Toss aside the eggnog and prepare yourself for a festive deep dive into the weirdest corners of Christmas lore. This week, we’re unwrapping the origins of Santa Claus, the legendary gift-giver-slash-creepy-home-invader, and his darker, horned counterpart: Krampus—the Alpine nightmare goat-demon with a thing for punishing the naughty.
We dig into Saint Nick’s humble beginnings, Krampus’ whip-wielding European traditions, and whether or not either of them would pass a background check today. Also: are Krampus parades still a thing? (Yes. And they’re wild.)
Sprinkle in some unhinged tangents, hot takes on mall Santas, and our general confusion about how we all just collectively decided it’s fine to lie to children every December, and you’ve got yourself a holiday episode like no other.
So cozy up by the fire (or furnace), and let’s talk about how Christmas got real weird.
And of course, our musical gifts for this week:
Aaron: Iconic – Hana Lili
Jade: Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
