How Santa Became Santa

Epiphany-Forgotten Ending of Christmas

In our final episode of the Christmas Culture Club 2025 season, we explore Epiphany—what it is, why it matters, and how it serves as the ceremonial handshake between Christmas and the start of Carnival and Mardi Gras season. We’ll uncover the history of a day that once stood at the very heart of the Christmas calendar, trace how its meaning has shifted over time, and travel around the world to see the many ways Epiphany is still celebrated today. From king cakes and parades to quiet rituals and community feasts, this episode closes our season by revisiting a tradition that shaped Christmas as we know it—even if it’s faded from modern pop culture.

Bonus Episode: How Iceland Celebrations NYE!

In honor of it being New Year’s Eve, we’re sharing a wonderful brief interview we recorded with Nanna Gunnarsdottir, all about the unique and meaningful ways New Year’s Eve is celebrated around in Iceland!

Twixmas - the Week in Between

We’re diving headfirst into the strange, wonderful no-man’s-land between Christmas and New Year’s. The days blur, the rules disappear, and suddenly cookies feel like a valid breakfast choice. What are you binge-watching? Are you deep-cleaning your way into the New Year—or avoiding it entirely? Are you traveling to escape family, or spending even more time with them? And honestly… how many times today did you forget what day it is? This weird, cozy, snack-filled limbo is what Twixmas is all about.

How Santa Became Santa

It’s Christmas Eve, a night steeped in tradition, memory, and a whole lot of magic! In this episode, we settle in for a cozy deep dive into the history of Santa Claus. How did he journey from a 4th-century Turkish bishop to the Dutch Sinterklaas, and eventually become the familiar figure woven into American Christmas traditions? We explore how 19th-century New York reshaped Santa to soften rowdy holiday celebrations, how Civil War era propaganda helped define his image, and whether Coca-Cola really cemented the Santa we know today. Pour some cocoa and milk (for Santa!), gather close, and listen in as we trace the long, fascinating story behind the man who may be shimmying down your chimney tonight!

Grief in a Season of Joy

The holidays are often painted as a season of joy and celebration—but for many, they can also be wrapped up in grief and loss. In this episode, we talk honestly about how to show up for ourselves, and for the friends and family around us, when the season feels heavier than joyful. We are joined by grief counselor and hospital chaplain Jim Manzardo, who shares gentle guidance on navigating a tough holiday season with kindness, compassion, and care—for ourselves and for others.