Podcasts about Santa Claus

Never Should Have Purchased an Elf on the Shelf…; The Kidnapper Took my Bagel; Please Help Me Solve a 40-Year Santa Claus Mystery!; My Parent's House is Haunted by a Burping Ghost; My sister and I saw Santa Claus; and Did I See Rudolph? Click here to submit your odd but true stories. Click here to sign up for our Patreon and receive hundreds of hours of bonus content. Click here to leave a review and tell us what you think of the show. Please consider supporting the companies that support us! -Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to Quince.com/creepy for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. 

Dean Karayanis — New York Sun columnist, host of the History Author Show, and former Rush Limbaugh staffer — brings the Yuletide cheer for Derek. A story in Politico alleging that the "How the far right stole Christmas" prompts a discussion of the birth of Jesus Christ being turned into a generic, secular holiday. Plus, what happened to the little girl who wrote letter that led to the most reprinted editorial in the English language, 1897's "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus," in the New York Sun. The stories of "It's a Wonderful Life," "A Charlie Brown Christmas," and of Luxembourg's "American St. Nick" from a tradition begun by GI's in the middle of World War 2. Dean also notes that Christmas marked the 101st birthday of Rod Serling, who's enduring gift is The Twilight Zone's "Night of the Meek," starring Art Carney as a Skid Row Santa Claus.

Thursday on the News Hour, torrential rains inundate California, causing destructive floods and mudslides. Author Irin Carmon joins the News Hour's podcast to talk about her new book on how women are navigating post-Roe America. Plus, as children open presents from that special visitor from the North Pole, we look at how Santa Claus has evolved over the centuries. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

On this special Christmas holiday episode of the podcast, Chauncey DeVega reflects on this very surreal and challenging year and tries to find some mirth, merriment, positive energy and joy to refill his (and our) hope tanks. Chauncey taps into the joy of childhood nostalgia and a longing for a simpler time as he looks through store catalogues from the 1980s in search of his favorite Transformers and G.I. Joe toys, and then calculates how much they would cost in today's dollars. Chauncey soon realizes he likely would have been the parent telling the kids, "Hell no!" Disney, the WWE, and other entertainment companies have announced that they will be using AI programs to "assist" in their creative process. In the spirit of embracing the future, Chauncey DeVega asks an AI to write a Christmas-themed crossover mega-event movie featuring Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, James Gunn's version of Superman, Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and Krampus. The results are "troubling" for what they suggest about the present and future of mass media in the 21st century and beyond.   This year's Christmas and holiday season are a painful reminder that the collapse of American democracy in the Age of Trump is also an extreme moral crisis, touching almost every aspect of American society and life. To that point, Chauncey shares a recent news story about how ICE has enlisted "Santa Claus" — equipped with a red bulletproof vest and handcuffs — to assist in its mass deportation campaign.    WHERE CAN YOU FIND ME? On Twitter: https://twitter.com/chaunceydevega On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chauncey.devega My email: chaunceydevega@gmail.com HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE CHAUNCEY DEVEGA SHOW?  Via Paypal at ChaunceyDeVega.com: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thechaunceydevegashow

Brian Sullivan, Morgan Brennan and Dominic Chu discussed fresh record highs for the S&P 500, sparking investor hopes for a "Santa Claus rally." Gold, silver and platinum also hit new all-time highs. David Faber outlined details of the story he broke shortly after the close of trading on Christmas Eve: Nvidia agreed to acquire assets from chip design startup Groq for $20 billion.  Elon Musk's Tesla and SpaceX in the spotlight -- a former Tesla board member shares his 2026 expectations for both companies. Also in focus: The stocks that have more than doubled and tripled returns this year, defense sector strength, the outlook for Lululemon and Nike shares after a rough 2025, Strategy goes defensive on bitcoin, tech's Christmas winners.Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's Flyover Conservatives Show, we sat down with historian Bill Federer for a two-part Christmas holiday special unpacking the true history of St. Nicholas and the origins of many beloved Christmas traditions. In Part 1, we trace St. Nicholas from real-life ministry and persecution to stockings, “Xmas,” December 25th, and how Christmas customs formed across Europe. In Part 2, we explore why the Pilgrims and Puritans rejected Christmas, how Dutch “Sinterklaas” shaped modern Santa, and how culture, literature, and advertising reshaped the story over time.On today's Flyover Conservatives Show, we sat down with historian Bill Federer for a two-part Christmas holiday special unpacking the true history of St. Nicholas and the origins of many beloved Christmas traditions. In Part 1, we trace St. Nicholas from real-life ministry and persecution to stockings, “Xmas,” December 25th, and how Christmas customs formed across Europe. In Part 2, we explore why the Pilgrims and Puritans rejected Christmas, how Dutch “Sinterklaas” shaped modern Santa, and how culture, literature, and advertising reshaped the story over time.TO WATCH ALL FLYOVER CONTENT: www.theflyoverapp.com TO WATCH ALL FLYOVER CONTENT: www.theflyoverapp.com Follow and Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlyoverConservativesShow Follow and Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFlyoverConservativesShow To Schedule A Time To Talk To Dr. Dr. Kirk Elliott Go To To Schedule A Time To Talk To Dr. Dr. Kirk Elliott Go To ▶ https://flyovergold.com▶ https://flyovergold.comOr Call 720-605-3900 Or Call 720-605-3900 ► Receive your FREE 52 Date Night Ideas Playbook to make date night more exciting, go to www.prosperousmarriage.com► Receive your FREE 52 Date Night Ideas Playbook to make date night more exciting, go to www.prosperousmarriage.comBill Federer is a nationally known historian, speaker, and bestselling author who documents America's historical and faith foundations through his American Minute work. He has written numerous books on U.S. history, culture, and worldview, and is recognized for connecting overlooked historical events and primary-source references to present-day issues. Federer is also the author of There Really Is a Santa Claus: The History of Saint Nicholas and Christmas Holiday Traditions and other works available through AmericanMinute.com.Bill Federer is a nationally known historian, speaker, and bestselling author who documents America's historical and faith foundations through his American Minute work. He has written numerous books on U.S. history, culture, and worldview, and is recognized for connecting overlooked historical events and primary-source references to present-day issues. Federer is also the author of There Really Is a Santa Claus: The History of Saint Nicholas and Christmas Holiday TrSend us a message... we can't reply, but we read them all!Support the show► ReAwaken America- text the word FLYOVER to 918-851-0102 (Message and data rates may apply. Terms/privacy: 40509-info.com) ► Kirk Elliott PHD - http://FlyoverGold.com ► My Pillow - https://MyPillow.com/Flyover ► ALL LINKS: https://sociatap.com/FlyoverConservatives

Archie needs a Santa Claus for Duffy's Christmas celebration and he thinks their guest, Monte Woolley, would be perfect for the role, just because he has a beard.Originally aired on December 22, 1944. This is episode 151 of Duffy's Tavern.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/classic-comedy-of-old-time-radio--5818299/support.Please email questions and comments to host@classiccomedyotr.com.Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/classiccomedyotr. Please share this podcast with your friends and family.You can also subscribe to our podcast on Spreaker.com, Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and Google podcasts.This show is supported by Spreaker Prime.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/classic-comedy-of-old-time-radio--5818299/support.

En décembre 2014, Karl Lagerfeld, le légendaire couturier, exprimait son mépris pour le Père Noël... Tous les jours, retrouvez le meilleur de Laurent Gerra en podcast sur RTL.fr, l'application et toutes vos plateformes préférées. Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

YouTube link: https://youtube.com/live/UNF0TEEZi4USupport the show

Market update for Friday December 26, 2025Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today's episode: Nvidia makes $20B deal with AI chip company GroqSilver & gold prices continue historic rallyMemory chip stocks jump on AI-driven price hikesBiohaven shares nosedive on depression drug trial failureCoca-Cola responsible for modern day Santa Claus

Muy buenos días, mientras ustedes siguen disfrutando de los regalos que les trajo Santa Claus, hagamos una breve recapitulación hacia el cierre de año de cómo quedan las empresas más valiosas del mundo. [Patrocinado] Conoce las oportunidades que ofrece Deel aquí.

Es wird besinnlich bei den Bastarden. Wir tragen wunderschön-hässliche Pullover, packen live Geschenke aus und verlieren uns in Anekdoten aus der Kindheit und von vergangenen Weihnachtsfesten. Passend zum Heiligen Abend sprechen wir über den ersten Weihnachtsfilm aller Zeiten. Wir bringen für euch Santa Claus (1898), Stirb Langsam 2 / Die Hard 2 (1990) und Tokyo Godfathers (2003), bevor wir uns einer absolut nostalgischen Top-Liste widmen.

On this episode of NOW SLAYING, Rowan & Gill obey the voices in their heads and discuss SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT (2025)! Does this embrace the camp of the original films? Is Rohan rehashing the same character from HALLOWEEN ENDS? And, are "dark passengers" getting a little played out!? Tune in to find out if we gave this film a NAY, OKAY, YAY, or SLAY!CHAPTERS:Theme/Intro (00:00:00)Trailer (00:04:05)Synopsis (00:04:35)Review (SPOILER FREE) (00:05:05)Review (SPOILERS) (00:20:49)Rating (00:37:40)Promotions/Outro (00:40:05)Follow us on all social media:FacebookTwitterInstagramTumblrYoutubeTikTokSlasherThreadsBlueskyWant some official Merch?!SHOP HERE!*Intro Music by Rowan Fraser (IG: @biggiehauls)*Support the show

Lee Strobel is an American Christian author, apologist, speaker, and former investigative journalist who transitioned from an atheist investigative journalist into a leading Christian apologist and author, blending rigorous investigative methods with his faith journey to influence millions worldwide. Born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Strobel earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a Master of Studies in Law degree from Yale Law School; growing up in a nominally Christian but non-practicing household, he became a committed atheist who viewed Christianity as irrational until 1979, when his wife Leslie's conversion prompted a nearly two-year personal investigation into the historical evidence for Jesus. On November 8, 1981, at age 29, Strobel became a Christian, an experience he describes as “falling in love with Jesus” while interviewing scholars and examining ancient manuscripts. A 14-year veteran of The Chicago Tribune where he served as award-winning legal editor, Strobel earned Illinois' highest honors for investigative reporting and public service journalism from United Press International before pivoting full-time to Christian apologetics. He is a New York Times bestselling author of over 40 books and curricula—including the seminal The Case for Christ (1998), which has sold over 5 million copies—with total sales exceeding 18 million copies translated into 40 languages. His “Case for…” series, along with titles like The Case for Faith, The Case for Miracles, and The Case for Heaven, applies courtroom-style evidence to core doctrines. Strobel, currently serves as Founding Director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University. He is described by The Washington Post as “one of the evangelical community's most popular apologists,” he has received multiple Gold Medallion Awards and the 2023 Pillar Award for History from the Museum of the Bible. Married to Leslie since 1973, Strobel is father to daughter Alison (novelist and homeschooling expert) and son Kyle (professor of spiritual theology at Biola University's Talbot School of Theology), and he continues to equip believers worldwide with intellectual tools to defend and share their faith effectively. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://USCCA.com/srs Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/srs When you buy gold or silver through https://ShawnLikesGold.com, you'll get up to 10% FREE SILVER OR GOLD on qualified purchases from my partners over at Goldco. Lee Strobel Links: X - https://x.com/LeeStrobel IG - https://www.instagram.com/leestrobel YT - https://www.youtube.com/@LeeStrobelOfficial Web - https://leestrobel.com Book - https://www.amazon.com/Case-Christmas-Journalist-Investigates-Identity/dp/0310371031 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As RedHanded takes a festive pause, we've picked two of our favourite Patreon Bonus episodes from 2025. To get a full-length, bonus episode of RedHanded every month (plus weekly video episodes of Under the Duvet and much more besides) head to Patreon.com/redhanded and sign up. Or, head to patreon.com/redhanded/gift to buy a membership for someone else!--When Santa Claus robbed the First National Bank in Cisco, Texas, two days before Christmas 1929 – it was just the beginning of a wilder-than-fiction festive tale.What followed was a calamitous string of bungled carjackings, high-speed chases, oil-field shootouts, a trail of dead and injured townsfolk, and mishaps aplenty – all under a hail of gunfire from the entire town of Cisco, who in true Texas fashion were all armed to the teeth, and desperate to be the one to nail Santa…--Patreon - Ad-free & Bonus EpisodesYouTube - Full-length Video EpisodesTikTok / InstagramSources and more available on redhandedpodcast.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why do we say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Christmas? The phrase has a surprisingly rich past, shaped by culture, language, and holiday tradition. This episode begins with where “merry” came from and why it stuck. https://time.com/6240140/why-we-say-merry-christmas-traditions/ Being alone isn't the same as being lonely. In fact, choosing solitude can offer profound psychological and emotional benefits. Robert J. Coplan joins me to explain why. He has spent more than three decades studying the upside of time alone. Robert is a psychologist, researcher, teacher, and author of The Joy of Solitude: How to Reconnect with Yourself in an Overconnected World. (https://amzn.to/3KX25NE) Christmas traditions evolve far more than we realize — from how we celebrate to who we imagine Santa to be. The Santa Claus of today looks very different from his earlier counterparts, and the holiday itself has gone through dramatic shifts over time. Joe Biel, founder and CEO of Microcosm Publishing and author of A People's Guide to Santa Claus: The Secret History of Christmas, from Saint Nick to Krampus and Yule (https://amzn.to/48MTN2J) joins me to explore these surprising transformations. Owning a pet can actually make you more attractive — and not just because pets are cute. Research shows people form quick judgments about how you treat your dog or cat, and that can sway romantic interest. We look at who benefits most and what's really going on. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-23/single-men-owning-a-dog-attracts-women-study/7051024 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ right now! QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince.  Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Quince.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! AG1: Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe!  NOTION: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://notion.com/something⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. SHOPIFY:  Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at⁠⁠ https://Shopify.com/sysk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode originally aired on December 19, 2024. Sarah shakes things up by trying something with her left hand. Plus, she explores Santa Claus’ roots, offers marijuana dosing advice, and helps a young woman through a second wave of grief. You can leave a voice memo for Sarah at speakpipe.com/TheSarahSilvermanPodcast. Follow Sarah Silverman @sarahkatesilverman on Instagram and @sarahksilverman on TikTok. And stay up to date with us @LemonadaMedia on X, Facebook, and Instagram. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Santa’s here with some podcast gifts! Ben and Ashley take us through their holiday plans, which look a bit different for Ben now that he’s a dad!We hear about Ashley’s wild Orlando vacation and some tips on how to handle holiday stress and visits to Santa Claus!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A.I. Johnny Cash is joined by A.I. Neil Young and A.I. Danzig to sing about your favorite holiday topics like your mom kissing Santa Claus; the plot against the Island of Misfit Toys; and the Antifa origin story of Frosty the Snowman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Merry Christmas, everyone!  This is the Live Call-in Show from this past Sunday night, December 21, 2025!  Mike was in the Studio solo for this show, but it wasn't a problem as this was our annual tradition on the week before Christmas where we discussed how we all celebrate the holiday season!  We got some great calls about foods, artificial vs. live Christmas trees, Elf on the Shelf magic, childhood memories of "almost" catching Santa Claus, and much more!  We also had some great Christmas trip reports from this year discussing Jollywood Nights, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Holidays Around the World at Epcot and much more! Come join us in the BOGP Clubhouse this week at www.beourguestpodcast.com/discord.  Please visit our website at www.beourguestpodcast.com.  Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast.  Become a patron of the Be Our Guest Podcast over at www.patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast.  Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie reads the New York Sun reporter Francis P. Church's timeless response to eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon's question: “Is there a Santa Claus?” Read the letter from 1897 and learn about its history here. From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, bookshelfthomasville.com.  From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading A Bit Much by Lyndsay Rush. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Who were the Italian sailors who stole the bones of St Nicolas from his church in Turkey in 1087? How was the mythology of St Nicolas combined with Germanic pagan stories of Odin riding a white horse accompanied by ravens? How did polar-mania and Coca Cola advertising transform Dutch traditions around St Nicolas into the Santa Claus we know today? William and Anita are joined once again by Sam Dalrymple to discuss his original research on the epic Heist of St Nicolas… Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com  For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Christmas, many children welcomed a familiar visitor – a jolly man in a red suit and a sleigh full of gifts. But the bearded figure Americans recognize today as Santa Claus is a relatively modern creation, shaped over centuries by folklore, art and evolving tradition. Stephanie Sy reports. And a warning for parents and younger viewers: this story contains some spoilers about Santa Claus. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

EVEN MORE about this episode!Step into the magic of Christmas with psychic and medical intuitive Julie Ryan and renowned historian Dr. Gerry Bowler as they uncover the hidden spiritual origins and captivating history behind the world's most beloved holiday. From ancient winter rituals and medieval nativity traditions to the evolution of Santa Claus himself, this episode reveals the powerful symbols—angels, light, miracles, and more—that have shaped Christmas across centuries. If you've ever wondered why we celebrate the way we do—or simply want to feel the wonder of the season on a deeper level—this enchanting Christmas special is the perfect holiday treat. Guest Biography:Dr. Gerry Bowler, a historian from Saskatoon with degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and a Ph.D. from King's College London, has spent his career exploring the intersection of religion and popular culture after beginning as a scholar of Medieval and Early-Modern Europe. His wide-ranging work spans studies on The Simpsons, Aristotle and professional wrestling, Wayne Gretzky, and Bloody Mary, though he is best known for his extensive research on the history of Christmas. The author of numerous books—including The World Encyclopedia of Christmas, Santa Claus: A Biography, God and The Simpsons, and Christmas in the Crosshairs—Gerry has also contributed countless articles, encyclopedia entries, op-eds, and edited volumes, with his works translated into multiple languages worldwide. When not writing or teaching, he serves as a Senior Fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, where he humorously “shakes a fist at modern society and tells it to get off his lawn.”Episode Chapters:01:04 Exploring Christmas Traditions with Dr. Gerry Bowler02:13 Medieval Beliefs and Christmas04:25 The Emotional Impact of Christmas08:36 The Evolution of Christmas Traditions11:00 The Role of St. Nicholas and the Reformation14:03 The Reinvention of Christmas in the 19th Century19:09 Personal Reflections on Christmas21:41 Blending Winter Rituals with Christian Traditions24:39 The Star of Bethlehem and the Wise Men29:05 Christmas Markets and Modern Celebrations30:39 Canadian Christmas Inventions32:49 The Evolution of Santa Claus35:48 Rudolph and Commercialism37:26 Nativity Scenes and Their History41:11 Angels in Christmas Lore43:49 Symbolism of Light in Christmas48:11 Midnight Mass and Traditions49:55 Magical Christmas Superstitions51:40 Personal Reflections on Christmas➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Español YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Português YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Deutsch YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Français YouTube✏️Ask Julie a Question!

Episode 369.  Merry Christmas.  A special mid-week holiday episode covering all sorts of holiday themed Spider-Man books. Sponsored by White Dragon Theme Music by Jeff Kenniston.  This Episode Edited by James B using Audacity and Cleanfeed.  Summaries written by James B and Eddie and Santa Claus.  Most Sound effects and music generously provided royalty free by www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://www.zapsplat.com/  Holiday sound effects from PixBay Check out all the episodes on letsreadspiderman.podbean.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out our live meetup and Discord Channel here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mW6htjJUHOzlViEvPQqR-k68tClMGAi85Bi_xrlV7w/edit

Tonight's sleep story is A Kidnapped Santa Claus by L Frank Baum. From the author of the Wizard of Oz, this story features Santa Claus and his helpers. What happens when Santa Claus is kidnapped by Daemons on Christmas Eve? Order your copy of the Just Sleep book! A great Christmas gift https://www.justsleeppodcast.com/book/Support the podcast and enjoy ad-free and bonus episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts. For other podcast platforms go to https://justsleeppodcast.com/supportOr, you can support with a one time donation at buymeacoffee.com/justsleeppodIf you like this episode, please remember to follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app. Also, share with any family or friends that might have trouble drifting off Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Christmas Day Plain Talk episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew offers listeners something intentionally different. Rather than focusing on hive management or seasonal techniques, Jim invites listeners into a reflective conversation shaped by memory, family, and the passage of time. Jim begins by acknowledging that Christmas has never been a strongly beekeeping-centered season for him. From there, he shares a formative story from early in his beekeeping life—one that begins with his passion for woodworking and building his own beekeeping equipment and ends with a Christmas Day epiphany. Surrounded by stacks of partially built frames and running a saw while his family gathered inside, Jim realized something important had been lost. That moment marked a turning point, changing how he balanced making things with simply being present. The episode weaves through additional Christmas memories, including childhood disappointments, restored gifts that went unappreciated at the time, and the slow understanding that comes with age. Jim reflects on his father's quiet sacrifices, the meaning of reuse and repair, and how perspective reshapes memories long after the wrapping paper is gone. Jim also shares a humorous and thoughtful story about his childhood realization that Santa Claus might not arrive the way he imagined, marking another moment of growing up without spoiling the magic for others. He closes by reminding listeners that not every Christmas needs to be perfect to be meaningful, offering gratitude for shared stories, past experiences, and the opportunity to simply talk together—one more time. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

Photo: Mrs. Crystal Claus, Peppermint the Elf, and Solte Santa, as portrayed by Colleen Payne, Qalch'ema Friedlander, and Jerry Payne, visit the Chifin Native Youth Center in Springfield, Oreg., Sunday, December 14, 2025. (Buffalo's Fire/Brian Bull) It's the holiday season with many families across Indian Country waiting for Santa's visit to reward all good children with presents. And while the mainstream depiction is of a jolly old elf who's white and decked out in a red, fur-lined suit, some Native Santas are inspiring yuletide cheer in their own ways. Brian Bull of Buffalo's Fire shadowed one across Oregon. At the Chifin Native Youth Center in Springfield, Oreg., a packed classroom welcomes Solte Santa, accompanied by Mrs. Claus, Peppermint the Elf, and others from the North Pole. Jerry Payne, the man behind the curly beard, explains his role. “'Solte' in Salish means 'warrior', so I wanted to honor that. And I'm a veteran myself. Every community has their own style of Santa so I wanted to make sure that the Indigenous Natives got to be represented as well.” Solte Santa has made nine appearances across Portland, Eugene, and other places this month, listening to kids' wish lists and posing for family photos. With a feathered bustle, candy cane staff, and festive beadwork, he contrasts sharply with the Coca-Cola Santa that's been widely iconic since the 1930s. But Payne says that's a plus. “The mall Santa or typical Santa that everybody knows like the Coca-Cola Santa … for whatever reason, kids are scared of that Santa. But I've had kids that … their parent would say that they would never come up to take a picture with me. Next thing you know, they're hugging me and jumping in my lap and we take a good picture. Their parents are crying because they never got a good picture with their kid.” A study involving an Oregon State University scholar looked at non-traditional Santas. Bori Csillag, Stirek assistant professor of management, said for many Father Christmases, spreading love and joy for the holidays surpassed the need to conform 100% to the mainstream depiction of Santa Claus. “They see the fit, they hear the calling in their heart, they know that they are able to portray their role successfully.” Besides Solte Santa, a First Nations dancer called Powwow Santa has been firing up social media, and there are many others across tribal communities, reminding people that the Christmas spirit exists for everyone. A Navajo children's television show returned this month with a holiday special. Jill Fratis reports. The “Navajo Highways” special is titled “Ya’ah’teeh Keshmish,” which is “Merry Christmas” in Navajo. It's the show's first full holiday themed episode. The creator of the series, filmmaker, and musician Pete Sands, says the show teaches Navajo language and culture. “Parts of it is my childhood, and part of it is how I wish my childhood was. It's a balance of both, and I think shining positivity on Indigenous cultures is important to do.” The series blends puppetry, storytelling, and Navajo humor, all set along the winding highways of the Navajo Nation. Sands says that a memory he had of a teacher using puppets to help children listen, gave him the idea to use them in his show. “Seen a teacher friend of mine who was trying to tell her first grade students to clean up, but they wouldn't listen to her, so she reached into her desk and she pulled out a hand puppet and started talking to her class, and they listened to her, through the puppet actually, and a lightbulb went off in my head like wait, maybe there's something to this. Maybe I can use this.” The holiday episode highlights traditional winter teachings, including family gatherings, gratitude, and the meaning of giving. Season two of the series begins production next year. Sands says there will be new puppets and new locations, but says the heart of the show remains the same: teaching children simple Diné words and phrases through everyday scenes and conversations. The “Navajo Highways” holiday special, and season one, is now streaming on the First Nations Experience (FNX) platform. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FNXTV First Nation Experience (@fnxtv) Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling Thursday, December 25, 2025 – Mental health experts point to personal connections to maintain winter mental health

It's Christmas! Emma and Ally are decking the halls with dread, because this week on Spooky Chicks and Horror Flicks, the hosts recap the controversial holiday slasher Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984).Starring Robert Brian Wilson as Billy, the film became infamous for its killer Santa premise, sparking nationwide backlash that pulled ads, yanked screenings, yet accidentally cemented the movie's place in horror history.After all, nothing says holiday cheer like tinsel, trauma, and an unstable man dressed as Santa Claus wielding an axe.Support the showWe Have Merch! - shop.spookychickspod.com Website - spookychickspod.comInstagram - instagram.com/spookychickshorrorflicksTiktok - tiktok.com/@spookychickshorrorflicksLetterboxd - letterboxd.com/spookychickspod/ Patreon - patreon.com/SpookyChicksandHorrorFlicks

A bit shorter episode this week, the perfect size for that jaunt over the river and through the woods to see grandma...or to run to the store and fight Tobey Macguire for that last dented can of jellied cranberry sauce.  This week we ask the question is Santa a cryptid?  We tell a brief tale of his origin, mention that Saint Nicholas is somehow both the patron saint of children and sex workers and every year on december 25th goes on the world's largest buisiness trip.  We discuss supposed real sightings of the big man (Does he drive a pristine red Mustang with Alaska plates that read 'BIGGUY'?  We don't know but someone claims he does.    Plus a few humorous, very not real, cryptid style reports of Santa as told by various fake people in this ho-ho-holiday episode of the Family Plot Podcast!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/family-plot--4670465/support.

A state trooper in Delaware is killed while working an overtime shift at the DMV after stepping into gunfire to protect others. Santa Claus is pulled over for speeding on an Ohio road, not in his sleigh, but a silver Ford Escape. Drew Nelson reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are shaking things up in 2026--Make sure to JOIN US for ALL the content coming - https://join.unrefinedpodcast.comEvery December, it feels like the internet dusts off the same “Christmas is pagan” memes and lobs them into everyone's feeds, and honestly… I'm over it. In this conversation, I sit down with Lindsy and our guest co-navigator Jennifer to ask where these claims actually came from and whether they hold up to real history. We talk about early church evidence for celebrating Jesus' birth in December, why conception dates mattered in the ancient world, and how sacred time belongs to God—not Saturn, Mithras, or Yuletide spirits. We also unravel Alexander Hislop's The Two Babylons, Nimrod conspiracies, green man imagery, and the fear that you might be “accidentally” worshiping other gods by putting up a tree. Along the way, we hit on mission, sacred space, and why intent matters more than internet paranoia. If you've ever wondered whether you're allowed to enjoy Christmas without guilt, this one's for you with Dr. Judd Burton.https://www.burtonbeyond.net/https://drjuddburton.com/https://join.unrefinedpodcast.com

Monocle’s head of radio, Tom Edwards, is joined by Robert Bound to swap presents and compare seasonal traditions. Plus: We head to Lapland to speak to Santa Claus himself and we explore a new mountain resort in Slovenia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry and Abigail discuss This Warm December and sample März of the Penguins, No Country For Old Penguins, and Midnight Waddle from Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company in Raleigh, North Carolina.We briefly discussed Eggnogorant by friends of the pod Terry Anderson & The Olympic Ass-Kickin Team. You can listen to Eggnogorant in our first-ever Christmas bonus episode, Bonus: Greet the Hummels... and Friends! (Original Holiday Songs by Friends of the Podcast).We acquired this beer while we were in Raleigh in October, when we had the opportunity to see Brandy Clark and Mary Chapin Carpenter in concert, featuring both friend of the pod Jon Carroll and the legendary Don Dixon in Carpenter's band. See the setlist of the show we saw!We played a sample of Stevie Wonder's original Someday at Christmas, covered by Jack Johnson on this album. Barry mentioned that Wonder's version should have made his personal Christmas music compilation - and he would probably remove Xmas at K-Mart by Root Boy Slim.Bruce Springsteen's live version of Santa Claus is Comin' to Town is the definitive version in Barry's eyes.Barry plugged the recent Beer in Front episode 276 Fresh Wet Hopped Episode, where he learned about wet hopping, which uses freshly picked hops in the brew and is not the opposite of dry hopping - learn more here. The most famous and mass-produced wet-hopped beer is Celebration from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Dave interviewed Bruz Beers and FlyteCo Brewing, both in Denver, Colorado, who collaborate annually on a wet-hopped beer called Hop Is My Co-Pilot. The brewing of this beer involves an airplane trip across the Rockies to collect freshly picked hops from Billy Goat Hop Farm in Montrose, Colorado. Read more about the incredible journey here!Abigail and Barry both declared that Zee Avi's No Christmas for Me is a modern Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses (and that both of those songs are modern O. Henry stories).Abigail mentioned that Stuck at the Airport by Money Mark is thematically similar to I'll Be Home for Christmas by Bing Crosby. This is one of the songs Abigail will frequently be compelled to listen to when her life circumstances match the lyrics of the song - the other one is It's Only Wednesday by Crash Kings.The Man in the Santa Suit by Neil Halstead reminded Abigail of Father Christmas by The Kinks. We played a little sample of Matt Nathanson's cover of Father Christmas, which appears on our 2022 Christmas playlist!Abigail did not recognize that Rogue Wave's Christmas was a cover of the Who song from Tommy. She compared the lyrics to Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid.Barry compared Jack Johnson's variant lyrics in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer to many of the songs on the Straight No Chaser album we reviewed in last year's Christmas episode, Christmas Beers (Straight No Chaser and Gifted Beers).Abigail, per usual, got Silent Night confused with O Holy Night.Listen to our 2025 Christmas playlist!Up next… Touch by EurythmicsJingles are by our friend Pete Coe.Visit Anosmia Awareness for more information on Barry's condition.Follow Barry or Abigail on Untappd to see what we're drinking when we're not on mic!Leave us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | YouTube | Substack | Website | Email us | Virtual Jukebox | Beer Media Group

While Christmas morning can have its shares of joys and arguments, there is one thing we must remember: the Savior is born and He’s so much better than your best version of Santa – and not because of the things he gives us, but because of the gift that He is.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/todayssinglechristianSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AP correspondent Ben Thomas reports President Trump spoke to children awaiting Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

This special Christmas edition of Half-Faith Let It Begin features young Arielle, guest host Santa Claus, and Angel Santana as they share "The Story of the Candy Cane." The episode explains the candy cane's symbolism—the J for Jesus, the shepherd's staff, white for purity, and red for Christ's sacrifice—and closes with a warm blessing for the season.

Thu, Dec 25 1:00 AM → 1:01 AM Santa Claus enters Outagamie County Wisconsin Radio Systems: - Winnebago and Outagamie County Public Safety System

1. Christmas and Its Religious Significance The discussion begins with warm holiday greetings and reflections on the meaning of Christmas. Emphasis is placed on celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, highlighting its spiritual importance over commercial aspects like gifts and Santa Claus. Ben and the Senator share personal traditions, such as reading Luke Chapter 2 during Christmas dinner, and discuss cultural practices (e.g., Cuban Christmas Eve celebrations with roasted pig vs. vegetarian meals). There’s commentary on a resurgence of faith among younger generations, citing record-breaking Bible sales in 2025. 2. Economic Outlook and Media Bias The conversation shifts to positive economic news: U.S. GDP growth of 4.3% in Q3, the strongest in two years. They argue this growth contradicts negative media predictions and accuse mainstream outlets of political bias. Key points include: Strong consumer spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Positive impacts of trade policy, tax cuts, and deregulation under President Trump. Criticism of media framing economic success negatively compared to previous administrations. 3. Welfare Fraud and Systemic Issues Historic fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid and welfare programs, estimated at $9 billion, and allegations that funds were diverted to terrorist organizations like Al Shabab. Predicting similar fraud in other Democratic-led states (California, New York, Illinois). Wall Street Journal op-ed by Phil Gramm and John Early is mentioned about structural flaws in the U.S. welfare system: Welfare spending has surged 765% over 50 years, now costing $1.4 trillion annually. Many benefits are not counted as income, creating misleading poverty statistics and perpetuating dependency. The argument advocates for welfare reform to encourage work and reduce generational poverty. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Santa Claus stops by the studio to talk with Adam about all things Christmas! From Santa's shaky marriage with Mrs. Claus and Elf on the Shelf to a fond Christmas memory from the Carolla household, it's a festive conversation all around. Merry Christmas, everyone!Thank you to Guy Stevenson for playing our Santa Claus! You can find him on Instagram at @guy.stevenson and catch his Podcast ‘Good Company' here: youtube.com/@GoodCompanyComedyPodcastLIVE SHOWS: January 8 - Loveland, COJanuary 9 - Colorado Springs, COJanuary 10 - Colorado Springs, CO (2 shows)January 11 - Greenwood Village, COJanuary 16 - Grants Pass, ORJanuary 17 - Bend, ORThank you for supporting our sponsors:BetOnlinehomes.comoreillyauto.com/ADAMpluto.tvSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this Wednesday edition of 2 Pros & A Cup Of Joe, the guys talk about the Pro Bowl rosters that were unveiled earlier, and even locate where Santa Claus is. Plus, we get an update to JJ McCarthy's injury, and a Bear edition of ICYMI!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Christmas episode of The Infinite Monkey Cage, Brian Cox and Robin Ince head to the North Pole to explore the dazzling science behind the northern lights, the extreme adaptations that help animals - and even Santa Claus - survive the Arctic cold, and how the Earth's magnetic field might just guide him home. Joining the monkeys are comedian Russell Kane, Arctic explorer Felicity Aston and Polar biologist Lloyd Peck, as they brave the chill to uncover the wonders of one of Earth's most remote and magical frontiers.Series Producer: Mel Brown Researcher: Alex Rodway Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Production

Aquí está nuestro especial navideño del 2025: un viaje por las películas de la Navidad. Desde sus inicios, el cine ha encontrado en la Navidad el escenario perfecto para narrar historias que giran alrededor de uno de los espíritus que más nos convocan. Esta relación ha sido tan estrecha que ambos se han construido mutuamente: la festividad ha creado un género cinematográfico propio y, a su vez, las películas han definido la estética moderna de luces y nieve que asociamos con la época. La historia de este encuentro comenzó con pioneros como el corto Santa Claus de 1898 y las adaptaciones de Dickens que establecieron los temas de caridad y reencuentro que hoy conocemos. ¡¡Felices fiestas para toda la comunidad de Dianauribe.fm!! Notas del episodio En Youtube se puede ver la primera película de Navidad de toda la historia "Santa Claus" de 1898:  Esta es una recopilación de las adaptaciones que se han llevado al cine de "Un cuento de Navidad" de Charles Dickens La historia bien particular de uno de los mayores clásicos navideños de Hollywood: "¡¡Qué bello es vivir!!" Un juicio a Santa Claus y a la Navidad que termina de una forma maravillosa: "Milagro en la calle 34" El origen del "Grinch", la criatura empeñada en robarse la Navidad   Sigue mis proyectos en otros lugares:  YouTube ➔ youtube.com/@DianaUribefm  Instagram ➔ instagram.com/dianauribe.fm Facebook ➔ facebook.com/dianauribe.fm Sitio web ➔ dianauribe.fm Twitter ➔ x.com/DianaUribefm  LinkedIn ➔ www.linkedin.com/in/diana-uribe    Gracias de nuevo a nuestra comunidad de patreon por apoyar la producción de este episodio. Si quieres unirte, visita www.dianauribe.fm/comunidad  

Czabe brings aboard ERIC GITTER to atone for his utter jinxing of the Bears/Packers game by calling "D-A-G-G-E-R" too early. PAUL CHARCHIAN joins the fray to discuss DK Metcalf's expensive punch of a blue haired Lions idiot. Why are refs calling so many penalties? The latest on Paul's purple misery on J.J. McCarthy. Gary Meyers had the Giants ultimate "trade down" plan. Problem is, they'll probably not lose to the Raiders anyway. The Chiefs are moving across the river. Soon, the entire AFC West will be indoor football. Should outdoor stadiums be preserved at all costs? How Charch's daughter solved the Santa Claus case. MORE.....Our Sponsors:* Check out CBDfx and use my code CZABE for a great deal: https://cbdfx.com* Check out FRE and use my code LISTEN20 for a great deal: https://frepouch.com* Check out Hims: https://hims.com/CZABE* Check out Infinite Epigenetics: https://infiniteepigenetics.com/CZABEAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As per tradition, Eric's here to introduce a holiday episode rerun. Cheers!

The playbook that showers the rich, spikes the debt, then demands you sacrifice Social Security and healthcare…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I love a good Christmas story.The kind where something strange and wonderful happens out in the wilderness. Where the magic of the season reaches places most people never go. Where even the darkest corners of the forest feel touched by something warm and old and meaningful.Over the years, I've told you stories like that.Stories of Sasquatch sightings on snowy December mornings.Of mysterious gifts left on remote cabin doorsteps.Of unexplained tracks leading to and from places where no tracks should exist at all.But tonight, friends, I'm not here to warm your heart.Tonight, I'm here to freeze your blood.South Carolina. 1985.A young insurance adjuster named Gerald Hutchins inherits a remote cabin deep in the forest from his great-uncle Amos. The old man had lived alone out there for more than twenty years, and the family whispered that he came back from the war… changed. Haunted. Given to muttering in languages no one recognized. Drawing strange symbols he would immediately burn in the fireplace.Gerald decides the cabin would be the perfect place to spend Christmas with his wife, Ellen, and their thirteen-year-old son, Marcus.A real holiday, he tells them. The kind they used to have before television and convenience took over. Just a family, a fire, and the quiet peace of the winter woods.What Gerald doesn't tell them is what he found when he first visited the cabin alone.The chains hanging above the fireplace.The birch switches stained dark with something he didn't want to examine too closely.And the mask. A horrible wooden mask with hollow eyes and a grin carved with far too many teeth.He doesn't tell them about the sound he heard coming from the second floor.The sound of hooves on hardwood. As Christmas Eve settles in, the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall. And the Hutchins family will learn that some traditions are older than Christianity. Some punishments are older than coal in a stocking. And some things that were meant to stay in the old country followed our ancestors across the ocean—hiding in the shadows of their ships, waiting patiently for the right moment to remind us that the old ways never truly died.They just learned how to wait.Long before Santa Claus became the jolly gift-giver we know today, the winter solstice was a time of fear as much as celebration in the Alpine regions of Europe. While Saint Nicholas rewarded good children, his dark companion dealt with the rest.Krampus. Half-goat. Half-demon. All nightmare. A creature with curved horns, a serpentine tongue, chains forged in hellfire, and birch switches for the wicked. A basket on its back to carry its prizes away—down to whatever hell it called home.Krampusnacht, celebrated on December fifth, saw young men dress as the creature and roam the streets, terrorizing towns. But the oldest stories—the ones whispered long before costumes—spoke of something far older than men in masks. A being that existed before Christianity tried to tame it. A being that still walks the winter forests when nights grow long and the barriers between worlds wear thin.A being that always comes back.Content Warning:This episode contains intense horror imagery, supernatural violence, and themes involving harm to a family, including a child. Listener discretion is strongly advised.  This one is not for the faint of heart—and absolutely not for little ones. I've spent a long time telling stories about strange things in the woods. Bigfoot encounters. Unexplained phenomena. Creatures that linger just beyond the firelight. Even the scariest of those stories often carry a strange warmth—a sense that whatever's out there might be mysterious, might be frightening, but isn't necessarily evil. This story is different. This story is about something very evil.Something that has been doing terrible things to humanity for a very long time.Something that doesn't care about your Christmas spirit, your good intentions, or your prayers.I wanted to tell this story because I think we've sanitized our holidays. We've forgotten that our ancestors celebrated the winter solstice not just with feasts and gifts—but with rituals meant to protect them from the darkness. They understood something we've chosen to forget.The longest night of the year is the longest for a reason.So as you listen, maybe keep a candle burning.Maybe check the locks on your doors.And if you hear something on the roof that sounds a little too heavy to be reindeer…Well. You know what to do.Until next time…Sweet dreams.And Merry Christmas.

This episode originally aired on December 16th, 2014. If you've been moved by a story this year, text 'GIVE25' to 78679 to make a donation to The Moth today. A special holiday edition of The Moth Radio Hour: Simon Doonan encounters challenges when called on to decorate the White House for Christmas, a man is hesitant to work with a ‘Hollywood' style church in his neighborhood, a Jewish girl meets Santa, and a boy thinks his dreams have finally come true when he gets an exotic pet. This hour is hosted by Catherine Burns. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Storytellers: Simon Doonan stirs up controversy with small details on his Christmas ball decorations. Mark Redmond works with a homeless shelter in Vermont.  Ophira Eisenberg wanted to meet Santa Claus.  Taylor Negron grows up “California Gothic” and must balance the joy of owning a monkey with his fear of Charles Manson. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christian scholar Dr. Tim Larsen joins the show to explain the real origins of the Christmas traditions we hold dear today—from Santa Claus and reindeer to ornaments and the December 25th date itself. He debunks the persistent myth that Christmas is a pagan holiday, explores how centuries of tradition shaped modern celebrations, and helps separate historical fact from popular fiction. And yes—we settle the age-old question: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?   Dr. Timothy Larsen is a Professor of History at Wheaton College in Illinois and the president of the American Society of Church History.  His scholarly expertise is the Victorian era, the period that has done so much to shape our Christmas celebrations today, and he is an expert on Christmas.  He is the author or editor of over twenty books, including Twelve Classic Christmas Stories: A Feast of Yuletide Tales and The Oxford Handbook of Christmas.