Christmas doesn’t end on December 25—so why do we treat it like it does?

For centuries, Christmas was a forty-day season, stretching from the Nativity all the way to Candlemas on February 2. In this episode, we explore the entire forgotten half of Christmas: the feast days, folk traditions, saints, celebrations, and moments of sanctioned chaos that once filled the darkest weeks of winter.

From Boxing Day and St. Stephen’s Day to Wren Day in Ireland, from the Boy Bishop and the Lord of Misrule to Twelfth Night, Epiphany, Three Kings Day, La Befana, Orthodox Theophany, Plough Monday, Old Christmas, and finally Candlemas, this episode uncovers how Christmas slowly unfolded—rather than abruptly ending.

We trace how:

• Medieval society embraced misrule, role reversal, and communal feasting

• Gift-giving traditions moved from Christmas Day to Epiphany

• Calendar changes created “Old Christmas”

• Industrialization and reform compressed Christmas into a single day

• Candlemas weather lore gave rise to Groundhog Day

This is a global journey through liturgy, folklore, agrarian life, and cultural memory, revealing how Christmas once lingered—burning slowly like a candle against the long winter night.

If you’ve ever felt like Christmas ends too quickly...this episode explains why it didn’t used to.

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How does Santa Claus deliver presents to hundreds of millions of homes in a single night?
Many say it’s impossible—but the science might disagree.

In this episode, we dive deep into the physics, mathematics, and global logistics of Santa Claus, exploring how relativity, quantum mechanics, advanced algorithms, nanotechnology, and even artificial intelligence could explain the greatest delivery operation in history.

We break down the staggering numbers—millions of homes, thousands of visits per second, and near-light-speed travel—and explore why classical physics would vaporize Santa instantly. Then, we go beyond the impossible, examining cutting-edge theories including time dilation, quantum superposition, wormholes, warp drives, molecular assembly, stealth cloaking, and AI-driven route optimization.

But Santa’s secret weapon may not be speed at all.

By examining global gift-giving traditions—from St. Nicholas Day and Sinterklaas, to New Year’s Eve with Ded Moroz, Three Kings Day, and Orthodox Christmas—we reveal how Santa’s workload is actually spread across multiple calendars and cultures, turning a one-night miracle into a brilliantly optimized seasonal operation.

This episode blends real science, various mathematical theories, cultural history, and holiday wonder, making it perfect for curious adults, kids, and families alike.

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

Santa Claws is Coming by Ergo Phizmiz - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CC by 3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode, we explore the most compelling Christmas-themed novels from the past 20 years, spanning mystery, thriller, fantasy, horror, romance, and literary fiction. From snowed-in murder games and gothic holiday thrillers to dark reimaginings of Santa Claus, heartfelt romances, and magical Christmas fantasies, these books prove that holiday fiction goes far beyond cozy clichés.

We discuss why Christmas makes such a powerful setting for suspense and transformation, how modern authors use the season to heighten stakes and emotion, and which novels have become modern Christmas classics for adults, young adults, and middle-grade readers alike.

Whether you love holiday mysteries, dark Christmas fantasy, romantic winter reads, or literary stories of hope and redemption, this episode offers a curated guide to the best festive fiction of the 21st century—and plenty of inspiration for your winter reading list.

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

Santa Claws is Coming by Ergo Phizmiz - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CC by 3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of Kanakaloka, Hawaiʻi’s island-style Santa Claus, and uncover how Christmas gift-giving traditions spread across Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. From Santa arriving by outrigger canoe to church deacons acting as Father Christmas, we trace how Pacific Island cultures adapted a global holiday to fit ancient systems of reciprocity, community, and seasonal celebration.

We dive deep into the Makahiki festival and the god Lono, examine why no indigenous Pacific Santa existed, and compare Hawaiian Kanakaloka with figures like Hana Kōkō in New Zealand, communal gift-giving in Samoa and Tonga, and unique Micronesian and Melanesian traditions—including parachute gift drops and cargo-era folklore.

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

Santa Claws is Coming by Ergo Phizmiz - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CC by 3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

Santa Claws is Coming by Ergo Phizmiz - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CC by 3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

Santa Claws is Coming by Ergo Phizmiz - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CC by 3.0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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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