Holiday Tales: Christmas

[@BelladonnaJojo]

Early Christianity: we're claiming this for Jesus Odin, slipping on a red suit: we'll see about that.

[@marcus4046]

HO-HO H-Odin bout to steal this like fafnir stealing gold.

[@idongesitusen5764]

Frigga; Ragnarok wasn't enough for you dear?

[@jaimeortiz9465]

@@idongesitusen5764 Te

[@Silverwind87]

The dwarves became the elves!

Odin in a red suit: "How'd you do, fellow christians?"

[@harryg1683]

Now, I can't wait for the new, more accurate, songs to take over the old ones: "Odin is coming to town" "The little hammer boy" "Wild hunt night" "Sliepnir, the eight-legged horse" "Frosty the Jotun"

[@daughter-of-loki1062]

YES

[@kkutu1185]

"The little hammer boy" Lmao

[@nicomoist5336]

Sliepnir the eighth legged horse *loki-related flashbacks*

[@Talonistrying]

@@nicomoist5336 we...we don't have to talk about that...

[@dylantennant6594]

I don't know, I feel like calling a Jotun frosty would be kinda of an insult, like calling a dwarf shortie or an elf Will Ferral it just feels insulting.

[@mazubahtender]

Odin: (Bursts in through a chimney) Nobody expects Odin!

[@user-cy7ki7ms1q]

Like the Spanish inquisition

[@1224chrisng]

His chief weapon is surprise, suprise and fear, fear and suprise

[@rohandalvi6476]

@@1224chrisng i ment for zeus sorry

[@dementedcreations8971]

Mahousuke Songfox just like the Spanish Inquisition

[@Axius27]

No one expects Odin dressed as the Spanish Inquisition

[@johnnygyro2295]

*While ambushing the Hessians after Christmas* George Washington: "Nobody expects the American Revolution!"

[@impish_snake3526]

Legend has it they had to fight off Odin and an entire Spanish Inquisition, first.

[@pinkajou656]

*hamilton reference here*

[@MrPjw5]

“NOBODY EXPECTS THE CONTINENTAL ARMY!!”

[@goodguy630]

"There's no WRONG way to celebrate Christmas because there's no RIGHT way to celebrate Christmas." Well said, Red. Well said.

[@orionfight2973]

Actually there is. It is to worship God more to the true church of God(which is I'm a part) and to celebrate Jesus' birth in order to save us from sin

[@kylehumbert5735]

@@orionfight2973 As opposed to the way others celebrate the holidays? I think you are missing the point. Your way/reason to celebrate is different from mine, and I think that's the beauty of it.

[@Q_theshadybusinessperson]

i dunno, commiting crimes against innocent people (billionaires or assholes don't count, arson is fine in that case :) seems pretty wrong

[@MilloSpiegel]

I mean if you are Christian you are supposed to at least think about Jesus. But that's really all you have to do. If yoz aren't really ito that whole religion thing you can celebrate it as a holiday of comfort

[@DDlambchop43]

@@orionfight2973 correction: that's YOUR right way. MY right way is to avoid the religious and/or sappy stuff and get some takeout. Happy Holidays.

[@tzisorey]

Okay, I'm hereby going to blind all my Santa decorations in one eye, in honour of Odin ;)

[@HaakonTheRayquaza]

Viking approved

[@jesuschrist9513]

The puppy with the Santa outft on:

[@tzisorey]

@@jesuschrist9513 All Hail PuppyOdin!!!

[@grimthegost5623]

Does she ever go over why he lost his eye?

[@geetgujral5841]

@@grimthegost5623 he sacrificed one eye for magic or wisdom or something

[@dementedcreations8971]

Theory: Odin became Santa when his pantheon was no longer being worshipped.

[@shrimpisdelicious]

That's the theory used in the Dresden Files, at any rate.

[@HaakonTheRayquaza]

i'm Danish (i decend from vikings) and i approve

[@therainbowwillow4453]

“Aw no one worships me anymore” “It’s fine bro. Just get reindeer, a red suit, and go down peoples chimneys.”

[@ericrichardson1496]

There was a book I came across a while ago that ran with the idea that Baldr took up the mantle of Santa once he returned to life after Ragnarok since he was kind of a beacon of positivity and the whole mistletoe thing

[@geofff.3343]

@@therainbowwillow4453 Plus you get your eye back!

[@martatarasiuk5198]

Fun fact, unlike in the most countries, in Polad THE one Christmas dish to rule them all in not a goose, nor a turkey, nor a duck, nor any ham but a carp. The reason for this is that carp is the most plentiful and cheapest type of fish in Poland and so it was always available and affordable to everyone even in the darkest of times. Ironically, this year an inexpiable shortage of carp happened which was a HUGE deal and almost ruined Christmas.

[@manamongmen3381]

That is amazing. Funny how times change, aye?

[@Grim_Sister]

I can attest to that. It's why most Jews who come from Poland consider the gefilte fish a treat to be eaten in holidays. (Mostly Jewish new year and Passover) It smells and looks like someone stole from Cathollu his privates. Just... stick to the turkey and pudding. Trust me on this. Also, we don’t eat Turkey. Pretty sure because it’s not Kosher and Health department really likes to stick to that. We eat roast chicken and beef. The best time is Hanukkah. Every bakery is full to the brim with donuts

[@aimanmarzuqi4804]

@Drago Arbiter They did, Christmas is different in Japan to say the least.

[@greeses5482]

we have it the same in czech republic :D

[@Ash.Crow.Goddess]

Italian American also celebrate the Feast of Seven Fishes. With all different kinds of fish and seafood.

[@miriamlogan3733]

I want a Christmas movie where Odin and his huntsman buddies deliver gifts instead of Santa and his reindeer. I also want the equivalent of Rudolph to be one of the other gods borrowing Freya's falcon feather cloak. Odin: "Come on, Loki! I need another person to deliver gifts, and all the other gods are busy getting drunk." Loki: "Why doesn't someone just take Gullenbursti and--" Odin: "No." Loki, muttering as he puts on the cloak: "I swear, this might just be the reason Ragnarok is going to happen."

[@evecampbell3069]

I'd love to read a Fanfic Novel of that.

[@KanaidBlack]

Odin: Well, if you like, we can put you back under the snake again... Loki: Give me those presents!

[@frick_____you]

Somebody make that movie

[@kolamoose8717]

If you had a scene where odin and crew shoot one of Santas reindeer while doing some hunting shenanigans and start an all out war between the norse gods and santa and his gang (you can have that be Christianized or elves or whatever ya want) and have five sequls

[@Dovey12]

That’s awesome

[@MonteCreations]

"Magically impregnated by the big man up stairs" "Damn it Zeus!"

[@dasiydeth568]

*WHEEZING IN IRISH*

[@yeboi1887]

dude i chocked on choccy melk

[@christianjudeberbano3134]

Atleast it got announced by archangel micheal that she is gonna give birth to Jesus Christ

[@masterfold8054]

we were all thinking it

[@marystratford7549]

@Olivia Bailey (student) AND asked her permission (she gave consent with the famous "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord" line). That's like, 100x more than Zeus ever did

[@purplehaze2358]

Honestly, I could absolutely see Odin disguising himself to act as a separate entity entirely; in this case Santa; to trick people into giving him more knowledge.

[@janTesika]

Odin would. explain why else someone who, quote "sees you when you're sleeping, knows when you're awake" would specifically ask you questions!

[@morganrobinson8042]

And also cookies

[@themageofcontext7071]

he wants all the cookie recipes in the world

[@poissony]

NO ONE EXPECTS ODIN CLAUS

[@soma0616]

His chief weapon is surprise!

[@CrimsonBlasphemy]

Odin kicking about as Santa would be a great grounds for a comedy, or an epic, or an epic comedy.

[@EmilioReyes_97]

Hold on.....Odin the all knowing one, one eye to see everything, wanted to learn everything, ravens to fly all over the world as spies......"he Sees you when your sleeping and knows when your awake 0_0"

[@parkchimmin7913]

Emilio Reyes Brings all whole new meaning to that!

[@W3Rn1ckz]

@@CrimsonBlasphemy It happened in Dresden Files.

[@tidebleach9667]

You thought it was Santa. But it was me, Odin!

[@traceygonzalez4043]

Favorite norse god for this reason and because he's a nerd, not a leader like the other head gods

[@Jamie31166]

nice jojo reference

[@foldabotZ]

KONO ODIN DA!

[@stephenfong1144]

Remove the n from Odin and rearrange the letters and you get Dio.

[@AnimeSunglasses]

I reeeeally want this on a shirt...

[@juno2884]

Everyone: god and jesus Red: the big man upstairs and big J

[@BradyPostma]

Technically, they're both Big J.

[@lyreparadox]

@@BradyPostma I think, technically, they're both The Big Man Upstairs too?

[@BradyPostma]

@@lyreparadox Fair point. Are they on different floors?

[@gargoyles9999]

FAITH IN THE EMPEROR

[@caliberlight2818]

XD

[@Huy-G-Le]

“It's not a loot box, it's a surprise mechanic” Odin: “It's not a door, it's a chimney.”

[@JaelinBezel]

The difference between presents and loot boxes is that you get presents for free.

[@alecLogan]

@chinsaw2727 Giving presents tends to cost, “getting” presents is no loss (specifically for the receiver, usually)

[@darklazer3769]

„I think I’m secure enough in my coolness...“ Lost me right there. *Can‘t relate*

[@shh5764]

Nick Boss boi same

[@derptank3308]

I don’t really care either way 0 Fs given Until I realize how I’m too lazy to write this bye

[@agungpriambodo1674]

Lots of people can relate

[@JaelinBezel]

@dark lazer Yes. You *can* relate, dammit!

[@DATA-EXPUNGED]

*bursts through door* YES, RED ANALYZING CHRISTMAS AND BOTH ITS CHRISTIAN AND PAGAN ROOTS

[@MyPisceanNature]

Red analyzing anything lol.

[@izzy1221]

So modern Christmas is like a Frankenstein's monster of many different celebrations... *well this just made me like Christmas more!*

[@kayshadolton7019]

A brilliant analogy, considering Frankenstein's monster is both a patchwork of many things AND misinterpreted countless times by the media.

[@Healermain15]

I wonder if Santa Claus ever contemplates and monologues about the literature, traditions and philosophies that made him into what he is today.

[@9Rollotomasi]

it's Fraankensteen!!!!!!

[@Guciom]

Which is basically any other celebration that lasted through centuries.

[@daedalus7286]

Actually, it’s Frankenstein’s monst- Wait, did you just get that right? How am I supposed to get you to dislike me now?

[@TeganThrussell]

And then there's Christmas is the southern hemisphere. (At least Australia) No snow, no cocoa, caroling in the park, but sure as hell not at doors or on the streets, lamb instead of ham, most food is barbecued instead of roasted, and you spend the day taking turns sitting in the glorious, right under the air con, spot. I relate to none of the things you described.

[@jarlbreadmaker]

Here in NZ, it's similar. Maybe slightly more like northern xmas because it's not AS hot, but the idea of snow and jumpers and all that is equally unknown. In fact I was a little sad not to see even a little mention of this, but oh well. Also google image search Kiwi Santa, just do.

[@dropdead234]

We're much the same in Florida. Haven't seen more than a week of winter in years.

[@joshuahunt3032]

Tegan Thrussell Does Australia get snow around the time the northern hemisphere is experiencing summer? If so, what holidays do Aussies celebrate between June and August?

[@abosier]

wait don't you Aussie's have a santa on the back of a fire truck giving out candy to kids?

[@bullet-not-proofthenotbull7920]

@@joshuahunt3032 no we don't get snow full stop (unless you live on a mountain) and only some of us celebrate "Christmas in July"

[@ender_slayer3]

Ancient writers : "UUUUUUUGGGHHH! I need someone to help fill * enter specific old man role *!" rando gnome peeking through the window : "Odin..."

[@Kobrag90]

So Odin is the cool old grampa that still likes to party despite not being activley worshiped outside of a few stubborn pockets. Cool.

[@hydrogenone4926]

You better watch out You better not cry Better not pout I'm telling you why Merry Odin is coming to town He's making a list And checking it twice; Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice Odin is coming to town He sees you when you're sleeping He knows when you're awake He knows if you've been bad or good So be good for goodness sake! O! You better watch out! You better not cry Better not pout I'm telling you why Odin is coming to town Odin is coming to town

[@Adannan939]

Hydrogen One yes

[@cielosphere]

lol

[@NoNameAtAll2]

In russian language "Odin" and "one" is the same word

[@Waffles-Mcnachos]

You were expecting Santa Claus but it was me Odin!

[@astridyarmasmosquera8846]

YGeo Jojo reference 😁

[@gothnerd887]

Since the wild hunt contains valkyries I want a series of Christmas cards that depict valkyries and elves having Christmas fun together

[@JaelinBezel]

Valkyries are badass

[@BlackPhantom08]

Narrator: "I like Christmas." Me: "Ah, you've never been in retail."

[@ADADEL1]

Speaks truth.

[@maskedgaming2798]

*All I Want For Christmas Intensifies*

[@demonspawn5797]

Okay this just makes me want to work in the fast food industry for my first job Thank you for the advice

[@BlackPhantom08]

@@demonspawn5797 in truth, retail and sales is not so bad especially for the first few jobs. It only get hectic during the holiday season after Thanksgiving till after Christmas. Food industry is ok for a start, but can lead to you just hating everyone you interact with as customers. For example: People coming in 15 minutes to close, customers complaining about every little detail about their food, people not bothering to tip or tip little especially when you are given 'tip wage', which expects you to make up the amount you'd normally receive from minimum wage in tips (which should actually be an illegal business practice), people considering a service charge as a gratuity when it's not, people taking too long to order during a rush, people talking in a way you can't understand them and then getting mad at you for it. The food industry is a ok place to go for a first start, but it does leave a lot to be desired.

[@AnimeboyIanpower]

You can still love Christmas, even if you've survived doing retail on Black Friday.

[@CthulhuianBunny]

"Look out for me. Especially at unlikely times." - -Gandalf- Odin

[@sizery5440]

*crashes in though the window* did someone say christmas

[@grey3247]

No *REPEATEDLY SHOOTS WITH SHOTGUN*

[@dejaypage1575]

Sizery wong ...clean that up

[@thomaskilmer]

*slips in through the chimney* Chriiiiiistmaaaaaaas

[@reubenoakley8967]

**Channelling my inner Nostalgia Critic** CHRIIIIIIIISSSSSSSTMAAAAAAAAASSSSSS!!!

[@moyomoyo9210]

Everyone did

[@sananaryon4061]

Can't wait for Miscellaneous Myths: The Wild Hunt.

[@PutoMedicoBrujo]

any other major predictions you would like to make?

[@mmmirei]

And now we have it.

[@Punaparta]

Bro, have you thought of trying out lottery?

[@asalways1504]

A fun fact about Santa being inspired by Odin, was the reason the sleigh was pulled by 8 reindeer is because it was an homage to Slepnir, Odin's eight legged horse. On the origin of the Christmas tree, that too was an homage to Odin to commemorate his sacrifice to save midgard by hanging from an oak tree. Oaks were originally used, but were later switched out with evergreens.

[@Boss_Isaac]

+@ddam1320 Yggdrasil is said be an ash tree, so no.

[@silverace4741]

He hangs him self a few times

[@vermilionrubin]

@@silverace4741 Now I imagined Odin in that meme: "First time?"

[@silverace4741]

@@vermilionrubin yyyyeeeeesssssss

[@safetymeasures167]

Damn you, Rudolf

[@phastinemoon]

I just realized that Dickens included a reference to the Wild Hunt by including the ghost tornado that Marley becomes a part of, just before the appearance of Spooky Ghost Number One

[@theunreadyone]

Honestly I think there’s something about December that makes it the perfect time to have a holiday no matter what religion you have

[@greenergrass4060]

Exactly! As its the last month of the year, its a time of reflection, and looking forward to the future.

[@mmmirei]

December just makes me feel good because it’s when it’s FINALLY socially acceptable to drink loads of hot coco without getting looks, and I love to look at snow.

[@yingbiyu9425]

ODINS ODINS EVERYWHERE

[@vermilionrubin]

Derpy Doggo At this point I'm more surprised Loki didn't appear around him somewhere.

[@laurenkirby97]

@@vermilionrubin Fair point but he's rather unavailable since he got tied to a rock.

[@vermilionrubin]

@@laurenkirby97 Oh my, it's that time of forever again? Gotta prepare for the gotterdammerung.

[@rachelmathews4614]

One of my favorite holiday stories is about how we got the Christmas tree. Basically, Saint Boniface was sent to Germany to evangelize and when he discovered that for their winter holiday they worshipped the Thunder Tree, an oak symbolizing Thor, and sacrificed a small child he was like "no." The people thought since the tree was from Thor it was indestructible. So Boniface, with some other missionaries bust into the festival right before they sacrificed the child and chopped down the tree which shocked the people into stopping and listening. Then he pointed to a small evergreen and used it to preach about God and Christ (somewhat similar to Saint Patrick's use of the three leaf clover in Ireland but without the whole trinity part)

[@alexkorinth6459]

Them: Christmas Ham Me, now and forever on: Yule Boar

[@christianjudeberbano3134]

Me, a Pilipino: lechon baboy

[@Riverbed_Dreaming]

I love how absolutely on-brand Odin turning up randomly where you don’t expect him is.

[@aaronwebb1548]

Terry Pratchett wrote incredibly important and serious books. As it happens they were also absolutely hilarious, witty and brilliantly clever from start to end. GNU Terry Pratchett

[@florofern6470]

Very true :) GNU Terry Pratchett

[@cassiushumqua7301]

Merry Christmas Red and Blue!

[@UncleMerlin]

Halo red vs blue season 3 confirmed

[@CynicalRaven461]

Mary saying, "Oy Vey!" is my new favourite image of the holidays.

[@typacsk]

We need more Borscht Belt renditions of Bible stories. Just sayin'.

[@JaelinBezel]

So if Mary was absolved of Original Sin at birth, does that mean she never had periods?

[@MrPjw5]

I mean, it’s not outside the realm of historical authenticity; Jesus (and by extension, Mary and Joseph) was a Jew.

[@Landibert]

In Germany we still celebrate "Sankt Nikolaus". December 6th we put out our freshly cleaned boots so he leaves some snacks (and/or small presents) typically peanuts, mandarines and chocolate. Traditionally we also celebrate Christmas on the evening on the 24th and while Santa Claus as a figure exists it usually was the Christ Child bringing the presents (tho sadly this gets subverted more and more by Santa Claus).

[@thomastakesatollforthedark2231]

really? In Netherland, we celebrate gift night where we put our shoes by the hearth, leave treats for Sinterklaas's horse Americo and eat treats. and we celebrate it on December 5th

[@Andi-yv3vz]

In switzerland, it‘s also usually the „Christkind“ who traditionally brings the gifts. Saint Nicolas really only appears on the 6th of december.

[@lourdeswhitener9713]

Don’t forget about the child eating demon!!!!

[@Landibert]

@@lourdeswhitener9713 Who are you referring to? Krampus? He's usually only relevant in Southern Germany and overall Knecht Ruprecht ("Knecht" meaning a kind of servant) is more common. From personal experience he can be depicted very differently. Where I'm from he was less demon and more just a dude who punished bad children. In my childhood I also never heard of him eating people, though that might be regional.

[@lourdeswhitener9713]

@@Landibert Yeah and Frau Perchta

[@ilikestuff8497]

"Common folk" be like: Christmas is a holiday for Jesus! Odin be like: Boy, I made this holiday and I can TAKE IT AWAY!

[@shanedoesyoutube8001]

0:45 "having been magically impregnated by the big man upstairs" Bruh, why does it sound like God going a little bit of Zeus for only once in a timeline???

[@kingmaoh5566]

God tried it once and decided not to tru again later

[@kingmaoh5566]

*try

[@shanedoesyoutube8001]

​@@kingmaoh5566 "the time has come for Me to dwell with My mortals and be done with abraham's covenant (while coming up with a new replacement). I have preserved a young virgin to pull a zeus without actually pulling a zeus"

[@kingmaoh5566]

@@shanedoesyoutube8001 God is truly greater then Zeus as he found a way to not be called a douche for doing this

[@lextatertotsfromhell7673]

Plot twist: it was zeus

[@truebrew2004]

Fun fact: it is still illegal (although not enforced) to eat mince pies on Christmas Day in England.

[@TickedOffPriest]

There is an old legend that good men die on the day they were conceived. If Jesus died on March 25th, (the suspected day of Passover that year) nine months earlier is December 25th.

[@greenergrass4060]

How is this comment 11 months old

[@manamongmen3381]

Huh, neat. Where's that from?

[@kelseycarroll9090]

TickedOff Priest december 25th however, isn’t Actually his birthday. Scholars say its more in the summer, they cant get it rigth becuse of how screwed up the calnder became.

[@fangirlofplenty7628]

Earlier???

[@heathdionne7717]

This is further evidenced by the fact that eastern half of Christianity celebrates Christmas on January 6th, given their different calculation of his conception

[@cdcopycat997]

Red: Fight me. Me: Nah, I'd rather listen to your stories.

[@tomc.5704]

I'd been wondering what your book recommendations would be. Of course it's Discworld. Of course it's Terry Pratchett, the master of tropes.

[@jonasholzer4422]

In Germany we don't have Santa. We have the "Nikolaus" who shows up in your living room at the 5. of December. He really does, accompanied by an Angel and an crepy creature called "Krampus". Nikolaus summarises the good and the bad things you did. If you were a bad kid, he tell's you that Krampus is going to take you with him if you won't change. Then you get a paper bag filled with one present, sweets, peanuts and tangerines. Usually the trio is played by some people of the village. And the "Christkind" which shows up at the 24. of December and does literally the same stuff santa does, apart from the chimney thing.

[@sflaningam7680]

Oh yeah, Krampus, one of the many German demons of corporal punishment. My Nana told me stories about him when I was little. About 8 feet tall, typical goat man demon in a very poorly laundered, blood and beer stained santa suit, with yellow teeth, and a hickory switch for warming the hides of naughty kids, right? Between him and Grimm's fairy tales, the overall moral is "Good German children do as they're told!!!"

[@Andi-yv3vz]

In switzerland, saint nicolas is accompanied by a guy with a black beard and a brown cloak reffered to as „Schmutzli“. He is the personificationof evil that has been overcome by good.

[@annaanziel2044]

@@oberfeldspannerdennis6538 In Austria (Vorarlberg) Nicolaus is always accompanied by Krampus AND Knecht Hubrecht with Hubrecht carrying the goods and Krampus punishing the bad kids - but there are so many different ways to celebrate this, who wants to see some really scary things should check out Axamer tuifl (insert in YT ...), Tirol or in this case this village celebrate the 6th in a very wild manner :D

[@lourdeswhitener9713]

Krampus eats bad kids, right?

[@jonasholzer4422]

@@lourdeswhitener9713 where i live he doesn't. What he actually does is rather vague. He's just said to take away bad children but it's not really mentioned what happens to them.

[@darklazer3769]

Merry Christmas to you two!

[@t00thv0mit6]

Nick Boss too* (I’m sorry I had to 😂)

[@darklazer3769]

Jessica Stein that’s what I was going for

[@X3._.n3]

Jessica Stein agreed. This grammar is perfectly acceptable

[@Anglesso]

The comment they're going for is: Merry Christmas *too* you two. In that case you need a comma. Their version is: Merry Christmas too, you two. It's simliar but yours and theirs both work perfectly fine. Merry Christmas to you two or Merry Christmas too, you two. Either way it both works.

[@X3._.n3]

Shadow Senpai no, the person who WROTE it has literally said he meant to, not too

[@syedmonzareen5002]

God your singing voice is beautiful

[@EagleZtoTheGrave]

Syed Monzareen Album or we riot. But seriously, really nice voice.

[@lucystewart29]

Tru DAT boiiii!!!!!

[@Smeghead76]

"It [Hogfather] manages to be a PERFECT analogy to the evolution of Christmas as a celebration and Santa as a holiday figure." Well, that _is_ what Sir Terry set out to do, so... mission accomplished?

[@grahmdionable]

i cant read that fast. and my musical appreciation of your songs stops me from hitting pause to read. i really like your song selection. a lot. and the simple honest way you sing. thank you red.

[@tanyaritchie1499]

I love that you pile the love on for Sir Terry and Discworld. Thank you.

[@wrenmccreadie5776]

I pause every single thing I do when I get a notification that you guys have uploaded

[@madilynt4271]

YAY!!! For next Christmas you should summarize a Christmas carol!! I know basically EVERYBODY knows that story, but!! I think you could add your own little twist on it!!!

[@BirdsDotGov]

Madilyn Taylor So, I heard you like Mudkip

[@glanni]

Mud

[@emmitstewart1921]

There is a very good reason why stores start displaying Christmas goods in September. Beginning in World War II and continuing till today, almost every family in the country had several members in the armed Forces stationed overseas and they wanted to make sure that they shared their holidays with these far off and often homesick relatives, so they would make up Christmas parcels and send them by mail. As a result, the military postal service was swamped during the Christmas season, and it would take six to eight weeks for a parcel to reach a serviceman. . Families of soldiers, sailors, and airmen were told that, to insure their Christmas gifts actually arrived before Christmas, any gifts should be put in the mail several weeks before Thanks giving. As a result, stores were requested to have Christmas items available for early sales to military families. Other families, especially those with relatives in distant states, took advantage of the early availability, so the custom became universal. The custom of beginning Christmas shopping early and thus spreading the expense over four paychecks proved very popular, so even though the mails move much faster now, the Christmas products still go on the shelves early. P.S. Terry Pratchett is fantastic. My secret Christmas wish is for a sapient pearwood trunk.

[@whattheheckamidoinghere4305]

That explains it.

[@manamongmen3381]

I work package handling, and the swamping is real. Like I don't have weekends anymore.

[@derekwagner7966]

5:47 “A bearded old man streaking across the night sky” 😂😂😂

[@HobbNoblin]

See, I think I'd be a lot more into Christmas if there was the off chance of hearing a mall Santa randomly boom out "I AM OOOOOODIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!!"

[@Heothbremel]

If I were equipped in any way to make this happen I 100% would

[@burnin8able]

One other tidbit about the whole Odin is Santa angle that I heard about, but never was able to confirm, was that the tradition of stockings by the fireplace was that people would put carrots in them before bed, and Odin would show up, riding on Sleipnir, feed the carrots to Sleipnir, and Odin would leave candy in the stockings as a thank you. So I guess it's sort of the origin of the milk and cookies for santa and the stockings tradition, assuming it's true.

[@chaonis24601]

burnin8able I'm dutch and we have a similar tradition, but on saint Nicolas day. He rides on a horse so we leave carrots for the horse and letters for saint nick in our shoes for them to find. Maybe the stocking thing is derived from that?

[@burnin8able]

Perhaps that is the case, or maybe both traditions are derived from the same root, who knows.

[@kittyabyss7140]

I heard it was derived from shamen delivering mushrooms to people snowed in during the winter seasons. ( pharmaceutical inquisition)

[@EB-xc3zd]

Even if this is complete BS I really want it to be true

[@randzopyr1038]

I'd heard it was children leaving their shoes by the door with some sort of offering for Odin (jerky or something similar maybe) and carrots for Sleipnir. And Odin leaving sweets behind for the kids. I suspect that this is a much more modern tradition than the original Yule festival, because it sounds like the original Yule may have involved ritualistic animal sacrifice and even fighting/occasional human sacrifice (although all of the sources are Christian monks who were more than a bit biased).

[@Hanski241]

Me and my girlfriend laughed our Finnish asses off at your pronunciation of "Joulupukki"! Thank you! 😁😁😁😁 (Also the artist behind the red Coca-Cola Santa Claus had Finnish parents or grandparents [not sure which it was])

[@emiljosefsson9149]

One connection that at least i draw to Santa Claus is his similarities to the Scandinavian "Tomte" (which is the name we use for Santa Claus here in Sweden), which is a small bearded man wearing a wool cap. He patrols the farms of peasants, keeping an eye on the farm animals and making sure the buildings are properly held up while the farmers are asleep in exchange for food, usually oat meal (which might be the origin of the tradition of Christmas Oat Meal here in Scandinavia). If the farmers didn't keep their end of the bargain the Tomte would get angry and might cause the farm animals to get sick or the buildings to fall apart. There's this poem by the Swedish author Victor Rydberg called Tomten ("The Tomte") detailing the nightly patrol of a Tomte one midwinter's night some one hundred or so years ago, which my mother read to me when i was little and which i have started to read at Christmas as a new family tradition.

[@HaakonTheRayquaza]

jeg er fra Danmark, og jeg syntes det er sjovt at Julen består af så mange traditioner, men vores traditioner over alle også selvom vi fejrer Jesus' Fødselsdag, men jeg syntes det er lidt grineren at tænke på Odin som Julemanden

[@pleaseenteraname6590]

Red: the Virgin Mary being impregnated by the big man upstairs *zeus intensifies*

[@AnimeboyIanpower]

*And then along came Zeus!*

[@ultimateagent25]

Mary consented to be impregnated by the big man upstairs. Zeus rapes whenever he pleases.

[@jorgepeterbarton]

@@ultimateagent25 she was about 12 so by modern standards, no

[@tylerbrown8098]

I am once again reminded of how well Dresden Files manages to nail the myths it includes, no matter how all-over-the-place the origins might be

[@Vennant]

I'm pretty sure Joulupukki didn't originally dress in the red and white outfit we see today. Rather he would dress in some regular furs and stuff. Also Santa lives in Finland, not on the north pole. I'll fight anyone who disagrees.

[@randomgrmlin]

I agree he is definitely from Lappland

[@manamongmen3381]

@@randomgrmlin Nope, your both wrong. He lives in Asgard. And only has one eye.

[@oliverschoneck7750]

The japanese would like a word with you.... as they are of the quite firm belief that Santa lives in Denmark. I suggest you apologise before their ninja samurai warriors find you.

[@laurenkirby97]

He just wanders around most of the year pretending to be a poor commoner and pulling pranks. Even if his home address was known You still wouldn't find him there.

[@dropdead234]

If you're a Fin, you'll fight anybody anyway. Or just stab them a few times.

[@sinvector8020]

I love Discworld! Terry Pratchett was such an amazing writer and worldbuilder, and his character s are all top notch! EVERYONE SHOULD GO READ DISCWORLD :D And happy holidays everyone! Best of wishes to you and your loved ones :)

[@KanaiIle]

The Hogfather is pretty brilliant in linking a more modern Santa Claus to some really messed up pagan roots. But then again the whole series is brilliant.

[@thewanderer5506]

Happy Holidays, Red, hope its been a fun year, and hope you and Blue have a phenomenal rest of your life

[@AGothNamedWednessday]

"while huge fluffy snowflakes drift down" *Cackles in Minnesotan"

[@gecttakhla4249]

*cries in British *

[@witheredbonnie9268]

*confused in Alabamian*

[@odd-ysseusdoesstuff6347]

*Intrigued in Filipino*

[@impish_snake3526]

*dejected in southern Michiganian*

[@andrewmihovich4252]

So... the latest episode of _Ducktales_ finally elaborates on a Scottish duck's feud with Santa Claus. (" _He knows what he did..._ ")

[@francinemagsino701]

how other people spend their Christmas : playing in the snow, staying warm, drinking hot chocolate, singing about reindeers. How i spend my Christmas : getting sunburnt, dying from heat, mosquitoes everywhere, singing about white kangaroos. [Australia has Christmas in summer ;-;]

[@lizabethhampton4537]

"'So tender and mild' makes me feel like I'm describing an artisanal chicken sandwich, not a holy infant." DED

[@_korepsyche_]

"There is no wrong way to celebrate Christmas, cause there is no right way to celebrate Christmas" Love this

[@pineapplecatxdwonderpigs8160]

This is more informative then a 30 minute lecture in history.

[@TwoGoblinsInATrenchCoat]

"I like [Christmas], okay? It's magical. Fight me."

[@jaidadraco]

if anyone needed it, here's another vote for everyone reading discworld and especially the hogfather. and watching the film adaptation- it's one of the few adaptations i've seen that I would actually recommend to people who have read the book

[@avatarkyoshi6777]

#Notisquad Edit: 1 view and 7 likes? I think KZbin has gotten high on the candy canes.........

[@sanjitsounderrajan]

**sniffs** **scratches** you got any more of them, videos?

[@abzhz101handle9]

Got interrupted while watching the video so I had "Striking image of a bearded old man streaking--" for about 15 minutes in my head while I got everyone's food.

[@fishcrimbus7221]

So happy to see Hogfather getting some love in the end credits. It's a Christmas tradition in my family to watch it every year. And I always love seeing Sir Terry getting love.

[@Charvale]

... but what about the Krampus?

[@darkchiisheep4330]

Charvale I also kind of missed Christkind. Since I didn't got my presents from Santa but from Christkind when I was little.

[@Sibula]

that's the cristmas goat they briefly mentioned.

[@Charvale]

Was looking forward to Red actually saying the name that I guess I missed the reference.

[@randzopyr1038]

No one's 100% sure on Krampus and his connection to the Christmas Goat. It's possible that the Christmas Goat was part of the sacrifice that took place during Yule, but Krampus may have been unrelated (despite the goat-like resemblance) and may be related to a local German fairy that was swept into Christmas when Christianity bulldozed over local fairy beliefs (fairy meaning some sort of superstitious mythological creature such as a kobold, goblin, pixie, troll, brownie, etc...)

[@plutossky7534]

My brother used to be scared to death of Krampus. Wait he still is....

[@Tw1stedsistah1337]

Terry Pratchett was an amazing writer and his work is well worth checking out!

[@Bacteriophagebs]

There was recently a study that showed that the earlier stores start playing Christmas music, the more stressed-out people get. They say it's because it reminds them of the stressful holiday season coming up, but I think it's just that what we call "Christmas music" is a collection of songs from the 1960s which we've heard over and over again every year for our entire lives. Some of which aren't even about Christmas, but are about things like the horrors of war ("I'll be Home for Christmas") or date rape ("Baby, it's Cold Outside"). And that's what Christmas means to me!

[@CJCroen1393]

I can't tell you how glad I am that I'm not the only one who feels like "tender and mild" sounds more like it's describing food than a baby XD

[@illegalmemedealer3549]

Yeah, Sir Terry was an absolute legend and should be one of the great modern authors alongside Tolkien and Rowling don’t @ me

[@applecheeks21]

Holy wow I know a few things considering the holiday. The Finnish one is interesting. Santa being the modernized Odin is very odd, but it’s also funny. Great video!

[@sarahw7644]

Terry Pratchett's works are amazing. I mourned when he passed--so many good friends (Vimes, Death and Death of Rats, Carrot, Susan, Ridcully's Crew, The Patrician, the whole of Lancre, and so many others) went with him... So anyway, Merry Christmas. Gonna go watch Hogfather now.

[@zarinaa1135]

I was under the impression that Christmas trees were adopted into the mainstream when Prince Albert brought them from Germany to England when he married Queen Victoria in the 1800's. Some help please?

[@clockworkkirlia7475]

There's not that much time between George III and Victoria so it's possible that they existed from Georgie's wife but it took One Bertie Boi to popularise them.

[@83croissant]

They actually started a bit earlier but Albert and Victoria definitely popularized it

[@lswritings3340]

I love Christmas! The stories, movies, music, decorations, and overall aesthetic! But I’ve always wondered about the origins of the traditions and imagery. I was born, raised, and am still Christian to this day, I’ve known about the birth of Jesus, but that’s about it. So this video really opened my eyes. So many pieces of traditions from so many different cultures are merged together, even from different religions like Pagan and Christianity. And I found that amazing! Getting cheesy here, but all these different cultures to create such an iconic time of year really drives home what Christmas is truly about, putting aside difference and celebrating all things good together! Knowing this, I’m never looking at the holiday the same again, and I love it even more!

[@justinsharp6323]

Showed this to my family and my sister said Red missed something. Apparently, Christmas lights came from Martin Luther attempting to recreate the starry sky in his home. Merry Christmas all!

[@bigleggo6738]

This is cool and insightful.... Amazing video again... Merry Christmas

[@gazelleguy]

Merry freaking Krampus Red and Blue! One of my favorite channels I've stumbled across this year. 😊

[@notarealwombat5676]

HURRAY FOR SINTERKLAAS (and his wrongly interpreted servant, Black Pete, who is seen as a slave but actually is Krampus I know it's mad)

[@starstudios2959]

I like Christmas for the family stuff, decorating the house and tree, the snow and finally presents. I like hearing stuff like this so you aren't alone Red

[@gabbyn978]

Hearing the song at the end of this video: Did you already cover the story, how it came into existence? Once upon a time, there was Oberndorf, a remote mountain village, half Bavarian, half Austrian, populated by impoverished folk struggling to make a living. In comes Mohr, a new curate who is supposed to help the local pastor keep the church services going (which are barely attended). When Christmas is drawing near, they find that the organ is broken, as mice had literally eaten holes into the bellows. So Mohr sets up a poem, his friend Gruber, the local teacher, creates a melody inspired by the regional way of singing, and the song gets performed the first time in this little cold quiet church in an alpine valley.

[@leirawhitehart1236]

Man, I couldn't help but laugh when you said during your singing that the "tender and mild" part of the song reminds you of Artisan chicken, because I went through the exact same thing, only it made me think of BBQ ribs (my favorite kind: tender and mild [not spicy]), kinda makes it hard to sing the song without laughing a bit when you realize that. Also makes things in your head a tad bit creepier when you realize your also talking about a baby...

[@spiritedrenee9895]

Marry Christmas.

[@professorhochmuth5104]

Description Untitled You can't force me to wed him, father! I do not love him!

[@TeddyBear-br2co]

*Chokes on potato chips*

[@jackhummer8344]

I love Christmas, but not in that way.

[@laycijasmine4679]

Well I mean I guess it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing to spend the rest of my life with one of the greatest holidays of the year

[@shh5764]

Description Untitled marry Christmas

[@blueteller]

You know, Santa wasn't even a thing in my neighborhood when I was a kid. We still got presents under the christmas tree - depending on household, they were adressed either from "an Angel" - as the Guardian Angels who watch over kids, or "the Star" - referencing the light of the star that lead the Three Kings in Bethlehem. But because of holiday marketing, now it's Santa everywhere. Man, the times have changed....

[@samuelevans738]

7:24 I definitely feel you there. Haven't had a Christmas with snow for... what, 12 years now? Also, yay! Someone else who likes Prachett! 😆

[@addi_dot_com]

This is why I cringe when people claim Christmas is not Christian anymore. IT WASNT CHRISTIAN IN THE FIRST PLACE

[@thegrandberry4418]

Oh wow another human I think it's better defined as a Christian holiday based on older celebrations, combined with a central theme of Christ and the hope he brings to create a new holiday

[@sflaningam7680]

On behalf Asgard and Pagans everywhere: THANK YOU!!!

[@grzegorzbrzeczyszczykiewic6379]

"Name literally has Christ on it" It's not Christian olololol. Just call it IDK Odin's day or something if you wanna make it pagan. Make something original for once.

[@sflaningam7680]

@@grzegorzbrzeczyszczykiewic6379 It originally was pagan. If you'd paid attention, you'd know these were a bunch of pagan winter holidays (the Wild Hunt, Yule Tide, Saturnalia) being forcibly re-branded by Christians to commemorate an event that happened in late August. Most of these pagan traditions had existed for centuries if not millennia by the time the Nazarene, whose real name was Yeshua and was called Christ as an insult by the way, made the scene in the first place. "Make something original for once"? It's Christianity that's been ripping stuff off and calling it theirs. Renaming it after your god or messiah doesn't make it yours or any less stolen.

[@grzegorzbrzeczyszczykiewic6379]

@@sflaningam7680 Just because ameritards gave the idea that "oh Christmas is about Santa Claus and flying reindeers" doesn't mean every Christian celebrates like that. All those shit are just tradition and aren't really a part of Christmas.

[@marywhipes4875]

I have no idea why, but I want to share our Christmas traditions. First of all we celebrate it on December 24th and we have Christmas dinner consisting of waffles with honey and garlic, cabbage soup, carp and potato salad and bobaľky - little balls of dough served with poppy, while eating dinner only the one who serves food can stand up. After the dinner we open our gifts.

[@xtrashocking]

Wow, neat

[@darkchiisheep4330]

May I ask you where are you from?

[@marywhipes4875]

I am from small country in the middle of Europe called Slovakia.

[@darkchiisheep4330]

Zemiačik - Little Cute Potato that makes us (country-)neighbors :D

[@pifilixxiv3192]

Hey, sweet, slovaks are here too.

[@kittyabyss7140]

I can not like this video enough. I actually started crying when reading the end of the video. Terry Pratchett has been my favorite auther for years. I watch Hogswatch every Christmas with my kids and I have read the book at least 6 times. Thank you. On a side note the pharmaceutical inquisition does go a little more into the history of Christmas, not as good as anything Sir Terry ever had a hand in but definatly informative.

[@jay15951]

Moral of the story Odin is Santa praise odin lol

[@johnmccarron7066]

Skoal!!!

[@gryphonprovenzano3156]

To Valhalla!, )0(

[@Tomboy014]

Skoal! Now don’t forget to leave carrots and apples in your boots for Sleipnir!

[@dropdead234]

Odin Claus, Leader of the Wild Hunt. You'd better believe he's got a list. And you don't want to be on it.

[@tannermccollum7060]

Odin is everywhere!

[@mariesophia9239]

I don't know if anyone mentioned this earlier in the comments but from what I learnt about the origins of Christmas trees was that originally people only took the branches and hung them around their house to ward of evil spirits before deciding to just take the whole tree whilst they're at it. Then the Christkind would go around together with Saint Nikolaus and would decorate these trees with fruits (oranges and apples) and candles which is where Christmas decorations then came from. This is probably a very crude simplification and I can't say that I'm 100% certain that's how it goes cause it was some time ago that I was told this 🌲🎄

[@femoman]

My personal favourite 'Origin of Santa' story has to be the movie Klaus, where he's an old Scandinavian woodsman who made tonnes of toys for the children he hoped to have until his wife died, and with the aid of a postman who needed to deliver 6000 packages before the year was out, starts secretly giving his presents to any child who sends a letter asking him. It explains everything, from his red outfit (a gift from some Sami tribesmen), his flying sleigh (originally a wagon, but a hijink-filled chase knocked off the wheels and launched it into the air past a kid who mistook it for a flying sleigh), the elves (actually Sami folk who decided to help him in return for a gift he made for a Sami girl). Great movie!

[@cedartheyeah.justyeah.3967]

Yes!