After the 25th: The Lost 40 Days of Christmas
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 th...
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Society & Culture
The Lost Christmas Podcast
A dive into the characters, stories, traditions, food, and everything else surrounding the Christmas season all over the world. Each episode ends with a passage from The Lost Years of Santa...
Episodes
20 of 73 episodesSanta Claus: A Unified Field Theory of the World's Greatest Delivery
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 dis...
From Wintry Rom-Coms and Cozy Crimes to Dark Fantasy: The Best Modern Christmas Novels You Should Read
In this episode, we explore the most compelling Christmas-themed novels from the past 20 years, spanning mystery, thriller, fantasy, horror,...
Kanakaloka: Santa Claus, Makahiki, and Christmas Traditions Across the Pacific Islands
In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of Kanakaloka, Hawaiʻi’s island-style Santa Claus, and uncover how Christmas gift-giving...
Lutins: France's Mischievous Christmas Spirits
Discover the surprising, two-thousand-year journey of the lutin, France’s iconic mischievous spirit. Once born from the Roman sea god Neptun...
An Arctic Noel: Inuit Christmas!
Journey to the Arctic to learn how Inuit families embrace Christmas, or Quviasukvik, with a mix of ancient customs and modern festivities. F...
Sports on Christmas: The Untold History Behind Holiday Games
Every holiday season, millions of fans tune in for Christmas Day sports—NBA showdowns, NFL clashes, global soccer derbies, college bowl game...
Warming Spices, Chilled Nogs: The Global History of Christmas Food and Drink
Are you ready to eat and drink through Christmas history? Go beyond cookies, roast, eggnog and mulled wine to uncover the fascinating deep c...
The 12 Dark Days: Karankoncolos, the Goblins of Christmastime
Forget the usual holiday cheer and dive into the chilling world of Christmas folklore with the terrifying Karakoncolos (also known as Kallik...
Arctic Shaman Santa?! Meet Yamal Iri, The Grandfather of the End of the World
Beyond Santa Claus and Ded Moroz, the real Arctic winter wizard is Yamal Iri, the “Grandfather of Yamal,” a localized Christmas figure from...
Why We Dream of a White Christmas: From Dickens to Hollywood
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 st...
The Greatest Gift: The Forgotten Story Behind It's a Wonderful Life
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 m...
The History and Traditions of Epiphany – A Celebration of Kings, Stars, and Timeless Stories
What is Epiphany, and why does it hold such deep significance in holiday traditions around the world? In this episode, we uncover the rich h...
New Year's Characters & Gift Givers! Let's take a trip around the world!
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 Ne...
Christmas Decorating Competitions – History, Traditions, and Festive Rivalries
Who has the best holiday lights on the block? In this episode, we dive into the sparkling world of Christmas decorating competitions. From t...
Christmas in Argentina – Celebrations, Traditions, and Festive Feasts
What does Christmas look like in the middle of summer? In this episode, we travel to Argentina to explore how this vibrant country celebrate...
What Makes a Christmas Movie? Debating the Rules and Defining the Classics
Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? What about Gremlins or The Nightmare Before Christmas ? In this festive episode, we tackle the age-old debate...
Father Christmas - Origins, Legends, and the Wild Men of Winter
Who is Father Christmas, and how is he different from St. Nicholas? In this episode, we unwrap the fascinating history of Father Christmas,...
The History of Christmas Decorations: From Greenery to Glittery
How did Christmas decorations become such a magical part of the holiday season? In this episode, we explore the fascinating history behind t...
Christmas in Texas: A Festive Fusion!
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including Christmas! In this episode, we’re exploring the Lone Star State’s unique holiday traditions, shaped...