This festive discussion explores the art of holiday decorating with programmable lights and dives into dream tech gifts like retro arcade cabinets. The hosts rank Christmas foods, humorously debating turkey's inconsistent glory alongside alternative proteins. They reminisce about beloved holiday movies, from classics like 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' to the action-packed 'Die Hard.' Personal anecdotes and playful banter keep the festive spirit alive, highlighting cherished traditions while contemplating the balance between nostalgia and modern holiday innovations.
The hosts celebrate the joy of Christmas decorations by discussing programmable LED lights that blend modern technology with festive tradition.
A whimsical exploration of ideal tech gifts reflects the hosts' childhood nostalgia and personal interests in gaming and racing experiences.
The festive tier list of Christmas foods brings forth humorous debates and cherished memories associated with traditional holiday dishes.
Deep dives
Holiday Decorations and Snow Talk
The discussion begins with light-hearted banter about holiday decorations, specifically the colors chosen for Christmas. The hosts share their appreciation for programmable LED lights that can cycle through various colors and animations. They highlight the convenience of having color patterns for both the exterior of their homes and Christmas trees, showcasing an effective blend of tradition with modern technology. This segment sets a festive tone by encouraging listeners to partake in decoration questions and share their own experiences.
Tech Gift Wishlist
The hosts delve into a playful segment where they explore ideal tech gifts they desire without any budget constraints. Jason expresses a longing for a retro arcade cabinet that includes all classic games, emphasizing not just the aesthetic but the nostalgic value of gaming. Meanwhile, another tech gift mentioned is a full racing simulator setup, evoking memories of racing experiences during a bachelor party. This whimsical exploration allows both hosts to dream big, reflecting on childhood fantasies intertwined with current interests in technology.
Christmas Food Tier List
A festive tier list segment is dedicated to Christmas foods, where the hosts express their preferences regarding traditional holiday dishes. They passionately debate where to place items like turkey, ham, and roast potatoes within the tier list, with roast potatoes emerging as a top contender for S-tier due to their beloved status. The discussions reveal personal anecdotes and memories associated with each dish, turning the segment into a light-hearted celebration of culinary tradition, while humorously critiquing certain items like green bean casserole. This interactive format engages the audience, encouraging them to reflect on their own favorite holiday foods.
Christmas Movies and Specials
The episode transitions into a nostalgic exploration of beloved Christmas movies, with both hosts sharing their all-time favorites. Jason selects 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' for its heartwarming message, while Mike chooses 'Elf' for its comedic charm and cultural significance. They also discuss the merits of films like 'Love Actually' and 'Miracle on 34th Street', highlighting how these movies represent personal traditions and evolving holiday culture. This segment captures the essence of Christmas by revisiting films that evoke laughter, sentiment, and memorable family experiences.
Holiday Questions and Traditions
Listeners' holiday questions lead to engaging discussions about Christmas traditions and preferences. Topics range from the ideal cookies to leave out for Santa to the best types of trees for decorating. The hosts reflect on personal experiences, including the significance of real versus artificial trees, and the joy of baking holiday cookies. These shared traditions enhance the festive spirit, inviting the audience to cherish their own customs while fostering a sense of community through shared holiday experiences.
To celebrate the season we discuss Christmas lights, tech gifts, favorite holiday food items, holiday TV and movies, and answer some holiday-themed listener questions. Happy holidays to all Upgradians!
This episode of Upgrade is sponsored by:
Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UPGRADE.
Vitally: A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
Lex Games: Word games, word games, word games, words games, Who's got all the word games?
Links and Show Notes:
Gift lists
Myke:
Racing Sim Setup for F1 games
M4 Pro Mac mini (64GB RAM, 2TB SSD, 10GB Ethernet, Two Studio Displays)