Discover the surprising, two-thousand-year journey of the lutin, France’s iconic mischievous spirit. Once born from the Roman sea god Neptune, lutins evolved into medieval house goblins, regional tricksters, and—much later—the playful Christmas helpers of Père Noël. This episode uncovers their ancient origins, regional variations, magical abilities, and the rise of the modern lutin farceur tradition sweeping France today.

Perfect for fans of Christmas folklore, mythology, European history, and modern holiday traditions, this deep dive reveals how a once-feared night sprite became one of France’s most beloved symbols of holiday magic.

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Journey to the Arctic to learn how Inuit families embrace Christmas, or Quviasukvik, with a mix of ancient customs and modern festivities. From winter games to community feasts, from Inuit lore to seasonal adaptations, this episode highlights the warmth, creativity, and enduring cultural identity of Inuit Christmas traditions. Also we highlight the universal winter traditions that unite all of us from east to west, north to south. Dive into the world of Christmastime with the far north!

Video of the Inuit High Kick @ the Arctic Winter Games

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Every holiday season, millions of fans tune in for Christmas Day sports—NBA showdowns, NFL clashes, global soccer derbies, college bowl games, holiday hockey classics, horse racing and even historic one-off matchups that became legends. But how did Christmas become one of the most competitive days on the sports calendar? And what traditions shaped the way we celebrate sports during the holidays?

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the history, culture, and surprising origins of sports played on or near Christmas Day. From early 20th-century football rivalries to the NBA’s rise as a Christmas Day tradition, from international soccer fixtures like Boxing Day matches to unique high-school and collegiate tournaments, we explore why Christmas sports became a global phenomenon.

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Are you ready to eat and drink through Christmas history?

Go beyond cookies, roast, eggnog and mulled wine to uncover the fascinating deep cultural roots of Christmas foods. This episode is your passport to understanding how religion, colonialism, climate, and commercial ingenuity transform simple ingredients into festive flavors.

This isn't just about recipes—it's about the stories, power dynamics, and ingenuity hidden inside your holiday plates and glasses. Cheers to a deeper understanding of your favorite—and soon-to-be-favorite—Christmas bites and beverages!

Hamonadong Baboy (Filipino road pork) recipe

Pfeffernusse Spiced Cookies recipe

Cola de Mono recipe

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The Christmas Song/Heaven/Slow 3/4 Song by Peter Evans, Tom Blancarte, and Brandon Seabrook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CC by 3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Forget the usual holiday cheer and dive into the chilling world of Christmas folklore with the terrifying Karakoncolos (also known as Kallikantzaros).

These malevolent, shapeshifting, hairy winter goblins emerge exclusively during the Twelve Dark Days, the treacherous period between Christmas (December 25th) and Epiphany (January 6th), to wreak havoc across the Balkans. We uncover the sinister origins of this enduring European myth, tracing it back to the drunken, masked chaos of the ancient Dionysian festivals in Greece, and reveal their terrifying cosmic purpose: spending all year sawing down the World Tree!

Join us as we explore the chilling regional differences:

• Greek Myth: Why do the Kallikantzaros try to force travelers to dance to death?

• Turkish Folklore: Learn the deadly verbal trickery of the Karakoncolos, which requires you to always use the word "kara" (black) or risk instant death.

• Bulgarian Tradition: How the Karakondžul's influence gave rise to the massive, UNESCO-recognized Kukeri festivals.

We detail the bizarre protective rituals, from burning stinky shoes and scattering salt to the crucial act of counting holes in a sieve, used to keep these holiday horror creatures out of your home. This is the ultimate deep-dive into the ancient European folklore and Christmas monsters you need for the winter season.

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Special thanks to:

The Christmas Song/Heaven/Slow 3/4 Song by Peter Evans, Tom Blancarte, and Brandon Seabrook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CC by 3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Beyond Santa Claus and Ded Moroz, the real Arctic winter wizard is Yamal Iri, the “Grandfather of Yamal,” a localized Christmas figure from the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia. We uncover his unique powers: not just gift-giving, but utilizing a shamanic drum made with ancient Nenets technology to drive away evil spirits and bestow positive energy. Discover why this Siberian hero wears a functional reindeer-skin malitsa, carries ancient mammoth bone jewelry , and how his tradition, rooted in Indigenous culture, offers a spiritual alternative to the global legend of Santa Claus.

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Special thanks to:

The Christmas Song/Heaven/Slow 3/4 Song by Peter Evans, Tom Blancarte, and Brandon Seabrook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CC by 3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Why do we picture Christmas under a blanket of snow—even in places it never falls? This episode traces the history of the White Christmas story from the Little Ice Age (LIA) in 19th-century England’s icy winters to Dickens’s classic tales, Victorian holiday art, and the global impact of Bing Crosby’s 1942 hit. This episode shows you the magical mix of climate, culture, and nostalgia that shaped how the world celebrates Christmas.

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Special thanks to:

The Christmas Song/Heaven/Slow 3/4 Song by Peter Evans, Tom Blancarte, and Brandon Seabrook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CC by 3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Season 6! Amazing, and it is thanks to all of you listeners and subscribers! Kicking off Christmas Podcast Day (Nov 1st), I'm joining with my fellow Christmas podcasters to discuss It's a Wonderful Life or at least some rendition of it.

Discover the remarkable short story that inspired one of cinema's most beloved Christmas films. In this episode, we explore Philip Van Doren Stern's The Greatest Gift, the tale that became the foundation for It's a Wonderful Life." Learn how a simple Christmas card story evolved into Frank Capra's masterpiece, uncover the key differences between the original and the film, and understand why this forgotten gem deserves its place in Christmas literary history. This episode is perfect for fans of classic Christmas stories and anyone who loves the timeless message that every life has value.

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The Christmas Song/Heaven/Slow 3/4 Song by Peter Evans, Tom Blancarte, and Brandon Seabrook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CC by 3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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What is Epiphany, and why does it hold such deep significance in holiday traditions around the world? In this episode, we uncover the rich history, cultural significance, and timeless stories behind Epiphany—also known as Theophany, Three Kings’ Day or Día de los Reyes.

Discover how this celebration marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men to visit the baby Jesus, the symbolism of the Star of Bethlehem, and the diverse traditions observed across countries like Spain, Mexico, Italy, and Greece. From Rosca de Reyes cakes to chalking doors with blessed initials, we’ll explore the rituals, stories, and legends that make Epiphany a cherished part of the holiday season.

At the end of the episode, I’ll share an exclusive reading from The Lost Years of Santa Claus, my book that reveals untold stories from Santa’s journey and his connection to the timeless magic of Christmas. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of holiday traditions, or just curious about this special day, this episode will inspire and enlighten! 🌟👑🎁

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Special thanks to:

The Christmas Song/Heaven/Slow 3/4 Song by Peter Evans, Tom Blancarte, and Brandon Seabrook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CC by 3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Did you know that Santa Claus isn’t the only gift-bringer during the holiday season? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of New Year’s gift givers from cultures around the globe. From Russia’s Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his granddaughter Snegurochka to Korea and Japan and Colombia, discover the captivating stories behind these legendary figures.

We’ll dive into the history, traditions, and mythos surrounding these characters, exploring how they became central to New Year’s celebrations. Learn about the symbolism behind their gifts, their unique cultural roles, and how they continue to bring joy to families worldwide as each year begins.

At the end of the episode, I’ll share an exclusive excerpt from my book, The Lost Years of Santa Claus, where Santa’s hidden adventures and untold stories come to life. Don’t miss this enchanting episode filled with global holiday folklore, history, and timeless traditions—it’s the perfect way to welcome the New Year! 🎆🎁🌍

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Special thanks to:

The Christmas Song/Heaven/Slow 3/4 Song by Peter Evans, Tom Blancarte, and Brandon Seabrook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CC by 3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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