December 26, 2023 • 26 mins
Some fungus, a vicious yule cat, Krampus, a pooping log, some original recipe fried chicken, and a visit from your friendly neighborhood witch? These "festive" traditions aren't typically seen on your favorite TV holiday movies. Join Jessica and Karmen in their throwback holiday U-Turn episode,as they talk about these cringe worthy customs. Don't miss your exit.
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Follow us:
Twitter --> https://twitter.com/smalltownusashw
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Introducing, the exciting partnership between BLUEVIEW Footwear and the 19 Media Group Network. Just visit BLUEVIEW to start your sustainable style journey. Let us know if you purchas and we'll give you a shout out on our next show!
SFX by ZapSplat
Follow 19 Media Group:
Twitter: @19MGroup
Instagram: 19mediagroup
https://www.19MediaGroup.com
Discover our favorite podcast gear and support the show—shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
I'd love shoes, And sometimes Ido feel bad because I buy a lot
of shoes and I know they're probablygoing into a landfill somewhere or they're going
to end up in the ocean eventually, you know, and it makes me
feel bad. And that's why Iwas so happy to wear these Blue Views.
And they're cute. Yeah, theylook cute with my dress, they
look cute with shorts, a cutecolors, and you know, I was
(00:24):
like pleasantly surprised when I unboxed myshoes and that blue was just so such
a pretty color blue. And thennot only that, I have a lot
of shoes, and these ones theywere so comfortable, Like I'm wearing them
everywhere because they're so comfortable, They'reso light, they're so breezy. They
you know, Yeah, I willdefinitely, and I'll wear them in the
winter with socks, Don't get mewrong, I will. I'm happy to
(00:46):
do this, to step into stylewithout compromising the planet. That's really nice.
So happy to have this exciting partnershipbetween Blue View Footwear and the nineteen
Media Group network. And if youwant to check out the amazing styles there,
just visit bit dot l y Forwardslash blue View nineteen to start your
(01:07):
sustainable style journey. Our friends overat blue View Footwear are renowned for introducing
the world's first fully biodegradable sneaker.By using plant based plastics, they are
leading a revolution in cleaner materials andmanufacturing. Also, they have sleek and
contemporary styles that cater to a widerange of tastes. Blue View Footwear believes
(01:30):
that fashion and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. Explore their incredible collection of equal friendly
footwear by visiting bit dot l yslash blue View nineteen. If you let
us know that you made a purchase, we'll give you a shout out at
our next show again. Just visitbit dot l y forward slash blue View
(01:53):
nineteen today and you'll see the ultimatecollaboration of fashion, sustainability and media excellence.
Heck yeah, I'm wearing nine rightnow. So it was just a
catheate poor people? Yeah, Ohmy god, that's awful. Was he
(02:13):
a Republican? Jessica navigating to smalltown USA? No ruel markers for one?
(02:35):
Are we galliant? Now entering theholidays? Merry Christmas, Jessica,
Happy Hanukkah, Thank you. Iknow you love Christmas, and I thought
(03:02):
this would be a good time totalk about some of the strange and fun
and weird things people do for Christmascelebrations. I mean, we know why
people like the manora for honikkah,everybody knows that. But I was curious,
why missletoe? Yeah, that istrue. Why mistletoe? Like what
(03:23):
inspires somebody to kiss underneath a pieceof fungus? Plants? Fungus it is
it's a fungus that kills trees.Ah, yeah, I mean it's pretty.
It's a pretty fungus. It isreally pretty, I mean rather great.
Yeah. Yeah. But so Iwas doing a little research and I
(03:43):
found out that this all started inGreece and it was to bring fertility to
the couple who kissed underneath it,and then the druids also had an apt
adaptation of that, and it wasalso fertility. It was this like fungus
like fertill So I don't think theywere trying to grow fungus in there and
(04:04):
then other regions, but I thinkit was it was a symbol of fertility
to inspire, you know, bigfamilies, and I guess they probably needed
them back then. That's interesting.So I wonder how did it get over
to Christmas. Then I know,like a lot of the traditions come from
(04:25):
many many years prior, but justone of those. It is, it
really is. But I have atheory on how it got to the United
States. Okay, I think thisparticular Christmas fungus got to the United States
on somebody's Christmas tree, which wasalso kind of a weird thing, like
(04:46):
to celebrate Jesus Christ. Why arewe putting up a fire hazard in our
house? I mean, they're beautiful. I would keep a Christmas tree all
year round if people wouldn't, youknow, call me the crazy lady with
a Christmas tree plants up in thehouse. I wouldn't normal, Like,
it's just so beautiful to look ata well decorated Christmas tree. Yeah,
well, where do they come from? Well, you know, I'm not
(05:10):
an expert by any means, Inever am, and so please don't ever
quote me on this. But thisis where I believe I've heard many many
years ago, many many many before, before the birth of Christ. You
know, the Celtics Celtics, notthe team the Celtics. It's Celtic.
It's Celtics. We're all basketball fans, sit back down. We're not putting
(05:31):
on our green suits right now foryou. No, no, no,
no, this is Christmas. Butway back when, you know, that
was a pagan tradition to bring ina Christmas tree and evergreen into the home
and decorated in gold and silver.And so when Constantine came through in Europe,
he actually is the one who startedCatholicism and he really liked the pagan
(05:57):
traditions, so he decided, hey, why not combine a beloved tradition in
the Christian Church and the holiday duringthe winter solstice. So I believe that's
where it comes. And that's notlike a fun story for some people,
but it really is true. That'show the Christmas tree came. And the
Christmas tree also has a representative offertility. All of this like everybody wants
(06:17):
you to get knocked up on Christmas. Just drink rum, Like, come
on, and what is that allabout? You know? I think,
like, here's the deal. Youknow, it's cold, people are staying
in of winter. It's the middleof winter. You need body heat to
stay warm in some places, notArizona so much. But what better thing
(06:38):
to do when you're just home drinkingrum, snuggling up by a fireplace watching
Netflix. Have a baby, makea baby or three. I mean that's
wonderful. Yes, everybody, westrongly recommend making babies by the Christmas tree.
You know, I think this isit is. It's contradictory, but
(06:59):
there's so many things that are.Christmas is just such an interesting holiday because
it's really about multiple, multiple religions. My mom always used to say Christmas
is not about the presence, andI was always like, what in the
hell is it about them? Whatyou've heard of? Like hanging a stocking
above your fireplace? Right? Somemight say a sock a sock? Some
(07:26):
people kind like a sore subject withme, like it is, why would
you hang your sock? I hadto start somewhere right right. So there
was a story of three sisters whogot gold coins from Saint Nicholas or Center
Class, Center Class, and that'show that tradition began. And then kids
would hang their socks or their stockingsup in hopes that old center Clause would
(07:49):
come and put something nice in there, like some coins or some candy,
maybe a combination. And then that'show it began. I think because America
is the melting pot. Again,that's one of those things that just came
over with our ancestors. The traditionreally started, I think back in the
Netherlands right where that ciner class is, you know, a Dutch tradition.
(08:16):
Again, Christmas is just full ofdifferent traditions, and you know, we
as America celebrate it as one package, you know, but all of those
different things have come from other traditions, other areas, like other countries,
and this tradition, for example,children used to put their clogs or wooden
clogs out and put hay and carrotsinside the clogs. What would happen is
(08:41):
Santa or synthic class would come andtake that hay and carrots and then replace
it with maybe like candies and smallpresents that sort of thing. Then later
on it just you know, withboth of those types of traditions that you
just talked about. My you know, this tradition, it turned into one
thing, and that happened to bethat stocking hung above them on the mantle,
(09:01):
right above the fireplace, which,by the way, seems like a
really unsafe place to put anything,right, does seem like a fire hazard,
doesn't it. So when I wasa kid, we didn't have a
fireplace, and I did not knowhow Santa could possibly get in the house
to fill the stockings. Does hehave a key? Like I don't.
I don't even have a key yet. I'm not even allowed a key,
(09:22):
But Santa Claus has a key.We're in the same situation right now with
my daughter, and you know,I just remind my daughter that Santa is
magic, because even if we didhave a chimney, how does he really
fit down there? You know?So there's got to be magic involved,
you know. Whether that's through achimney or through a magic wordle, I'm
not sure, But what is he? Captain Kirk me mea for all the
(09:46):
Star Trek fans out there. We'llbe talking about Star Trek basis. I
have my for everybody who cannot seeme. Right now, I'm wearing my
Star Trek ugly sweater and it iscute mm hmmm, and it says,
shut up, shut up Wesley.It's right, shut up Wesley. So
all the Wesley's out there, keepyou dang mouse shut. So another thing
(10:07):
that's always baffled me is the GingerbreadHouse. Oh yeah, like I know
that they're beautiful. I know theyhave contests. I know they come from
Germany and it was a German thingand YadA YadA, and it came from
Hansole and Gruttel. And not todiminish the tradition for the Germans out there,
But isn't it kind of gross,Jessica? Like you build this house,
(10:28):
everybody touches it, it sits outand gets dusty and gross. No,
you know, people are licking theirfingers, licking their fingers, wiping
their buttsticking their noses. It's coldand flu season in most places. And
then and then they just eat thisbox of by the way, not very
great. Like if you want yourgingerbread house to stay together, those cookies
(10:50):
are hard because they couldn't have massesin them, and they're not it's not
like true gingerbread. I mean thatit's really the cookie, right, it's
not. It's more of like abiscuit like in England, you know what,
they would call it a biscuit.But real gingerbread is nice and soft
gingerbread. Gingerbread, Oh, Ilike gingerbread with a little bit of whip
cream on top. Sure, agingerbread house is not that way, No,
(11:13):
it's not a pillowy, soft,delicious spice cake. No, it
is a hard rock. You mayas well just smear some icing on a
piece of wood and hope you don'tget splinters licking it. You're raccoine too,
myners A. So let's get intosome strange and weird traditions. And
(11:41):
you know, because those I thinkeverybody, like I said, has heard
of those traditions before, even ifyou don't celebrate them. But there are
some really strange, weird traditions thatwe just have to talk about that people
do during the holidays. So KFCis really super popular during on Christmas Day,
and not necessarily here in the UnitedStates, although it is something that
(12:05):
has wandered over to the United Statesover time. But back in nineteen seventy
four when KFC was first introduced toJapan, they really embraced KFC when it
came over and KFC did something thatwas resembling of a holiday meal because it
(12:26):
was chicken and potatoes and maybe abiscuit or something, and so it seemed
like it was this holiday meal,and the Japanese recognized it as a holiday
meal. And now on December twentyfifth, instead of making yourself a nice
holiday meal. Many, many,many people go to KFC to celebrate.
(12:46):
You know, I could go forsome of those KFC potato wedges right now.
There are worse places to eat onChristmas. Actually, individuals who want
to enjoy KFC on Christmas Day haveto place their order up to two months
in advance just to get this specialmeal on Christmas Day. Yeah, wow,
(13:09):
I thought it was. I thoughtI was going to have a conniption
when I had to wait in linefor Popeye's chicken sandwich. I was like,
what what I don't have all fiveminutes. I am very drawn to
this Christmas story about Crampis. OhCrampis. Oh yeah, Oh my gosh.
(13:35):
I like your name too. Iwould change my name to Crampus.
It's with a K. My name'swith a K. Crampus is an Austrian
tradition and uh, yeah, you'reright. I believe it is. When
Saint Nicholas was bringing presents to allof the nice children. Crampis, which
is who is like a half goat, half man beast with horns and fur,
(13:58):
very scary a demon. Well,I haven't met him, so I
can't really say. But for her, I don't know. Is there like
a lady Crampas. I think it'san it. I don't know, you
know, the horns are beautiful,and I like goats. I don't know,
But Crampas goes around and collects naughtychildren, you know, wicker basket
(14:24):
and I believe eats them. Yeah. So not only not only do children
in Austria have to worry about beingnice all year to get some candy and
some snacks or an xbox, theyalso have to worry about the horned harry
beast that's putting me in a wickerbasket to eat them later. Yeah,
(14:45):
it's just that's an awful thing totell your child. I mean, what
a way to really scare him tobe good? Right, not just the
coal, but hey, if youare not good, you're gonna get eaten
by Crampis. Yeah. But Ithink for smart kids that probably only works
about one season and then they realized, oh I got away with oh smoking
(15:07):
Aunt Debbie's cigarettes, all kinds offun things, you know, what to
hell with you, Crampus. InAustria they actually have a Crampis Run where
Trampis creature walks the streets in searchof delinquent children. Yes, it's called
the crampis run. It's like atradition thing. I don't know. I
(15:30):
mean, it's kind of crazy.And then because this kind of started back
like in the seventeenth century, andGranpis actually was Santa Claus's partner, like
he and Santa Claus went together likeSanta was okay with it, apparently because
he was his other person next tohim, and Santa would reward the good
children and then Crampus would just takethe others like they partnered. They were
(15:56):
partners. I think they were lovers, that kind of partner. But maybe
no, Missus Claus is there stillright, you know, perhaps they couldn't
have children and that was how itall started. I hate to think about
a goat beast eating children. That'sjust terrible. Bolts will just eat about
just about anything. I will saythat that is true, that is true,
(16:18):
But I've never heard about them eatingflesh. I'm calling bullshit on this
one. Yeah, watch, cramphas come to my house tonight. You're
gonna need a big basket, buddy, So I have another one for you.
That's kind of scary. It's it'scalled the yule cat, and it's
(16:38):
a tradition in Iceland. I willtry to say this in the native language,
but it will be horribly incorrect.You'lla cortur cordor. I don't know.
I was good. It's a hugeand vicious cat from the Islamic folklore,
(16:59):
and it lurked around during Christmas timeto eat people who have not received
any new clothes to wear before ChristmasEve. So it was just a cathidate
poor people. Yeah, oh mygod, that's awful. Was he a
Republican cat? Jessica, Oh mygod, I know, I know.
(17:23):
It's really bad. It's bad.Why would any why would anybody celebrate this?
Like? Why is it a tradition? This is a population control?
This is bad. This is bad. They don't they don't have a population
in Iceland, Are you kidding me? They have some people, but like,
(17:45):
are they really that crowded up there? I'm sure. Oh my goodness,
this is their way of keeping poorpeople out or anybody from visiting during
Christmas time. I think I wouldleave that if I ever have to go
to Iceland for Christmas, I'm takinga new outfit. The yule cat.
(18:06):
I'll punch a yule cat in theface. So reading a little bit more
about this cat and why why wouldanybody do that? It was actually a
threat. Basically what happened is thefarmers had workers and they really needed them
to finish processing the autumn wool beforeChristmas, and so they would threatn their
(18:26):
workers. The ones who took partin the work would be rewarded with new
clothes, but those who did notwould get nothing. They wouldn't get new
clothes, and then because they didn'tget new clothes, then they would get
eaten by the cat, like indenturedservants of some kind who have to wait
(18:47):
for their boss or landowner to givethem new clothes. And then it's up
to the discretion of the landowner,who, by the way, is probably
a jerk for having people work onChristmas working for clothes. That's just ridiculous
too, you know. Yeah,I say, punch the yule cat in
(19:07):
the mouth, punch it square inthe face, and take the farmer out
too. You're ruining my career.So what about the pooping man? The
pooping man, I've seen a poopingman before for holidays? Tell me about
that. In Catalan Spain, thatis how you say it Catalan Catalan.
(19:33):
So they have a figurine of apantiless peasant laying a turd down, said
and it, and they they sneakit into nativity scenes Jesus, Mary and
Joseph, who is pooping in theNativity scene. But so then there's the
(20:00):
it's like a little figurine of aman seriously with his pants down pooping.
Yeah, I've seen these. I'veseen these figures, Carmen, and they
do them like in famous people likefootball players, rock stars, presidents.
They like put it. I mean, they make it fun. So this
tradition kind of continues or they sellthese things and you can get them pretty
(20:22):
much. But you know, anybody, I think that's a This sounds like
a fun tradition to be like,I would love to, you know,
get a prize for picking up apooping Tom Brady taking a dump in the
Nativity scene. My husband would loveit. I a Michigan fan, I
(20:42):
would like that too. And sothis at the same time, they have
what they call the pooping log.So that yeah, it's the CagA TiO.
It is the translation is pooping log. And it could be a small
stick with a smile on it andit's covered with a red blanket and they
set it on the table or alog that's hollow and they put little toys
(21:06):
in there. But it sits onthe table all month long, and they
every day they feed it with nutsand sweets. It's kept warm under a
blanket and then the kids like beatit with a stick trying to get the
get it to poop out presents.And what really happens, obviously, is
the parents put presents under the blanketand then the kids find them. I
(21:27):
don't know much about the history ofthis or why, but what are we
changing our children to beat this thingthat we fed for a whole month with
sticks trying to get gifts out ofit? Isn't that really like a robbery?
Don't you get in trouble for thatif you do that on the street,
if you just walk up to somebodyand hit them with a stick for
(21:47):
a present like a wallet or anYeah, I still like wonder like who
decided a log? Like why alog? I don't understand, Like there's
so many other things you can popfit maybe, but it has a face
and everything, Like they draw alittle face on it, and that's so
scary. Again, I mean,have you ever watched South Park? Yeah?
(22:08):
Yeah, are you familiar with misterHaggy the Christmas poop. Yes,
yeah, so he has a face. No, but that's south Park.
This is like a Christmas tradition forlike centuries. Believe me, south Park
is a Christmas tradition at my house. Oh my god. I love Cartman's
(22:30):
version of a Holy Night. Bythe way, that's the best version.
I know. Everything comes from somewhereand we should be appreciative of it.
It's just interesting, you know,of the log, like why, I
mean, I'm sure maybe something todo with the Yule log giving it like
some sort of fig a little shitgive me sorry, what is okay?
(22:52):
So the Yule log is a logthat burns all night, right, I
guess so? And then that.But for us it's the the Yule log
is a nice cake. It's adelicious cake you right, yeah, yes,
the cake log, which is thelog I prefer I know again,
we're eating, like, of allthe things food it is I think,
(23:15):
I say, becomes a delicious mealfor me. In Buffana, Italy,
on January fifth, there is anugly but kind old witch known as Buffana,
and she controls the giving of thegifts. So she comes on January
(23:37):
fifth in the eve it's called theEve of Epiphany. Parents will leave out
a place for broccoli and spiced sausageand a glass of wine for Buffana.
I kind of like that better.I mean, if I was Santa,
I would be kind of jealous rightnow, Like I would want wine and
sausage and broccoli. I want youknow what I mean, Like, screw
what you used to put out milk, used to put out cookies? And
(24:03):
what are those hot buttered brom drinks? Yeah yeah, Santa Clauset White House
did drink. Sana did good.Oh yeah, I think maybe Santa's getting
wine and a good ipa this yearat my house. So Lava Fauna,
I'm probably saying that wrong does actuallyfly. She's like the good Witch who
(24:25):
flies around on her broom, andit does come down through the chimneys to
deliver clothing, toys, candy toall the good children. And then January
sixth is when the children's open uptheir toys and treats in their stockings.
So small town Christmas traditions and Christmastraditions around the world, they're all just
(24:48):
so different and weird, and someare scary, some are beautiful, like
the Christmas tree scary one include manyof the others we tell yeah, yes,
they just didn't have jewel cats.A lot of psychologists to teach people
how to just talk to theirs.Yeah, but I hope, I hope
(25:10):
you guys are are not going tobe scared this Christmas. I hope you
have a peaceful and warm holiday,however you spend it. Whether you put
your shoes outside or hang your sockssomewhere in your home, or wait for
crampus or a witch, you havea warm and safe holiday. Yeah,
Happy holidays everyone, We happily andyour time, share the love and reach
(25:32):
out to those who you haven't seenin a while, because I think that
is really the main purpose of thisholiday season. Happy Holidays from small Town
USA. Small Town USA is aproduction of nineteen Media Group. If you
(25:56):
would like to feature your small townin it et the or have suggestion for
future shows, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at Smalltown USA Show.
Thank you for joining us, andcome again real soon.
I'd love shoes, And sometimes Ido feel bad because I buy a lot
of shoes and I know they're probablygoing into a landfill somewhere or they're going
to end up in the ocean eventually, you know, and it makes me
feel bad. And that's why Iwas so happy to wear these Blue Views.
And they're cute. Yeah, theylook cute with my dress, they
look cute with shorts, a cutecolors, and you know, I was
(00:24):
like pleasantly surprised when I unboxed myshoes and that blue was just so such
a pretty color blue. And thennot only that, I have a lot
of shoes, and these ones theywere so comfortable, Like I'm wearing them
everywhere because they're so comfortable, They'reso light, they're so breezy. They
you know, Yeah, I willdefinitely, and I'll wear them in the
winter with socks, Don't get mewrong, I will. I'm happy to
(00:46):
do this, to step into stylewithout compromising the planet. That's really nice.
So happy to have this exciting partnershipbetween Blue View Footwear and the nineteen
Media Group network. And if youwant to check out the amazing styles there,
just visit bit dot l y Forwardslash blue View nineteen to start your
(01:07):
sustainable style journey. Our friends overat blue View Footwear are renowned for introducing
the world's first fully biodegradable sneaker.By using plant based plastics, they are
leading a revolution in cleaner materials andmanufacturing. Also, they have sleek and
contemporary styles that cater to a widerange of tastes. Blue View Footwear believes
(01:30):
that fashion and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. Explore their incredible collection of equal friendly
footwear by visiting bit dot l yslash blue View nineteen. If you let
us know that you made a purchase, we'll give you a shout out at
our next show again. Just visitbit dot l y forward slash blue View
(01:53):
nineteen today and you'll see the ultimatecollaboration of fashion, sustainability and media excellence.
Heck yeah, I'm wearing nine rightnow. So it was just a
catheate poor people? Yeah, Ohmy god, that's awful. Was he
(02:13):
a Republican? Jessica navigating to smalltown USA? No ruel markers for one?
(02:35):
Are we galliant? Now entering theholidays? Merry Christmas, Jessica,
Happy Hanukkah, Thank you. Iknow you love Christmas, and I thought
(03:02):
this would be a good time totalk about some of the strange and fun
and weird things people do for Christmascelebrations. I mean, we know why
people like the manora for honikkah,everybody knows that. But I was curious,
why missletoe? Yeah, that istrue. Why mistletoe? Like what
(03:23):
inspires somebody to kiss underneath a pieceof fungus? Plants? Fungus it is
it's a fungus that kills trees.Ah, yeah, I mean it's pretty.
It's a pretty fungus. It isreally pretty, I mean rather great.
Yeah. Yeah. But so Iwas doing a little research and I
(03:43):
found out that this all started inGreece and it was to bring fertility to
the couple who kissed underneath it,and then the druids also had an apt
adaptation of that, and it wasalso fertility. It was this like fungus
like fertill So I don't think theywere trying to grow fungus in there and
(04:04):
then other regions, but I thinkit was it was a symbol of fertility
to inspire, you know, bigfamilies, and I guess they probably needed
them back then. That's interesting.So I wonder how did it get over
to Christmas. Then I know,like a lot of the traditions come from
(04:25):
many many years prior, but justone of those. It is, it
really is. But I have atheory on how it got to the United
States. Okay, I think thisparticular Christmas fungus got to the United States
on somebody's Christmas tree, which wasalso kind of a weird thing, like
(04:46):
to celebrate Jesus Christ. Why arewe putting up a fire hazard in our
house? I mean, they're beautiful. I would keep a Christmas tree all
year round if people wouldn't, youknow, call me the crazy lady with
a Christmas tree plants up in thehouse. I wouldn't normal, Like,
it's just so beautiful to look ata well decorated Christmas tree. Yeah,
well, where do they come from? Well, you know, I'm not
(05:10):
an expert by any means, Inever am, and so please don't ever
quote me on this. But thisis where I believe I've heard many many
years ago, many many many before, before the birth of Christ. You
know, the Celtics Celtics, notthe team the Celtics. It's Celtic.
It's Celtics. We're all basketball fans, sit back down. We're not putting
(05:31):
on our green suits right now foryou. No, no, no,
no, this is Christmas. Butway back when, you know, that
was a pagan tradition to bring ina Christmas tree and evergreen into the home
and decorated in gold and silver.And so when Constantine came through in Europe,
he actually is the one who startedCatholicism and he really liked the pagan
(05:57):
traditions, so he decided, hey, why not combine a beloved tradition in
the Christian Church and the holiday duringthe winter solstice. So I believe that's
where it comes. And that's notlike a fun story for some people,
but it really is true. That'show the Christmas tree came. And the
Christmas tree also has a representative offertility. All of this like everybody wants
(06:17):
you to get knocked up on Christmas. Just drink rum, Like, come
on, and what is that allabout? You know? I think,
like, here's the deal. Youknow, it's cold, people are staying
in of winter. It's the middleof winter. You need body heat to
stay warm in some places, notArizona so much. But what better thing
(06:38):
to do when you're just home drinkingrum, snuggling up by a fireplace watching
Netflix. Have a baby, makea baby or three. I mean that's
wonderful. Yes, everybody, westrongly recommend making babies by the Christmas tree.
You know, I think this isit is. It's contradictory, but
(06:59):
there's so many things that are.Christmas is just such an interesting holiday because
it's really about multiple, multiple religions. My mom always used to say Christmas
is not about the presence, andI was always like, what in the
hell is it about them? Whatyou've heard of? Like hanging a stocking
above your fireplace? Right? Somemight say a sock a sock? Some
(07:26):
people kind like a sore subject withme, like it is, why would
you hang your sock? I hadto start somewhere right right. So there
was a story of three sisters whogot gold coins from Saint Nicholas or Center
Class, Center Class, and that'show that tradition began. And then kids
would hang their socks or their stockingsup in hopes that old center Clause would
(07:49):
come and put something nice in there, like some coins or some candy,
maybe a combination. And then that'show it began. I think because America
is the melting pot. Again,that's one of those things that just came
over with our ancestors. The traditionreally started, I think back in the
Netherlands right where that ciner class is, you know, a Dutch tradition.
(08:16):
Again, Christmas is just full ofdifferent traditions, and you know, we
as America celebrate it as one package, you know, but all of those
different things have come from other traditions, other areas, like other countries,
and this tradition, for example,children used to put their clogs or wooden
clogs out and put hay and carrotsinside the clogs. What would happen is
(08:41):
Santa or synthic class would come andtake that hay and carrots and then replace
it with maybe like candies and smallpresents that sort of thing. Then later
on it just you know, withboth of those types of traditions that you
just talked about. My you know, this tradition, it turned into one
thing, and that happened to bethat stocking hung above them on the mantle,
(09:01):
right above the fireplace, which,by the way, seems like a
really unsafe place to put anything,right, does seem like a fire hazard,
doesn't it. So when I wasa kid, we didn't have a
fireplace, and I did not knowhow Santa could possibly get in the house
to fill the stockings. Does hehave a key? Like I don't.
I don't even have a key yet. I'm not even allowed a key,
(09:22):
But Santa Claus has a key.We're in the same situation right now with
my daughter, and you know,I just remind my daughter that Santa is
magic, because even if we didhave a chimney, how does he really
fit down there? You know?So there's got to be magic involved,
you know. Whether that's through achimney or through a magic wordle, I'm
not sure, But what is he? Captain Kirk me mea for all the
(09:46):
Star Trek fans out there. We'llbe talking about Star Trek basis. I
have my for everybody who cannot seeme. Right now, I'm wearing my
Star Trek ugly sweater and it iscute mm hmmm, and it says,
shut up, shut up Wesley.It's right, shut up Wesley. So
all the Wesley's out there, keepyou dang mouse shut. So another thing
(10:07):
that's always baffled me is the GingerbreadHouse. Oh yeah, like I know
that they're beautiful. I know theyhave contests. I know they come from
Germany and it was a German thingand YadA YadA, and it came from
Hansole and Gruttel. And not todiminish the tradition for the Germans out there,
But isn't it kind of gross,Jessica? Like you build this house,
(10:28):
everybody touches it, it sits outand gets dusty and gross. No,
you know, people are licking theirfingers, licking their fingers, wiping
their buttsticking their noses. It's coldand flu season in most places. And
then and then they just eat thisbox of by the way, not very
great. Like if you want yourgingerbread house to stay together, those cookies
(10:50):
are hard because they couldn't have massesin them, and they're not it's not
like true gingerbread. I mean thatit's really the cookie, right, it's
not. It's more of like abiscuit like in England, you know what,
they would call it a biscuit.But real gingerbread is nice and soft
gingerbread. Gingerbread, Oh, Ilike gingerbread with a little bit of whip
cream on top. Sure, agingerbread house is not that way, No,
(11:13):
it's not a pillowy, soft,delicious spice cake. No, it
is a hard rock. You mayas well just smear some icing on a
piece of wood and hope you don'tget splinters licking it. You're raccoine too,
myners A. So let's get intosome strange and weird traditions. And
(11:41):
you know, because those I thinkeverybody, like I said, has heard
of those traditions before, even ifyou don't celebrate them. But there are
some really strange, weird traditions thatwe just have to talk about that people
do during the holidays. So KFCis really super popular during on Christmas Day,
and not necessarily here in the UnitedStates, although it is something that
(12:05):
has wandered over to the United Statesover time. But back in nineteen seventy
four when KFC was first introduced toJapan, they really embraced KFC when it
came over and KFC did something thatwas resembling of a holiday meal because it
(12:26):
was chicken and potatoes and maybe abiscuit or something, and so it seemed
like it was this holiday meal,and the Japanese recognized it as a holiday
meal. And now on December twentyfifth, instead of making yourself a nice
holiday meal. Many, many,many people go to KFC to celebrate.
(12:46):
You know, I could go forsome of those KFC potato wedges right now.
There are worse places to eat onChristmas. Actually, individuals who want
to enjoy KFC on Christmas Day haveto place their order up to two months
in advance just to get this specialmeal on Christmas Day. Yeah, wow,
(13:09):
I thought it was. I thoughtI was going to have a conniption
when I had to wait in linefor Popeye's chicken sandwich. I was like,
what what I don't have all fiveminutes. I am very drawn to
this Christmas story about Crampis. OhCrampis. Oh yeah, Oh my gosh.
(13:35):
I like your name too. Iwould change my name to Crampus.
It's with a K. My name'swith a K. Crampus is an Austrian
tradition and uh, yeah, you'reright. I believe it is. When
Saint Nicholas was bringing presents to allof the nice children. Crampis, which
is who is like a half goat, half man beast with horns and fur,
(13:58):
very scary a demon. Well,I haven't met him, so I
can't really say. But for her, I don't know. Is there like
a lady Crampas. I think it'san it. I don't know, you
know, the horns are beautiful,and I like goats. I don't know,
But Crampas goes around and collects naughtychildren, you know, wicker basket
(14:24):
and I believe eats them. Yeah. So not only not only do children
in Austria have to worry about beingnice all year to get some candy and
some snacks or an xbox, theyalso have to worry about the horned harry
beast that's putting me in a wickerbasket to eat them later. Yeah,
(14:45):
it's just that's an awful thing totell your child. I mean, what
a way to really scare him tobe good? Right, not just the
coal, but hey, if youare not good, you're gonna get eaten
by Crampis. Yeah. But Ithink for smart kids that probably only works
about one season and then they realized, oh I got away with oh smoking
(15:07):
Aunt Debbie's cigarettes, all kinds offun things, you know, what to
hell with you, Crampus. InAustria they actually have a Crampis Run where
Trampis creature walks the streets in searchof delinquent children. Yes, it's called
the crampis run. It's like atradition thing. I don't know. I
(15:30):
mean, it's kind of crazy.And then because this kind of started back
like in the seventeenth century, andGranpis actually was Santa Claus's partner, like
he and Santa Claus went together likeSanta was okay with it, apparently because
he was his other person next tohim, and Santa would reward the good
children and then Crampus would just takethe others like they partnered. They were
(15:56):
partners. I think they were lovers, that kind of partner. But maybe
no, Missus Claus is there stillright, you know, perhaps they couldn't
have children and that was how itall started. I hate to think about
a goat beast eating children. That'sjust terrible. Bolts will just eat about
just about anything. I will saythat that is true, that is true,
(16:18):
But I've never heard about them eatingflesh. I'm calling bullshit on this
one. Yeah, watch, cramphas come to my house tonight. You're
gonna need a big basket, buddy, So I have another one for you.
That's kind of scary. It's it'scalled the yule cat, and it's
(16:38):
a tradition in Iceland. I willtry to say this in the native language,
but it will be horribly incorrect.You'lla cortur cordor. I don't know.
I was good. It's a hugeand vicious cat from the Islamic folklore,
(16:59):
and it lurked around during Christmas timeto eat people who have not received
any new clothes to wear before ChristmasEve. So it was just a cathidate
poor people. Yeah, oh mygod, that's awful. Was he a
Republican cat? Jessica, Oh mygod, I know, I know.
(17:23):
It's really bad. It's bad.Why would any why would anybody celebrate this?
Like? Why is it a tradition? This is a population control?
This is bad. This is bad. They don't they don't have a population
in Iceland, Are you kidding me? They have some people, but like,
(17:45):
are they really that crowded up there? I'm sure. Oh my goodness,
this is their way of keeping poorpeople out or anybody from visiting during
Christmas time. I think I wouldleave that if I ever have to go
to Iceland for Christmas, I'm takinga new outfit. The yule cat.
(18:06):
I'll punch a yule cat in theface. So reading a little bit more
about this cat and why why wouldanybody do that? It was actually a
threat. Basically what happened is thefarmers had workers and they really needed them
to finish processing the autumn wool beforeChristmas, and so they would threatn their
(18:26):
workers. The ones who took partin the work would be rewarded with new
clothes, but those who did notwould get nothing. They wouldn't get new
clothes, and then because they didn'tget new clothes, then they would get
eaten by the cat, like indenturedservants of some kind who have to wait
(18:47):
for their boss or landowner to givethem new clothes. And then it's up
to the discretion of the landowner,who, by the way, is probably
a jerk for having people work onChristmas working for clothes. That's just ridiculous
too, you know. Yeah,I say, punch the yule cat in
(19:07):
the mouth, punch it square inthe face, and take the farmer out
too. You're ruining my career.So what about the pooping man? The
pooping man, I've seen a poopingman before for holidays? Tell me about
that. In Catalan Spain, thatis how you say it Catalan Catalan.
(19:33):
So they have a figurine of apantiless peasant laying a turd down, said
and it, and they they sneakit into nativity scenes Jesus, Mary and
Joseph, who is pooping in theNativity scene. But so then there's the
(20:00):
it's like a little figurine of aman seriously with his pants down pooping.
Yeah, I've seen these. I'veseen these figures, Carmen, and they
do them like in famous people likefootball players, rock stars, presidents.
They like put it. I mean, they make it fun. So this
tradition kind of continues or they sellthese things and you can get them pretty
(20:22):
much. But you know, anybody, I think that's a This sounds like
a fun tradition to be like,I would love to, you know,
get a prize for picking up apooping Tom Brady taking a dump in the
Nativity scene. My husband would loveit. I a Michigan fan, I
(20:42):
would like that too. And sothis at the same time, they have
what they call the pooping log.So that yeah, it's the CagA TiO.
It is the translation is pooping log. And it could be a small
stick with a smile on it andit's covered with a red blanket and they
set it on the table or alog that's hollow and they put little toys
(21:06):
in there. But it sits onthe table all month long, and they
every day they feed it with nutsand sweets. It's kept warm under a
blanket and then the kids like beatit with a stick trying to get the
get it to poop out presents.And what really happens, obviously, is
the parents put presents under the blanketand then the kids find them. I
(21:27):
don't know much about the history ofthis or why, but what are we
changing our children to beat this thingthat we fed for a whole month with
sticks trying to get gifts out ofit? Isn't that really like a robbery?
Don't you get in trouble for thatif you do that on the street,
if you just walk up to somebodyand hit them with a stick for
(21:47):
a present like a wallet or anYeah, I still like wonder like who
decided a log? Like why alog? I don't understand, Like there's
so many other things you can popfit maybe, but it has a face
and everything, Like they draw alittle face on it, and that's so
scary. Again, I mean,have you ever watched South Park? Yeah?
(22:08):
Yeah, are you familiar with misterHaggy the Christmas poop. Yes,
yeah, so he has a face. No, but that's south Park.
This is like a Christmas tradition forlike centuries. Believe me, south Park
is a Christmas tradition at my house. Oh my god. I love Cartman's
(22:30):
version of a Holy Night. Bythe way, that's the best version.
I know. Everything comes from somewhereand we should be appreciative of it.
It's just interesting, you know,of the log, like why, I
mean, I'm sure maybe something todo with the Yule log giving it like
some sort of fig a little shitgive me sorry, what is okay?
(22:52):
So the Yule log is a logthat burns all night, right, I
guess so? And then that.But for us it's the the Yule log
is a nice cake. It's adelicious cake you right, yeah, yes,
the cake log, which is thelog I prefer I know again,
we're eating, like, of allthe things food it is I think,
(23:15):
I say, becomes a delicious mealfor me. In Buffana, Italy,
on January fifth, there is anugly but kind old witch known as Buffana,
and she controls the giving of thegifts. So she comes on January
(23:37):
fifth in the eve it's called theEve of Epiphany. Parents will leave out
a place for broccoli and spiced sausageand a glass of wine for Buffana.
I kind of like that better.I mean, if I was Santa,
I would be kind of jealous rightnow, Like I would want wine and
sausage and broccoli. I want youknow what I mean, Like, screw
what you used to put out milk, used to put out cookies? And
(24:03):
what are those hot buttered brom drinks? Yeah yeah, Santa Clauset White House
did drink. Sana did good.Oh yeah, I think maybe Santa's getting
wine and a good ipa this yearat my house. So Lava Fauna,
I'm probably saying that wrong does actuallyfly. She's like the good Witch who
(24:25):
flies around on her broom, andit does come down through the chimneys to
deliver clothing, toys, candy toall the good children. And then January
sixth is when the children's open uptheir toys and treats in their stockings.
So small town Christmas traditions and Christmastraditions around the world, they're all just
(24:48):
so different and weird, and someare scary, some are beautiful, like
the Christmas tree scary one include manyof the others we tell yeah, yes,
they just didn't have jewel cats.A lot of psychologists to teach people
how to just talk to theirs.Yeah, but I hope, I hope
(25:10):
you guys are are not going tobe scared this Christmas. I hope you
have a peaceful and warm holiday,however you spend it. Whether you put
your shoes outside or hang your sockssomewhere in your home, or wait for
crampus or a witch, you havea warm and safe holiday. Yeah,
Happy holidays everyone, We happily andyour time, share the love and reach
(25:32):
out to those who you haven't seenin a while, because I think that
is really the main purpose of thisholiday season. Happy Holidays from small Town
USA. Small Town USA is aproduction of nineteen Media Group. If you
(25:56):
would like to feature your small townin it et the or have suggestion for
future shows, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at Smalltown USA Show.
Thank you for joining us, andcome again real soon.
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