As the holiday season approaches what traditions are you using to get into the spirit? Would you be waiting for a visit from the Christmas Cat? Or perhaps you would carve a radish, eat a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken, or maybe you gather around a giant Christmas Tree made of tumbleweeds? In this episode Emily and Katie explore a variety of unique holiday practices and lore that are part of the holiday season for different cultures.

Who are the Yule Lads and the Christmas Cat?

What is the Night of the Radishes?

Why do we send Christmas Cards?

How long has that Yule Log channel been around?

What are some other unusual holiday traditions and myths and where did they originate?

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/before-the-yule-lads-evolved-into-icelandic-versions-santa-claus-they-terrorized-children-into-following-rules-180948162/ 

https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/the-icelandic-yulelads-at-dimmuborgir 

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Krampus 

https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/noche-de-rabanos-oaxaca-holiday-celebration 

https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/twelve-grapes-new-years-eve 

https://www.countryliving.com/life/a46116/christmas-crowns/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumbleweed_Tree 

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/history-christmas-card-180957487/ 

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/un-christmassy-origin-gingerbread-houses-180967461/ 

https://www.history.com/articles/christmas-traditions-history 

https://www.almanac.com/content/christmas-firsts-christmas-traditions-america