Christmas and Christmas Lore

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: Thomas G. Crippen

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.

056 - Epilogue
03/31/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


055 - Candlemas
03/30/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


054 - Plough Monday etc
03/29/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


053 - Feast of Fools or of The Ass
03/28/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


052 - Twelfth Night
03/27/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


051 - Epiphany
03/26/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


050 - Old Christmas Eve Wassailing Trees
03/25/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


049 - New Year's Eve - Hagmena
03/24/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


048 - Subsidiary Festivals
03/23/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


047 - Yule-tide in Thule
03/22/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


046 - Miscellaneous Christmas Superstitions etc
03/21/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


045 - Family Reunions - The Children's Day
03/20/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


044 - Christmas Cards etc
03/19/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


043 - Christmas Boxes
03/18/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


042 - The Christmas Ship
03/17/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


041 - The Christmas Tree
03/16/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


040 - The Christmas Sheaf
03/15/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


039 - Christmas Gifts - Santa Claus etc
03/14/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


038 - Yule-Firth ''Unthrifty Folk''
03/13/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


037 - The Lord of Misrule
03/12/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


036 - Masking
03/11/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


035 - Christmas Sports
03/10/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


034 - The Boar's Head
03/09/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


033 - The Christmas Feast
03/08/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


032 - Christmas Candles
03/07/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


031 - The Yule Log
03/06/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


030 - Christmas Eve
03/05/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


029 - Wassailing
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


028 - Hodening Schimmel etc
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


027 - Mumming
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


026 - Puritan Hostility to Christmas
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


025 - The Children's Christmas
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


024 - Cradle-Rocking The Posada etc
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


023 - The Praesepio
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


022 - Nativity Plays
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


021 - Church Observances - Midnight Mass
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


020 - Church Observances - Christmas Bells
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


019 - Church Observances - Advent
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


018 - Use of Carols
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.


017 - Legendary Mystical and Modern Carols
03/04/2026

For over forty years, I have passionately gathered an array of fascinating stories, traditions, and legends surrounding the festival of the Holy Nativity. My research spans both well-known and obscure sources, including rare pamphlets from the 17th and 18th centuries, old chapbooks, newspaper clippings, and insightful conversations with locals across various counties. In this podcast, I present a rich tapestry of Christmas lore, encapsulating the joy and sacred mirth that we should all embrace as we celebrate the greatest Gift of God to humanity. Join me as we explore the enchanting history and customs that define this beloved holiday.