In this two part episode our hosts, Cayla, Nathan and Halli take a look a three cases of intrigue:

1. The Winter Solstice: Long before Christmas was a thing, cultures all around the world celebrated the Winter Solstice (or something similar). Halli tells us about some of those practices
2. Mari Lwyd: December, the days are short, the weather cold. Loved ones are on our thoughts and Christmas is around the corner. It's the perfect time to grab your bros, dig up a horse skull tie some ribbons to it and challenge your neighbors to rap battles for booze and food
3. Gryla the Christmas Witch: Iceland's version on Santa Clause consists of a witch, her thirteen children and her giant cat who eats children who aren't wearing new clothes!

Part 1

• The Winter Solstice
• Mari Lwyd

Sources and citations can be found here: https://www.thehumanexception.com/l/file-0009-0010-a-very-pagan-christmas/