Episode 4 - The Secret History of Christmas

Join host Tom McKenzie on Unexplained History for a festive yet eye-opening journey into the mysterious origins of Christmas. In this episode, we unravel the ancient roots of this beloved holiday, tracing its evolution from pagan midwinter celebrations like Saturnalia and Yule to the global celebration of joy and giving we know today.

Discover the fascinating stories behind figures like St. Nicholas, Odin, and Krampus, and uncover how Christian traditions intertwined with older customs to create enduring symbols such as the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, and twinkling lights. With captivating insights into global Christmas traditions—from Mexico's Las Posadas to Sweden's Gävle Goat—this episode explores how Christmas reflects humanity’s universal desire for hope, connection, and light amidst the darkest days of the year.

Tune in for an enchanting mix of history, mythology, and cultural storytelling that will deepen your appreciation for the holiday season. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa or braving the holiday hustle, The Secret History of Christmas is the perfect companion for your festive celebrations.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:10):
Welcome to Unexplained History, the podcast where we unravel the
mysteries of the past and uncover the hidden truths behind
the traditions and events that have shaped our world. I'm
your host, Tom McKenzie, and today we'll peel back the

(00:34):
glittering surface of one of the most celebrated holidays on
the planet, Christmas. But don't be fooled by its familiar
warmth of twinkling lights, jolly music, and homes filled with laughter.
The history of Christmas isn't as straightforward as you might think.

(00:56):
Beneath the festive cheer lies a rich tapestry of ancient rituals,
sacred transformations, and even some darker corners of law that
aren't so widely known. On this episode titled The Secret
History of Christmas, we'll journey back through millennia to find

(01:19):
the roots of this complex holiday, uncovering how practice is
born in pagan midwinter festivals like Saturnalia and Yule were
reimagined to create something entirely new. We'll meet a host
of fascinating figures along the way, from the benevolent Saint
Nicholas of Myra to the ghostly Odin of Norse mythology.

(01:42):
And even the sinister Crampus who lingers on the edge
of Christmas celebrations in parts of Europe. But this story
isn't just about mythical characters or ancient rituals. It's about
cultural survival and adaptation through centuries of change, from Christianity's

(02:05):
early efforts to align the birth of Christ with pre
Christian celebrations, to the explosion of Victorian Christmas traditions to
the commercial juggernaut it has become today. Christmas has continued
to evolve. Along the way, will unearth the stories behind

(02:25):
evergreen trees, twinkling lights, and even that iconic figure in
the red suit driving a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.
And yet buried within all of this change is a question.
Has the essence of the holiday, a celebration of hope
in the dark of winter, survived or has it, like

(02:48):
so much else, been overshadowed by consumerism. So grab a
cup of hot cocoa, settle in by the fire, and
join me as we descend in to the history and
mythology of Christmas. Let's begin our journey by exploring the
icy echoes of ancient midwinter festivals and the forces that

(03:13):
forged them into the earliest whispers of what we now
call Christmas. Stay with me, There's much more to discover.
Welcome to Unexplained History, the podcast where we unravel the

(03:37):
mysteries of the past and uncover the hidden truths behind
the traditions and events that have shaped our world. I'm
your host Tom mackenzie, and today we begin an extraordinary
journey into the secret history of Christmas. While the holiday
may conjure visions of twinkling lights, frosted trees, and bustling markets,

(04:01):
its origins tell a story far older and far more
complex than the world we know today. Christmas as we
celebrate it now is a mosaic of ancient customs, cultural adaptations,
and intriguing myths. But how did a season once marked
by pagan feasts and winter solstice rituals evolve into a

(04:24):
celebration of joy and giving? And what do these ancient
echoes reveal about the way we honor the festive season today.
In this episode, we'll illuminate a Christmas long hidden beneath
the layers of modern commercialism. We'll explore how early Christians

(04:45):
transformed pagan midwinter celebrations into something entirely new We'll also
meet figures who have shaped holiday law, from Odin with
his stormy rides through the winter sky, to the jolly
saint Nicholas of Mehra, to darker characters who served as
cautionary tales. But first to truly understand the roots of Christmas,

(05:12):
we must look to the winter solstice festivals of the
ancient world. These were celebrations governed not by religion as
we know it today, but by the forces of nature,
the shifting rhythms of survival, and humanity's deep need to
find light amid the darkest days of the year. So

(05:33):
let's journey back in time to where it all began,
the frozen landscapes of Saturnalia and Yule, and the traditions
they bequeathed to us. For our ancestors, the arrival of
winter was a time of both foreboding and reflection. The

(05:54):
days shortened, the sun grew distant, and the cold seeped
into the bones of the earth. Yet amid this bleakness,
a spark of hope endured. The winter solstice. The moment
when the sun appears to stand still in the sky
marked a turning point, a promise that the darkness would
begin to recede and the light would return. Across ancient Europe,

(06:19):
this idea became a focal point for midwinter festivities. For
the Romans. This period was known as Saturnalia, a rambunctious
festival honoring Saturn, the god of time and agriculture. Beginning
in mid December, Saturnalia turned societal norms on their heads.

(06:40):
Masters served their slaves, social hierarchies dissolved, and the city
came alive with feasting, merriment, and gift giving. It was
a time of indulgence and inversion, a temporary reprieve from
the hardships of winter, one that sought to all humanity

(07:01):
with the regenerative cycles of the natural world. Further north,
in the vast and misty forests of Scandinavia, another solstice
tradition emerged Yule. For the Norse people, Yule was a

(07:22):
time to honor the sun's rebirth and to give thanks
for the year's harvest. Meager, though it may have been,
at its center, stood the Yule log, a massive piece
of wood selected with care and burned over the course
of the season. The log symbolized survival, warmth, and continuity,

(07:46):
a connection to ancestors and the hope of future prosperity.
Homes were adorned with evergreen branches, a reminder of life's
resilience even in the dead of winter, and in some
versions of Yule lore, Odin, the all father of Norse mythology,
took to the skies during this time. Writing an eight

(08:10):
legged steed, he was believed to lead a ghostly procession
known as the Wild Hunt, a chilling spectacle that blurred
the boundaries between the living and the dead. Historians theorized
that this myth may have served as a precursor to
Santa Claus himself, as Odin's mysterious nocturnal journey bears echoes

(08:35):
of the Jolly Old Saints' midnight sleigh rides. It wasn't
merely the themes of these festivals, light in darkness, life
in death that resonated with early Christians. It was also
their timing. Saturnalia and Yule were already entrenched in the

(08:55):
collective psyche when Christianity began to spread, and early church
leaders recognized both the opportunity and the challenge they represented
by aligning the celebration of Christ's birth with these established
solstice traditions. They could ease the transition for converts while

(09:16):
imbuing the new faith with a sense of continuity, And
so the nativity of Christ, the light of the world,
was set to align with the age old celebration of
the Sun's return. The choice wasn't arbitrary, it was strategic,
blending the sacred and the pagan into a form that

(09:38):
could endure Today. Remnants of those festivals remain hidden in
plain sight. The gifts we exchange mirror the tokens once
shared during Saturnalia. The Christmas tree, bedecked with ornaments whispers

(09:59):
of ancient ever hung with offerings to the gods, and
the Yule log, though now more likely made of cake
or chocolate, still carries with it the same enduring message.
Light and warmth prevail even in the coldest of times.
But as Christianity reshaped these rituals, it also compelled them

(10:23):
to adapt. What was once riotous and untamed became infused
with spiritual solemnity, and over time, the feasting halls of
Saturnalia and the fires of Yule gave way to candle
lit churches and quiet reflection. Yet the urge to celebrate,

(10:43):
to gather, to give, to acknowledge the turning seasons has
survived in remarkable ways. These traditions are more than just
historical curiosities. They are living testaments to humanity's resilience and creativity,
capable of transforming even the harshest winters into times of joy.

(11:12):
Coming up, we'll uncover how gift givers and mythical visitors,
both cherished and fearsome, traveled through centuries of tradition to
become fixtures of the modern holiday. What does Santa oh
to a fourth century bishop or to a Norse god
who once stalked the twilight skies? And what of the

(11:34):
terrifying shadow that lurks just behind the jolly figure in red.
Stay with us as Unexplained History continues to reveal the
unseen threads woven into the fabric of Christmas. I'm Tom
mc kenzie and we've only just begun. Welcome to Unexplained History,

(12:05):
the podcast where we uncover the hidden stories of the
past and delve into the extraordinary forces and events that
have shaped our traditions, our beliefs, and occasionally our misconceptions.
I'm your host, Tom mackenzie, and in this episode, we're

(12:27):
embarking on a journey into the secret history of Christmas.
On the surface, it's a holiday most of us know
well or think we do. It's a time for family gatherings,
twinkling lights, cheerful music, and the embrace of giving. But
beneath this glittering facade lies a story steeped in transformation,

(12:52):
one full of ancient rituals, mythic figures, and cultural innovation.
Over the centuries, Christmas has been molded into something both
universal and deeply personal, a blend of the sacred and
the commercial, the hopeful and the mysterious. To understand how

(13:14):
this came to be, we must peel back its many layers.
We'll venture into ancient winter festivals like Saturnalia and Yule,
uncover how Christianity reimagined existing customs, and meet the intriguing
cast of characters that have shaped Christmas, including one figure

(13:36):
whose journey through time has been as magical as the
holiday itself, Santa Claus. How did a fourth century bishop
become a sky traveling icon of generosity. Why does to
day Santa wear red, ride a reindeer drawn sleigh and

(13:56):
linger restlessly at the center of Christmas law? And what
if this jovial figure wasn't always so jolly. To answer
these questions, we need to trace not only his origins,
but also his evolution, a story shaped by mythology, religion, art,

(14:18):
and even advertising. Santa Claus is more than just a
symbol of holiday cheer. He is, in many ways a
mirror reflecting humanity's deepening connection to the ideals of giving, belief,
and imagination across time. His transformation is one of cultural

(14:41):
borrowing and reinvention, a living historical thread that stretches back
far longer than the familiar image we recognize today. And
to begin this chapter, we must travel not to the
snowy North Pole, but to the warm shores of the
Mediterranean Sea to meet the man behind the myth, Saint

(15:05):
Nicholas of Myra. Saint Nicholas didn't grow up with visions
of slaves or chimneys or long nights spent delivering gifts.
In fact, he lived in the fourth century in what
is now modern day Turkey, a devout Christian bishop known

(15:27):
for his unwavering faith and quiet acts of kindness. His
most famous legend begins with three dowryless daughters whose father
was too poor to secure their futures. Saint Nicholas, hearing
of their plight, secretly delivered bags of gold coins to
the family, reportedly tossing them through their window in the

(15:50):
dead of night. Some versions of the story even claim
the coins landed in stockings left to dry by the fire,
a curious foreshadowing of the tradition that would someday become
synonymous with Christmas Eve. Over the centuries, Saint Nicholas's reputation

(16:13):
for generosity and miracles spread far and wide. He became
the patron saint of children, sailors, and the downtrodden, inspiring
celebrations in his honour each December sixth Saint Nicholas Day.
In many regions, he was depicted as a benevolent figure,

(16:34):
dressed in bishop's robes, carrying a staff, and traveling from
house to house on horseback to reward good behaviour with
gifts or sweet treats. But this early iteration of Santa
Claus was not yet unique or universal. His image varied

(16:54):
drastically across cultures, and his story often mingled with local
folklore in fascinating ways. For instance, when we shift our
gaze to northern Europe, we find another figure, far older
and much more mysterious whose own mythology would later intertwine
with Christmas. Odin, the all father of Norse mythology, was

(17:18):
a shape shifting god associated with wisdom, war, and magic.
During the Yule season, Odin was said to ride through
the sky on slip near his eight legged flying steed,
leading a spectral procession known as the Wild Hunt. This

(17:38):
eerie phenomenon was believed to foretell change, reward, bravery, or
in some versions, punish those who misbehaved. Odin was no
jovial gift giver, but elements of his story a supernatural
figure in the winter sky, traveling on a mythical steed

(18:00):
and interacting with humanity. There a striking resemblance to later
depictions of Santa Claus. Coincidence maybe not. As the centuries passed,
folklore and Christianity began to converge across Europe, creating layered

(18:20):
narratives that blurred the lines between saint and myth. When
Dutch settlers brought the tradition of Center Claus to America
in the eighteenth century, a significant chapter in Santa's transformation began.
Cinerclass based on Saint Nicholas was depicted as a robed,

(18:42):
bearded figure arriving on horseback. His annual visits a much
anticipated highlight for children. Yet even in this incarnation, Santa
Claus remained tethered more to old world spirituality than the
commercialized tradition we recognized today. To fully understand how he

(19:05):
made that leap, we need to turn to the power
of literature and a certain poem you might know by heart.
In eighteen twenty three, a poem titled A Visit from
Saint Nicholas, better known as Twas the Night Before Christmas,
was published anonymously. It was this piece of literature that

(19:29):
painted Santa as a roly poly merry figure with twinkling eyes,
rosy cheeks, and a signature laugh ho ho ho. He
was no longer solemn or saintly, but approachable, joyous, and
childlike in his wonder The poem also introduced many of
his now iconic traits, including his sleigh, reindeer and jolly demeanor.

(19:57):
By eighteen sixty three, the artist Thomas Nast solidified the
image further through a series of vivid illustrations portraying Santa
as we see him today, round, joyful, clad in red,
and undeniably magical. As we move into the twentieth century,
another formidable force took hold of Santa's image marketing. In

(20:20):
the nineteen thirties, Coca Cola commissioned a campaign featuring a modern,
cheerful Santa Claus to sell its product during the holiday season.
The artwork was so effective it essentially locked in the
image of Santa as a red suited, larger than life character,
perpetually smiling, and always accompanied by scenes of wintry Americana.

(20:47):
From folklore to faith to full blown commercialism, Santa had
traversed an extraordinary cultural arc. And yet not all representations
of Santa Claus are so warm and cheerful. Shrouded in
the shadows of European tradition, there exists a darker counterpart. Crampus.

(21:09):
This horned demonic figure emerged in Alpine folklore as a
warning to naughty children. Unlike Santa, who rewards good behavior,
Crampis brings chains and birch rods as a reminder and
a threat. On crampus Nacht, the night of December fifth,

(21:31):
parents in Alpine villages once used this fearsome creature to
enforce discipline. It's a chilling reminder that not all holiday
traditions are built on comfort and joy. Together, these figures,
Saint Nicholas, Odin, Crampus, Center Claus, and the Santa of

(21:54):
modern pop culture, represent more than just the evolution of
a character. They reflect a deeper truth that traditions are
living things, capable of absorbing and reshaping the legends of
the past to suit the needs of the present. And
while the form may change, the essence remains. Santa Claus,

(22:17):
for all his transformations, continues to embody humanity's wish to
believe in something larger than ourselves, a spirit of generosity, magic,
and hope. But Santa is only one part of this
larger story. Next, we'll turn our gaze to the symbols

(22:40):
and rituals that surround Christmas, the evergreen trees, twinkling lights,
and other traditions that have become inseparable from the season.
Where did they come from and what do they reveal
about humanity's need for connection in the darkest days of
the year. Stay with us as Unexplained History continues. I'm

(23:04):
your host, Tom mc kenzie, and there's still so much
more to uncover. Welcome to Unexplained History, the podcast where
we journey into the past to uncover the untold stories,
hidden truths, and forgotten threads of our collective narrative. I'm

(23:29):
your host, Tom mc kenzie, and to day we're diving
into the secret history of Christmas. While Christmas may sparkle
in our imaginations as a celebration of joy, family, and tradition,
its origins tell a story far older and far more layered,

(23:51):
a story that blends ancient pagan customs, evolving religious practices,
and cultural ingenuity. But to really appreciate what Christmas has become,
let's begin with one of its most enduring symbols, the
evergreen tree, and see how it grew from ancient custom

(24:12):
into the centerpiece of holiday festivities. Stay with me as
we explore the story of creativity, resilience, and timeless symbolism
behind this beloved tradition. For many of us, the Christmas

(24:36):
tree feels as natural a part of the season as
snow in December, but its history tells a tale of
how human culture has long turned to the natural world
for symbols of hope. Our story begins in Germany, where

(24:57):
the practice of bringing evergreen trees indoors first took root
to the early Germanic peoples. The evergreen's ability to retain
its vibrant green color throughout the bleak cold months made
it a potent symbol of survival and renewal. Long before

(25:17):
anyone called these trees Christmas trees, boughs of evergreens were
brought into homes or temples and hung in doorways as
a reminder of resilience and vitality. The tradition was deeply
intertwined with midwinter celebrations like the Norse holiday of Yule.

(25:41):
During this time, when days were short and nights seemed
impossibly long, people turned to symbols like the evergreen to
reassure themselves that life, even in the grips of such harshness,
would endure. The leap from pagan custom to Christian symbol
was not instantaneous, but followed the familiar pattern of cultural blending.

(26:08):
During the Renaissance, Germany became the epicentre of a loosely
defined tradition involving decorated trees, which began to appear in
civic spaces or inside homes during early December. These paradise trees,
as they were called, initially, had a more religious tone,

(26:31):
adorned with apples to represent the fruit of knowledge. In
the Garden of Eden. They were used to celebrate Adam
and Eve Day, a popular feast observed on December twenty
four in medieval Christianity, but as the customs spread, it
began to take on meanings far beyond its biblical roots.

(26:55):
The practice started shifting within private homes during the sixteenth century,
with one particularly famous figure often credited for popularizing it,
Martin Luther. According to legend, Luther was walking home one
crisp winter night when he paused beneath a canopy of

(27:17):
glittering stars. Struck by their beauty, he decided to recreate
the scene for his children using a small evergreen tree
illuminated by candles. Whether this story is entirely true or
merely apocryphal, it speaks to the merging of natural wonder

(27:37):
and Christian sentiment, a fusion that helped the Christmas tree
blossom into a symbol of hope, light, and divine promise.
By the nineteenth century, decorated Christmas trees had begun spreading
throughout Europe, though it was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

(27:59):
who sealed their popularity in an era when art, etiquette
and domestic life were heavily influenced by Victorian taste. A
simple illustration from eighteen forty eight showing the Royal family
gathered around a Christmas tree, had an outsized impact. Appearing

(28:22):
first in the London Illustrated News and eventually crossing the
Atlantic to the United States, it sparked a cultural phenomenon.
The image depicted an evergreen bedecked with candles, ornaments, and
small gifts nestled beneath its boughs. For readers, it was

(28:42):
a scene steeped in warmth, wonder and familial togetherness, and
its appeal was irresistible. Suddenly, Christmas trees were not just
for German households. They became symbols of a domestic idea,
a centerpiece for middle class families aspiring to partake in

(29:05):
the traditions of their monarchs. Yet for all this newfound popularity,
the tree remained a deeply adaptable tradition. By the mid
twentieth century, American Christmas trees had taken on a distinctly
modern flare. Electrification brought twinkling lights, and evolving consumer culture

(29:27):
introduced mass produced glass ornaments and tinsel, transforming the tree
into a glimmering spectacle of personal expression, from meticulously themed
trees to chaotic displays of family made crafts, each one
reflected the tastes and stories of those who decorated it,

(29:49):
and perhaps that's the true magic of the Christmas tree.
It absorbs the personality and creativity of its keepers while
retaining its ancient essence, a testament to enduring life and
the bonds that carry us through our darkest seasons. Of course,

(30:12):
for as widespread as the Christmas tree has become, its
essence has traveled much further than its humble German beginnings.
In Japan, for instance, brightly lit trees are often adorned
in a distinctly modern style, blending the old form with
new interpretations full of neon hues. In Mexico, smaller tabletop

(30:37):
trees are frequently used as companions to elaborate Nativity scenes,
tying the customs specifically into the Catholic faith. Meanwhile, in Sweden,
the tradition intersects with ancient Yule customs, where straw ornaments
and arrangements invoke both practicality and nostalgia for simpler times.

(31:02):
These cross cultural expressions remind us that while the tree
may look different, from place to place. The deeper symbolism
of unity, hope, and renewal remains intact today. Standing beneath

(31:22):
a decorated Christmas tree, it's easy to marvel at its
beauty without considering just how ancient and meaningful the symbol
really is. At its core, the tree represents far more
than a place to hang ornaments or arrange presence. It's
a reminder of resilience, a reflection of humanity's creativity in

(31:43):
turning the world's harshest season into a glowing celebration of
endurance and joy. Like the Solstice ceremonies of the past,
these vibrant trees serve as beacons in an otherwise cold
dark time. They remind us that life endures, light follows darkness,

(32:07):
and joy persists despite hardship. But the Christmas tree is
just one facet of the broader holiday season, a single
thread in a vast tapestry of tradition and invention. Coming up,
we'll peel back the layers of holiday myths to meet

(32:29):
the peculiar personalities who populate them. From Odin's spectral rides
across the frozen skies to the unexpected evolution of a
Turkish Saint into the jolly Man in the red suit.
What do these stories reveal about our collective spirit? Stay

(32:51):
with us as Unexplained History continues its festive journey. I'm
your host, Tom McKenzie, and there's still much more to uncover.

(33:20):
As the frost settles on rooftops and the warmth of
holiday lights fills the chill of December air, there's a
certain magic in the season that seems inescapable. But for
all the glitter and glow, there's another side to Christmas
that most of us rarely think about. Tucked away in

(33:43):
the shadows of holiday cheer are characters and customs far
removed from the North Pole's sugary, sweet vision. We're drawing
back the curtain on the darker side of Christmas, where fear, discipline,
and evil and danger once played a role in how
the season was celebrated. Welcome back to Unexplained History, the

(34:10):
podcast where we uncover the hidden stories of our past
and explore the forgotten threads of history that continue to
shape how we see the world. I'm Tom mackenzie, your
host and guide on this journey through time. Christmas for
many of us, is inseparably tied to images of joy

(34:33):
and generosity. But it hasn't always been this way. Long
before Santa Claus became a portly, jolly and consumer friendly figure,
other more sinister characters haunted the season, commanding just as
much attention, sometimes even more so than their benevolent counterparts.

(34:58):
To uncover their story, we must travel back to the
alpine villages of Europe, where one of Christmas' most frightening
denizens still thrives. Crampis. Imagine for a moment, a chilly
December night in a tiny Austrian village nestled beneath snow

(35:20):
capped mountains. The streets are quiet, save for the occasional
crackle of firelight spilling from windows. Suddenly, the sound of
chains echoes through the narrow cobblestone alleyways, accompanied by unnerving
guttural growls, and then he arrives. Crampis a towering, horned

(35:43):
figure with glowing eyes, sharp fangs, and a body covered
in matted fur. He drags a chain behind him, carrying
a bundle of birch branches, used to punish for particularly
naughty children. Legend says, he carries an even more sinister accessory,

(36:03):
a sack or basket. Slung over his back, ready to
scoop them up and take them far away from their families.
For children who'd spent the year misbehaving, it wasn't Santa,
they feared, it was Crampus. This terrifying figure has roots

(36:24):
that extend deep into pre Christian Alpine traditions. Historians believe
Crampis may have originated as part of pagan winter Solstice rituals,
serving as a kind of dark counterpart to figures of
light and goodwill. When Christianity began to spread through these

(36:52):
mountain communities, Crampis didn't disappear. Rather, he was folded into
the evolving holiday narrative. Paired with Saint Nicholas, Crampus became
part of a kind of moral duet, embodying the consequences
of bad behavior, just as Saint Nicholas represented its rewards.

(37:14):
On December fifth, the eve of Saint Nicholas Day, Alpine
communities celebrated Crampus Knot or Crampus Knight, when men in
elaborate costumes transformed into the fearsome being, parading through the
streets and bringing frightful entertainment to the season. Costumed Crampuses

(37:38):
would enter homes or public gatherings with Saint Nicholas to
both terrify and delight children who were reminded that their
actions mattered not just to Santa, but to darker forces
as well. Crampis wasn't alone in his role as the

(37:59):
enforcer of holiday morality. Across Europe. Various regions have their
own shadowy figures who balance the festive scales. In Germany
and Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, there's Bellsnickel, a gruff, fur cloaked
figure who appears before Christmas to quiz children on their

(38:19):
recent behavior. Bellsnickel carries a switch for the naughty and
sweets for the good. Rather than sneaking down chimneys, he
visits kids face to face, offering no escape from his
probing questions. And then there's the Netherlands. Swartapiet or Black Pete,

(38:44):
a controversial figure who started as a Moorish companion to cinerclass.
While modern depictions of Swartapiert are an ongoing topic of
debate and criticism, his earlier role as a st An
assistant mirrored the broader European tradition of ensuring that children

(39:05):
understood the balance of reward and consequence. These darker characters
hint at something deeper, something primal, about how we've historically
marked the longest, coldest nights of the year. The winter months,
steeped in darkness, demanded reflection, vigilance, and preparation. Gifts and

(39:34):
celebrations were balanced by the reminder that mistakes and misdeeds
had consequences. Crampis's chains, Bellsnichl's questions, and Suartepied's vigilant presence
all seemed to act as symbolic warnings the light of
the holiday season must be earned through good behavior and

(39:55):
moral courage. These traditions, for all their frightfulness, provided structure
and a touch of necessary fear to ensure that the
communal values of kindness, hard work, and gratitude endured. But

(40:17):
as Christmas spread beyond Europe and into the modern age,
these fearsome figures began to fade. Victorians, with their emphasis
on tidiness, sentimentality, and childlike innocence softened the holiday's brutal edges.
Crampis and Bellsnickel fell out of favor, replaced by a

(40:41):
purely benevolent saint, Nicholas and his eventual American incarnation. Santa Claus,
a figure free of chains, switches, or stern questions. Commercialism
also played a role, polishing and marketing Christmas into a
season of warmth, whimsy, and consumption. It was hard to

(41:06):
sell toys or coca cola alongside a horned demon threatening
to stuff misbehaving kids into his sack. Slowly, but surely,
the darkness of Christmas was edged out by its light.

(41:26):
But while commercialization wrapped Christmas in tinsel and cheer, it
also introduced a new kind of darkness, a transformative one.
As gift giving became central to the season, the pressure
to buy bye bye grew insistent. What had once been
a sacred and communal holiday for families to come together

(41:49):
and celebrate symbols of hope and survival increasingly became a
season of profits for businesses. By the mid twentieth century,
critics began voicing concerns that the heart of the season,
the virtues it once sought to uphold, was being drowned
out by jingles and flashy sails. This wasn't fear of

(42:15):
crampis or bellsnickel, but something subtler, the loss of the
holiday's true essence as it transformed into an economic juggernaut,
and yet, even with the commercialization of Christmas, traces of
its shadowy past endure. Today, Crampis is enjoying a revival

(42:40):
of sorts, with Crampus Knocked events popping up across the globe.
What was once confined to snow covered alpine villages is
now celebrated in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and even Tokyo.
People dress in the grotesque costumes of Crampis, rekindling the darker,

(43:02):
mischievous spirit of the season that had been dormant for
so long. Even Hollywood has embraced him, with films like
Crampus delivering nightmarish takes on this enduring monster. Whether it's
nostalgia or a desire to balance the holiday's relentless cheer

(43:25):
with a touch of the macabre, Crampis and his kin
have clawed their way back into the spotlight. This juxtaposition,
the joyful and the dark, the indulgent and the disciplined,
might just be the thing that has kept Christmas alive
across centuries and cultures. For a holiday often described as magical,

(43:51):
it makes sense that its true power resides in its
ability to embrace contradiction. Does not exist without shadow, and
celebration is made sweeter after hardship. Whether it's the figure
of Crampus lurking in the shadows or the critique of

(44:13):
consumerism coloring the holiday's modern glow, Christmas remains a reminder
not just of what we gain, but also what we
must protect. The meaning of the season persists because it adapts,
evolving to suit the needs of its time, while carrying
with it echoes of a far older story. As we

(44:39):
close this chapter, we're left with a question. If Christmas
has become a reflection of what we most value as
a society, what is its heart today? Is it still
about hope, warmth and light, values born in the harshest
of winters, or has the rush for the perfect gift,

(45:00):
the perfect tree, and the perfect Instagram photo buried that
spark beneath glittering layers of distraction. One thing is certain.
Whether Crampis is your co pilot or Santa Claus reign supreme,
the story of Christmas remains as complex as it is enduring.

(45:21):
Coming up, we step beyond the realm of the sinister
and into the diversity of Christmas traditions around the world.
How do different cultures reinterpret the holiday through their own
lenses of belief, geography, and history. From candlelight streets in

(45:41):
Mexico to a towering straw goat in Sweden, we'll discover
how Christmas continues to transcend its origins and remind us
of our shared humanity. I'm Tom mackenzie and you're listening
to Unexplained History. Stay tuned, there's much more to uncover.

(46:17):
Welcome to Unexplained History, the podcast where we journey into
the past to uncover the hidden truths and untold stories
behind history's most fascinating events and traditions. I'm your host,
Tom McKenzie, and today we're exploring our holiday. We all

(46:39):
think we know, but may not fully understand Christmas. In
this episode, we've delved into ancient Winter Solstice festivals, met
shadowy figures like Crampus, and uncovered how a mix of
pagan rituals and Christian adaptations gradually molded the glittering holiday

(46:59):
we celebrate today. But as we turn the page on
the darker specters of the season, it's time to widen
our lens and see how Christmas has evolved across the globe.
While December twenty fifth has become a shared date for
festivities in many parts of the world. The ways in

(47:22):
which it celebrated remain as diverse as humanity itself, from
small villages in Scandinavia to the bustling streets of Latin America.
Christmas traditions reflect the countless cultures, beliefs, and histories that
have shaped them, and in turn, they reveal something profound

(47:45):
about the universal need for connection, hope, and light during
the darkest days of the year. Let's begin under the
radiant glow of candlelight in Mexico. Here the streets come

(48:09):
alive with Los Posadas, a nine night celebration leading up
to Christmas that reimagines the biblical journey of Mary and
Joseph searching for shelter in Bethlehem. Each evening, communities gather
for processions that wind through neighborhoods, re enacting the story

(48:30):
as participants, often children dress as Mary, Joseph and other figures,
carrying candles and singing traditional songs. The group stops at
designated homes along their route, knocking on doors and seeking
posada or lodging. Time and again they are turned away

(48:55):
until finally reaching the home that will host the evening's party,
the mood, once solemn and reflective, shifts into celebration, with food, music,
and laughter, often concluding with the much beloved breaking of
a pinata. Rooted in Catholicism, yet infused with the warmth

(49:22):
and vibrancy of Mexican culture, Los Posadas is a poignant
reminder that Christmas, at its core is a celebration of welcome,
resilience and the strength found in community. Traveling north to Scandinavia,

(49:42):
we encounter a vastly different, but equally fascinating tradition, the
legendary gavel Goat of Sweden. Each year, a colossal straw
goat upward of forty feet tall, is constructed in the
city of Gavla to mark the holiday. Seas reason the goat,

(50:04):
a nod to the Norse god Thor's mythical chariot pulling
goats and later Yule customs, stands as a symbol of
protection and prosperity. Yet, despite the official festive intent of
the goat, a curious tradition surrounding it has emerged attempts

(50:26):
to destroy it. Since the Gavelgoat's debut in nineteen sixty six,
vandals have frequently targeted it, burned it, smashed it, and
even once attempted to carry it off with a helicopter.
Despite countless security upgrades and public awareness campaigns, the goat

(50:50):
has fallen victim to sabotage more often than not. This
peculiar tug of war between tradition and defiance has turned
the gavel Goat into an unexpected global phenomenon, embodying both
the fragility of symbols and the mischievous undercurrent that can

(51:12):
hide within holiday celebrations. Love it or burn it, the
Gavelgoat now stands as a testament to how traditions can
inadvertently evolve into something entirely new. Our next stop takes
us across the globe to the Philippines, where the warmth

(51:34):
of Christmas shines brightest, quite literally, during the annual Giant
Lantern Festival in the city of San Fernando, known as
the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. Here, craftsmanship and community
collide in a spectacular display of light and innovation. Enormous,

(52:00):
colorful lanterns called paroles dominate the festival, each dazzling burst
of light, crafted with intricate designs and vibrant patterns. These
creations symbolize the Star of Bethlehem and have roots in
traditional Filipino lantern making, but the modern versions, some stretching

(52:24):
as high as twenty feet, are a far cry from
their humble beginnings. Powered by electric bulbs and mechanical rotators,
today's paroles have become feats of engineering, with some lanterns
consisting of thousands of individual pieces working together in perfect harmony.

(52:48):
The festival, rooted in Catholic heritage, yet embracing Filipino ingenuity,
transforms the dark December nights into a radiant celebration of
faith and artistry. Next, we head south to Australia, where

(53:11):
the holiday season defies the wintry imagery of snow covered
rooftops and frosted evergreens. Christmas arrives in the height of summer,
where sunshine, beaches and barbecues set the stage for a
distinctly Australian take on the holiday. While traditional carols are

(53:33):
still sung, many have been reimagined to reflect the warm,
sunny climate. Instead of walking in a winter wonderland, Australians
might sing about six white boomers kangaroos pulling Santa's sleigh
across the outback or gather outdoors for carols by candlelight,

(53:55):
a cherished tradition dating back to the nineteen thirties. In
parks and stadiums across the nation, families bring picnic blankets
and gather under the evening sky to sing carols together
by the light of candles, torches, or even smartphone flashlights.

(54:15):
It's a celebration that captures the essence of summer and
Christmas all at once, offering a reminder that the spirit
of the season adapts to fit the rhythms of the
natural world. From the warmth of Australia, we return to
the wintry embrace of Central Europe, where Christmas markets transform

(54:40):
city squares into enchanting wonderlands. These markets, most famously in Germany,
Austria and Switzerland, are steeped in history dating back to
the sixteenth century. Stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and traditional
foods like bratwurst, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine or gluevine

(55:05):
line the cobblestone streets, offering a feast for the senses.
At the heart of these markets lies more than just commerce.
They are places of gathering and celebration where the community
comes together to share in the magic of the season.

(55:30):
Each market reflects the unique flavor of its region, from
the bubbling pots of cheese fondue in Switzerland to the
delicate gingerbread hearts of Nuremberg. And yet, for all their
regional distinctions, these markets share a spirit that feels universal,
the joy of slowing down, savoring the season, and gathering

(55:55):
under twinkling lights. Even in places where Christmas wasn't historically
celebrated but has since been adopted, the holiday takes on
fascinating local flavors. In Japan, where Christmas is not a
public holiday, the season has become tied less to religion

(56:16):
and more to romance and celebration. It's a time for
scenic illuminations, cozy dinners, and gift exchanges, especially among couples.
Perhaps the most surprising Japanese Christmas tradition, however, is the
phenomenon of Kentucky Fried Chicken being the meal of choice

(56:40):
on Christmas Day. Thanks to a brilliant marketing campaign in
the nineteen seventies promoting fried chicken as a festive Western treat,
KFC has secured its place at countless Japanese Christmas tables. Today,
long lines stretch outside franchises, with some families placing their

(57:04):
holiday orders months in advance to ensure they don't miss
out on the now iconic Kentucky Christmas. Through all these examples,
we see how Christmas evolves to fit the cultural and
geographic needs of a community, morphing into something as unique

(57:26):
as the people who celebrate it. Yet a common thread
runs through them all, a desire to find light in darkness,
to create moments of connection, and to honour symbols of
hope and resilience, Whether it's the flickering candles of Los Posadas,

(57:50):
the towering gavel goat, or the laughter of friends over
a summer meal in Australia. These traditions remind us that
the spirit of the holiday season transcends borders, beliefs, and
even climates. But what makes Christmas such a global phenomenon

(58:11):
when so many other traditions remain regional? Has its centuries
long journey preserved its deeper truths, or has its very
universality diluted the unique meanings it once held in each culture?
As we celebrate, are we connecting with history or merely

(58:33):
a reflection of a world increasingly shaped by commerce? And globalization.
These questions remind us to dig deeper, to look beyond
the glittering surface, and to truly engage with the traditions
we inherit or create. As we wrap up this chapter,

(58:55):
remember whether you're lighting candles in Mexico, placing ornaments on
a Christmas tree, or waiting in line for fried chicken
in Japan, the heart of the holiday remains the same,
a shared celebration of hope, connection, and humanity's enduring spirit. Next,

(59:17):
we'll reflect on how this journey through Christmas History reveals
not just the story of a holiday, but the story
of us. I'm Tom mackenzie and you're listening to Unexplained History.
Stay with us. There's still more to uncover. As the

(59:53):
final glow of candlelight flickers and the echoes of laughter
fade from bustling street and warm homes, we find ourselves
at the end of our journey through the secret history
of Christmas. Welcome back to Unexplained History, the podcast where

(01:00:16):
we unravel the hidden stories of the past and uncover
the truths lurking beneath the traditions we often take for granted.
I'm your host, Tom Mackenzie, and today We've wandered deep
into the mystery, mythology, and history of one of the

(01:00:37):
world's most beloved holidays. From the icy forests of Scandinavia
celebrating Yule to the raucous Roman feasts of Saturnalia, From
a Turkish saint secretly delivering gold, to the early Victorian
embellishments that gave us caroling and trees aglow with candles.

(01:01:00):
We've peeled back the layers of Christmas to reveal its
stunning complexity, and now, as we reflect on all we've uncovered,
are question lingers. What is it about Christmas that has
not only endured for centuries, but evolved to span the

(01:01:21):
varied cultures and histories of our world. Is it simply
the brilliance of its symbols, replete with lights and cheer,
or does it go deeper than merriment and material gifts.
One thing is clear, Christmas is far more than a

(01:01:42):
reflection of the times and people who celebrated it. It's
a mirror of human nature itself, our needs, our fears,
and our enduring hopes. Began this exploration with the midwinter
festivals that first gave humanity something to celebrate amid the

(01:02:06):
cold and dark, The Romans embraced Saturnalia, a time of
uproarious feasting and the inversion of societal rolls. In the
distant north, the Norse people kindled Yule fires, their flames
symbolizing endurance and resurrection when the sun seemed unwilling to return.

(01:02:26):
Both festivals, though distinct, were borne from the same impulse
to mark time, to defy the darkness winter imposed, and
to reassure the human soul with symbols of survival and rebirth.
Doesn't that sound familiar? Even now? As lights twinkle from

(01:02:47):
rooftops and bushes, as evergreen trees find their way into
our homes, those gestures echo an ancient truth that light,
any light, is a defiant beacon when shadows fall. The
Christian story woven into this midwinter backdrop re shaped, but
never erased these ancient traditions. The alignment of Christ's birth

(01:03:14):
with the winter solstice transformed an existing spirit of light
and hope into something sacred and universal. Yet, even as
Christianity elevated the season to solemn heights, it also preserved
its deeper connection to joy, generosity, and shared humanity. That

(01:03:37):
duality the sacred and the celebratory still defines the holiday today.
No matter where or how Christmas is celebrated, its essence
seems to have survived. Faith in the possibility of renewal
and joy in the act of connecting with others. Of course,

(01:04:04):
we couldn't fully grasp the holiday spirit without meeting its
most enduring characters. Santa Claus, born as Saint Nicholas of Myra,
journeyed a fascinating road through folklore and faith. He crossed continents,
blending with figures like Odin and Cintaclaus, absorbing traits of mystery, magic,

(01:04:27):
and generosity. His form eventually crystallized into the jolly, red
suited figure we know today, but not before he donned
bishop's robes, led ghostly hunts through the winter sky, and
even rubbed shoulders with advertising giants. In the twentieth century,

(01:04:53):
and though Santa's image has become synonymous with commercialism for many,
there's a reason he can continues to resonate. Stripped of
all the marketing and myth, he embodies the universality of generosity,
a concept older and more enduring than any single tradition.

(01:05:19):
But Christmas is as much about consequence as it is
about kindness. As the shadowy figures that haunted its darker
corners remind us Crampus, Bellsnickel, and others like them. Menacing
watchers of winter nights serve to balance the good with
the forbidding. Their purpose was moral, a reminder that light

(01:05:43):
must coexist with darkness, that gifts require earners, and that
joy is sweeter when it has traveled through hardship. Though
largely forgotten in the glossy veneer of modern Christmas, these
figures seem poised to return with celebrations like Crampusnacht, rekindling

(01:06:07):
old traditions. Perhaps today's world, for all its distractions and glitter,
still hungers for a reminder that the stakes of goodness
and redemption are real. And then there is the global
kaleidoscope of Christmas traditions, each refracting the holiday's core essence

(01:06:31):
into countless dazzling patterns. From the processions of Las Posadas
in Mexico to the glowing lanterns of the Philippines, From
summer barbecues in Australia to the flickering markets of Germany.
Christmas has shaped itself to reflect the diverse cultures it touches.
Yet notice how in all these traditions, there remains a

(01:06:55):
shared foundation. They remind us that Christmas at its heart
is about seeking warmth in the cold, light in the dark,
and connection even in isolation. It's a celebration that isn't
tied to a single country, error, or set of beliefs.

(01:07:16):
It belongs to all of us. It is as much
a survival mechanism as it is a festivity, a way
for humanity to remember its capacity to endure, to create,
and to cherish. And now, as we stand at the
end of this journey, perhaps the greatest revelation is that

(01:07:39):
Christmas isn't just a single holiday with a secret history.
It's a master work of human adaptation and creativity, built
through centuries of borrowed customs, reimagined stories, and converging beliefs.
Pagan fires became sacred candles, benevolent saints became mythical travelers.

(01:08:02):
Even the most ancient fears from darkness itself to figures
like Crampus transformed into festal reminders of survival and growth.
The layers of Christmas are woven together not by any
one place, people, or religion, but by humanity's unshakable need
to find meaning even when the nights are longest. So

(01:08:27):
as you hang an ornament or wrap a gift this year,
take a moment to reflect that evergreen tree in your
home whispers of Yule, Those stockings by the fire echo
Saint Nicholas's quiet acts of charity. The presence we exchange
mirror Saturnalia's tokens of good will, and those twinkling lights

(01:08:50):
shining brighter as the year comes to its close make
a simple yet profound statement that even in our darkest times,
we can create something luminous, something that draws us together.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the

(01:09:11):
secret history of Christmas. I'm Tom mackenzie and this has
been unexplained history. If you've enjoyed this episode, be sure
to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave us
a review. Your thoughts help us uncover new stories and
shine new light on the past. Until next time, keep questioning,

(01:09:36):
keep exploring, and remember not everything is as it seems.
May this season bring light, warmth, and the enduring spirit
of connection into your life. See you next Tuesday, and
happy holidays.