Holiday-Themed Song of the Day: "A Christmas Carol" by Tom Lehrer from An Evening Wasted with Tom Lehrer
Strange Christmas Factoid: St. Nicholas was an actual man who lived in what is now Turkey, and was known for bringing gifts to poor children. Though his legend has fused with other legends from other countries, and he is now popularly known as Santa Claus. The idea of him living in the North Pole came from a cartoon drawn in the late 1800s, which pictured Santa sitting on a box that had been addressed to him in the North Pole. The cartoonist thought it seemed like a good idea.
Holiday Tradition of the Day: In the Ukraine, Christmas is celebrated by the sharing of a 12-course dinner. The dinner starts once the first stars appear in the sky on Christmas night. It's the duty of the family's youngest child to keep an eye out for the first sign of stars, so that the feast can begin.
Gift of the Day: Old Futures Gone (Red House, 2003) by John Gorka. Okay, so it's not a Christmas-themed record at all, but it would still make a great gift. John Gorka is an incredible songwriter who creates lyrics that are beautiful and earnest, set to smooth, comfortable melodies. Listen/Download or Buy
