Episode 156: "Bread Santa - A People's History of Christmas" ft. Liz of Rebel Steps

Coffee with Comrades

Did you know that “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” is secretly a song about stealing from the rich? Did you know the “Lord of Misrule” was the original holiday party animal? Did you know solidarity and justice are the real reason for the season?

“Bread Santa” is a holiday special, a people’s history of Christmas. Liz, of Rebel Steps, joins us to discuss the pagan origins of Christmas in Yule and Winter Solstice, the Roman Empire’s hegemonic institution of Christianity, the Puritans’ reactionary conservatism, Fox News’ war on Christmas, and so much more. So, pour yourself some eggnog and enjoy!

Notes:

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References:

• Focus on the Family’s reactionary dipshittery
• From Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus: the surprising origins of Kris Kringle
• Christmas in 19th century America
• Christmas Trees: A Forgotten History
• The Christmas Truce
• What’s the real history of Black Friday?
• How the “War on Christmas” controversy was created
• An anarchist guide to Christmas
• Why do we have Christmas trees? The surprising history behind this holiday tradition.
• Mother Jones: Santa Gets Busted in Copenhagen
• The Danish Anarchists Who Inspired SantaCon Could Not Have Imagined Its Bro-Hell Future
• Julemandshæren 1974 video
• Rebel Steps’ Cancel Rent Gingerbread House