Welcome to Sound Bites Christmas episode! As the holiday season wraps us in its festive spirit, Peter and Russell are taking you on a global tour to explore how different cultures celebrate Christmas around the world. From cozy winter gatherings in Europe to vibrant summer holidays in the Southern Hemisphere, every country has its own unique way of marking this joyous occasion. 

Whether it's the colourful parades in Mexico, the enchanting Christmas markets of Germany, or the sunny barbecues of Australia, we'll dive into the rich tapestry of traditions that make Christmas a global celebration. 

We’ll uncover the history, customs, and rituals that define Christmas in various corners of the globe. So, grab a warm mug of cocoa, settle in, and join us for this magical journey as we discover how Christmas is celebrated far and wide!

Also as this is the time of giving, please consider donating to any of the hard working charities who are making life better for those at Christmas time.

We all know about the first moon landing over 50 years ago, but what about the race to get there. It was just after World War II and the two biggest super-power's were battling it out to conquer space. This week Peter and Russell look at the achievements made during the cold war by the USA and the USSR. Even though each side won various milestones along the way, this rivalry would eventually lead to cooperation. But before that happened, there were many mishaps and some unsolved mysteries. We even have sound clips of key moments during the great space race, as well as some unexplained ones including what has been said to be the last words of a lost female Cosmonaut.

Do you have a favourite toy? Were you a master of monopoly? Do you know that toys and games are an essential part of learning and imagination?

Join Peter and Russell this week as we take a look at the various toys and games throughout history. When did chess become a thing? Who inspired the Teddy Bear?

Why was one of the first talking dolls a commercial failure? All this and more about toys and games in this weeks episode of Sound Bites.