This episode features some of the more ancient and obscure midwinter traditions that have endured alongside Christmas, as well as some lesser-known carols of this festival, many of which are pagan in origin.

Content warning for animal sacrifice and general heathen revelry.

Music:

Intro theme - "Forest March" by Sylvia Woods

"Christmas Is Now Drawing Near at Hand" by Norma Waterson

"Bonny At Morn / Hunting the Cutty Wren" by Clive Williams & Mark Prescott

"Nou Is Yole Comen" by Shira Kammen

"The Boar's Head Carol" by The Young Tradition, Shirley Collins & Dolly Collins

"Wexford Mummer's Song" by Mary O'Hara

"Gloomy Winter" by Bonnie Rideout

"The Cutty Wren" by Royston Wood & Heather Wood

"Dryw Bach" by Carreg Lafar

"Hela'r Dryw" by Fernhill

"The Hern" by John Fleagle

"Down in Yon Forest" by Shirley Collins

"Apple Tree Wassail" by Doug Eunson & Sarah Matthews

"Malpas Wassail" by the Watersons

"Gower Wassail" by Kerfuffle

"Green Grow'th the Holly" by Coope, Simpson, Fraser & Freya

"Nay Ivy Nay" by Sue Brown & Lorraine Irwing

"The Ditchling Carol" by Waterson : Carthy