This week we take a look at the origins of Christmas. Was Jesus really born on December 25th, or was that just a convenient calendar slot in a year increasingly full of saint’s feast days? We’re also premiering a new show segment: Gordon’s Gun Closet! Podcasters, like writers, should play to their strengths, and Gordon loves his historical firearms. In honor of the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, we’re here to talk about the BlasTech DL-44 Heavy Blaster (a.k.a. “broomhandle” Mauser pistol), because Han shot first but Greedo was totally about to ice him so it was justified. Also included: History Headlines and a festive pile of gaily-wrapped Christmas movies and books… at no extra charge!

Show notes and links:

* Oliver Cromwell becomes lord protector of England (1653)

* Boston Tea Party (Dec. 16, 1773)

* Bill of Rights take effect (Dec. 15, 1791) (billofrightsinstitute.org)

* Louisiana Territory purchase (Dec. 20, 1803)

* A Christmas Carol published (Dec. 19, 1843)

* A Christmas Carol (1951), full movie (youtube.com)

* The Wright Brothers  first flight! (Dec. 17, 1903)

* Project Blue Book ends (Dec. 17, 1969)

* Nazi gold train: ‘No evidence’ of discovery in Poland (bbc.com)

* A Christmas Story (1983) (imdb.com)

* White Christmas (1954) (imdb.com)

* THE LITTLE PRINCESS: Shirley Temple, Walter Lang (amazon.com)

* Santa Claus (1959) full movie (youtube.com)

* Santa Claus (riffed by Mystery Science Theater 3000)

* Mauser C96 (imfdb.org)

* Borchardt C-93 (en.wikipedia.org)

* Churchill in the Sudan (historynet.com)

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