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Step into the magic of Christmas with psychic and medical intuitive Julie Ryan and renowned historian Dr. Gerry Bowler as they uncover the hidden spiritual origins and captivating history behind the world’s most beloved holiday. From ancient winter rituals and medieval nativity traditions to the evolution of Santa Claus himself, this episode reveals the powerful symbols—angels, light, miracles, and more—that have shaped Christmas across centuries. If you’ve ever wondered why we celebrate the way we do—or simply want to feel the wonder of the season on a deeper level—this enchanting Christmas special is the perfect holiday treat.
Guest Biography:
Dr. Gerry Bowler, a historian from Saskatoon with degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and a Ph.D. from King’s College London, has spent his career exploring the intersection of religion and popular culture after beginning as a scholar of Medieval and Early-Modern Europe. His wide-ranging work spans studies on The Simpsons, Aristotle and professional wrestling, Wayne Gretzky, and Bloody Mary, though he is best known for his extensive research on the history of Christmas. The author of numerous books—including The World Encyclopedia of Christmas, Santa Claus: A Biography, God and The Simpsons, and Christmas in the Crosshairs—Gerry has also contributed countless articles, encyclopedia entries, op-eds, and edited volumes, with his works translated into multiple languages worldwide. When not writing or teaching, he serves as a Senior Fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, where he humorously “shakes a fist at modern society and tells it to get off his lawn.”
Episode Chapters:
01:04 Exploring Christmas Traditions with Dr. Gerry Bowler
02:13 Medieval Beliefs and Christmas
04:25 The Emotional Impact of Christmas
08:36 The Evolution of Christmas Traditions
11:00 The Role of St. Nicholas and the Reformation
14:03 The Reinvention of Christmas in the 19th Century
19:09 Personal Reflections on Christmas
21:41 Blending Winter Rituals with Christian Traditions
24:39 The Star of Bethlehem and the Wise Men
29:05 Christmas Markets and Modern Celebrations
30:39 Canadian Christmas Inventions
32:49 The Evolution of Santa Claus
35:48 Rudolph and Commercialism
37:26 Nativity Scenes and Their History
41:11 Angels in Christmas Lore
43:49 Symbolism of Light in Christmas
48:11 Midnight Mass and Traditions
49:55 Magical Christmas Superstitions
51:40 Personal Reflections on Christmas
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Disclaimer: This show is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical, psychological, financial or legal advice. Please contact a licensed professional. The Ask Julie Ryan show, Julie Ryan, and all parties involved in producing, recording and distributing it assume no responsibility for listener’s actions based on any information heard on this or any Ask Julie Ryan shows or podcasts.
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