Ep. 96 – Welcoming Christmas Pt.2: Traditions!
In the latest podcast episode titled “Ep. 96 – Welcoming Christmas Pt.2: Traditions!” hosts Joshua, Lucas, and Erik delve into the festive and sometimes contentious world of holiday traditions. The episode opens with the trio discussing the role of traditions in enhancing the Christmas spirit. Lucas points out, “Traditions I imagined would be… important to me,” setting the stage for a deep dive into various customs that people cherish during the holiday season.
The conversation soon turns to the controversial Elf on the Shelf tradition, with Joshua explaining, “It’s turned into like, oh, the kids wake up and all the food in the kitchen is strung everywhere.” Erik, unfamiliar with the tradition, questions its impact on children’s beliefs about Santa Claus and the authenticity of their parents’ narratives. This leads to a broader discussion about the truthfulness of holiday stories and the potential trust issues that might arise when children learn the truth about Santa.
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on caroling, a tradition that seems to be waning. Erik reminisces about his childhood experiences with caroling, describing it as a robust community activity that ended with warm gatherings over hot chocolate. “We had groups of people you would meet at a starting house. It was snowy, there’s probably a foot and a half, two feet of snow,” Erik recounts, capturing the nostalgic and communal spirit of the tradition.
Lucas introduces a modern twist by comparing traditional caroling with attending Christmas concerts, suggesting that for those who love holiday music but prefer not to sing, concerts are a great alternative. Erik shares an amusing anecdote from when he was unexpectedly required to participate in singing Handel’s Messiah, highlighting the surprises and mishaps that can come with holiday events.
The episode wraps up with a discussion on creating and maintaining Christmas traditions that are inclusive, enjoyable, and stress-free. They encourage listeners to consider traditions that might not be typical but are meaningful to their families. Joshua concludes, “We’d love to hear things that you do as traditions or suggestions or things that you have.” This invitation to engage reflects the podcast’s aim to explore the diverse ways people celebrate and find joy during the holiday season.
Responses