In this episode we take a look at the history of Christmas. We explore the various ingredients that make up our present-day festivities. Despite our belief that a modern winter holiday is uniquely abundant and materialistic, people have been complaining about it since 4 AD! While some traditions have stayed the same, some have changed a little... Why did Saint Nicholas have a horned monster (Krampus) whip the naughty children? What does carol singing have to do with the Pagans? Why is the tomb of Saint Nicholas in Italy, and why is he also considered the Saint of Seafaring Men? Where is Santa still travelling up from Spain on his steamboat to a televised reception? The development of Christmas is a fascinating trip through mythology, astrology, and religion. Armed with a glass of Kopparberg’s Strawberry and Lime gin, we get festively merry in episode 6 of Abstracts. *** 'Coffee' by Cambo https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Cambo http://www.abstractspodcast.com