Merry Christmas, Slackers!
It’s hard to believe, but this year marks the 35th anniversary of Home Alone, a film that remains one of the most fun (and durable) Christmas flicks. It is made that much more interesting with Macauley Culkin back on a press junket for this season of Fallout, along with the just completed Home Alone tour.
We also lost several influential figures from film, television, and music in 2025. Legends like Gene Hackman and Ozzy Osbourne, icons like Val Kilmer, and the more recent and tragic passings of Rob Reiner and James Ransone.
Getting back to the holiday festivities, let’s take a look at the “hot gifts” of 1975, like Pet Rocks, Mood Rings, and the excitement around early Atari systems - and from 1985, with Teddy Ruxpin, Cabbage Patch Kids, and the first wave of Nintendo home gaming dominance.
The episode closes with an overview of what’s driving wish lists this Christmas in 2025 - the Nintendo Switch 2 leading the way, alongside interactive toys, viral collectibles, smart tech, cozy lifestyle items, and other high-demand gifts.
Thanks for listening, and I wish you a warm, peaceful Christmas.
