In our very first Christmas special, we unwrap the strange and surprising history of Santa Claus. From the real-life generosity of Saint Nicholas in 4th-century Myra to the shadowy folklore of Krampus and the Norse god Odin, this episode traces how a kind bishop became a jolly man in red. We explore how pagan winter festivals, Dutch traditions, and 19th-century American poetry shaped the Santa we know today. But not all is merry and bright—there’s a darker side to this holiday icon. Who is Krampus, and why does he travel with Saint Nick? And how did Santa become a pop culture powerhouse? Cozy up by the fire as we dive into the myth, the magic, and the mayhem behind Christmas’s most iconic figure.