Seth Creamer Tasting Special!

After the success of our second annual Fall Creamer Taste Test, fans everywhere flooded the inbox with one burning question: “But what does Cousin Seth think?” 🍁☕

Well, we heard you—and now Seth is stepping up (or maybe being dragged) into the creamer ring. In this special bonus mini-episode, Seth takes on a lineup of fall-flavored creamers, from pumpkin spice to brown sugar to whatever questionable concoction marketing teams dreamed up this year.

Will he sip like a seasoned pro, recoil in festive horror, or deliver one of his legendary over-the-top reactions? Honestly… probably all of the above. Either way, this one’s for the books (and the laughs).

Grab your favorite mug, pour something (hopefully not rancid), and join us for Seth’s creamer confessions! 🎃

Welcome back, Cousins to the audio version of a live crossover special that aired on t Christmas Aficionado's YouTube channel!

Is it even fall if the Annual Pumpkin Beer Tasting hasn’t happened yet? We think not. That’s why the world’s most anticipated autumn tradition is finally here—the Third Annual Fall Beer Tasting Spectacular! 🍂🍺

Everyone marks their calendars for this one (right?), and this year Cousin Chad and Cousin Seth are back at it with a full festive crew: Joe the Christmas Aficionado, King of the Super Fans Lee, and returning favorite beer taster extraordinaire Festive Bob from the Festive Foreign Film Fans Podcast...we even have some very special surprise guests join in on the fun!

Which pumpkin brew will reign supreme? Which one will fizzle faster than last year’s cinnamon candle? And honestly… who really cares, because the laughs, questionable tasting notes, and general fall chaos are what we’re all here for.

So crack a cold one, grab your flannel, and join the cousins and friends for a night of hops, pumpkins, and probably saving the world while we’re at it. 🎃And, most importantly, always drink responsibly!

The Christmas Cousins are back and ready to trade in their sunscreen for sweaters—it’s officially time to plan our Fall Bucket List Challenge! 🎃🍁

In this episode, Cousin Chad (your seasoned holiday guide) and Cousin Seth (our brave but still-learning Jolly Junior) lay out the fall activities they’re tackling this season but Cousin Chad has a very special task for Cousin Seth...is he up for the challenge?

Will Seth survive whatever Chad throws at him? Will Chad end up in a haunted corn maze at 2 a.m.? Or does Chad end the show before Seth can challenge him? Is Seth getting a fall tattoo?!? Only one way to find out…

And the best part—you can play along! Make your own fall bucket list and follow the Cousins all season long as they check off the challenges. 🍂✨

The Christmas Cousins are back for their Second Annual Fall Creamer Taste Test!  

Because if there’s one thing we love more than spreading year-round holiday cheer, it’s bravely taking on the “hard work” of sipping sugary seasonal creamers for the greater good. (You’re welcome.)

This year’s lineup? Brown sugar, pumpkin spice, and all the other liquid fall fantasies your local grocery store can throw at us. Cousin Lee and Cousin Wife Leslie join the fun, while Christmas Cousin Mary requested this very episode, so you can thank her for the pumpkin-spiced festivities!

Which creamers will reign supreme? Which ones belong in the clearance bin? Tune in for all the laughs, verdicts, and seasonal wisdom you didn’t know you needed.

 Got a favorite creamer (or a fall treat) we haven’t tried yet? Slide into our DMs, email us, or just peer-pressure Cousin Seth—he’ll cave.

Welcome to Season 9, Cousins!

The cousins are back, and September has officially brought us out of summer and straight into the sacred “BER” months — where pumpkin spice flows like cheap wine and Christmas lights start calling our names. 🎃🎄

We’re grabbing life by the fall (literally), hashing out our cozy-season game plans,

🍁🎄 Holiday devotee Cousin Chad is once again dragging his (somewhat) reluctant protégé Cousin Seth headfirst into autumn — pumpkin spice lattes, early decorating schemes, questionable traditions and all.

What’s Seth actually looking forward to this fall? What (if anything) did he learn from past seasons under Chad’s relentless holiday boot camp? And how was Seth spending Septembers before he had a Christmas cousin dictating his festive calendar?

From cousin check-ins to premature Christmas countdowns, this episode is your irreverent, slightly unhinged ticket to sliding headfirst into the most wonderful time of the year — whether you’re ready or not.

It’s back, Cousins—the Third Annual Fall Drink Battle Royale! 🍂☕🎉

This year, the stakes are higher than ever as Starbucks and Dunkin’ go head-to-head in a pumpkin-spiced clash of the titans. Will Starbucks’ seasonal classics reign supreme, or will Dunkin’s bold flavors finally topple the PSL empire?

Cousin Seth enters the ring with a twist—bringing his own Recharge Drinks into the fray. Meanwhile, Cousin Chad, the Christmas Aficionado Joe, Cousin Lee, and Cousin Wife Leslie all sip, sample, and squabble their way through this caffeinated cage match.

Will Seth survive the Starbucks juggernaut? Will Dunkin’ pull off an upset? Or will Seth’s mystery brews steal the show? 🎃✨

Grab your favorite fall drink, cozy up, and join the chaos as the cousins crown a winner in this festive, frothy showdown.

Just when you thought Christmas in July couldn’t get any jollier… surprise visitors literally show up at Cousin Seth’s front door! 🎁✨

In this special episode of The Christmas Cousins, we go live from the surprise celebration, where co-host Chad orchestrated a secret meetup with not one, not two, but multiple festive favorites—including fan-favorites Cousin Lee, Festive Bob and the beach-loving Christmas Aficionado, Joe! 🎅🏽🍻

We break down:

• How the surprise was plotted like a holiday heist 🕵️‍♂️🎄

• What really happened when festive forces collided in person

The aftermath: What it was like meeting Seth IRL (spoiler: he does exist!), and how he compares to his on-air persona.

Is he as mysterious and charming? Taller than expected? More mayonnaise-averse in 3D?

It’s all here—joy, laughter, awkward hugs, and a little seasonal magic… smack dab in the middle of summer.

🎉 Grab a summer shandy, throw on some jingle bells, and join us for this unforgettable real-world rendezvous with Cousin Seth and the CCP all-stars!

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