Buddy the Elf may have claimed that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is “singing loud for all to hear,” but if podcasting had existed back in 2003, his slogan may have needed tweaking. We’ve collected podcasts that spread the requisite Christmas cheer with endearing gusto (and no crooning necessary), each approaching the holiday from a different angle: historical, cinematic, wellness-based, and even creepy.
What unites them is their hosts’ infectious enthusiasm for the winter holiday, which admittedly might turn off more Scrooge-like listeners who don’t understand the basis of a year-round obsession. But after such a treacherous year, the wholesome doses of optimism that these podcasters provide feel sorely needed, and more welcome than ever.
Hosted by the warm and knowledgeable Brian Earl, Christmas Past is a delightful, year-round podcast that explores the backstories of cherished Christmas traditions. Maybe you’ve always wondered what a mince pie or sugar plum actually is, or what it means to “go a-wassailing.” Whatever your Christmas conundrum, Earl has you covered, and then some. With excellent production, engaging narration, and short, digestible running times, Christmas Past is perfect to put on while decorating your tree or preparing Christmas dinner. Earl also impressively compiled the Definitive Directory of Christmas podcasts featuring over 100 Christmas-themed shows, for any listener still looking for Christmas content after reviewing our ever-so-slightly more abridged list.
Start here: “Christmas Past Classic: Backstory—Santa Claus, Part 1”
Although Christmas is frequently portrayed as a merry and bright time of year, author Beth Kempton knows that for many, the season can also be quite emotionally intense. Her podcasts offer compassionate and intentional methods for dealing with the darker side of the holidays. Over the course of 12 episodes, Kempton doles out advice on dealing with sadness, loneliness, and grief, how to indulge in holiday food without feeling guilt or stress, what mindful gifting looks like, and how to have a “slow Christmas.” With her soothing British accent (she podcasts from her kitchen table in the English countryside, which I imagine looks exactly like Kate Winslet’s cottage in The Holiday), The Calm Christmas Podcast is truly a balm during what can be an incredibly stressful time of year. And while the podcast is Christmas-specific, many of Kempton’s practical approaches to leading a calm lifestyle can be applied year-round.
Start here: “Readying yourself for a calm Christmas”
Hosted by self-described “big time Christmas Nerds” Dylan Lyles and Matt Kelly, this recently launched podcast is propelled by the duo’s wholesome, effervescent passion for the holiday. Listening to Lyles and Kelly banter about Christmas carols versus Christmas songs (yes, there is a difference), or Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (a 1977 TV special featuring Muppets) is nothing short of a delight. A standout episode is “Confessions of a Mall Santa,” in which the pair interview “Santa Joe” about his experiences working as a mall Santa for the past decade, and how the pandemic has impacted his beloved livelihood. It’s a funny, and ultimately quite poignant conversation that serves as a reminder that for so many people, the magic of Christmas often lies in the possibility of connecting with others.
Start here: “Confessions of a Mall Santa”
Amid lyrics about parties and marshmallows and caroling, there’s a line in “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” that always rings a bit anachronistic: “there’ll be scary ghost stories.” As host of Weird Christmas Podcast, Craig Kringle runs with this idea that “creepy” and “Christmas” are not mutually exclusive. Alongside authors, scholars, and Christmas experts, Kringle facilitates fascinating discussions about the stranger traditions and tales of Christmas, including the Yule Lads (Icelandic trolls), Christmas Werewolves, elf folklore, and, of course, Krampus. Weird Christmas Podcast not only sheds light on the more occult, mystic backstories of Christmas traditions, but also provides a global perspective on the ways different cultures celebrate the holiday. While some listeners might go in simply looking for some scares, thanks to the caliber of Kringle’s guests and the rigor of their research, it’s an unexpectedly educational listen.
Start here: “Krampus With Al Ridenour”
Hosted by Irish film journalist Helen O’Hara, Bah Humbug unpacks all manner of holiday movies with an equal dose of humor and genuine cinematic critique. O’Hara and her guests clearly have a ball as they dissect holiday fare as varied as It’s a Wonderful Life, Jingle Jangle, the Original Star Wars Holiday Special, The Santa Clause, and Joyeux Noel. Bah Humbug is smart without taking itself seriously—a sweet spot that’s harder to hit than one might expect. What other show could discuss The Princess Switch 2: Switched Again (starring Vanessa Hudgens in multiple roles) without sounding overly snarky or condescending, while also earnestly juxtaposing the movie with the classic John Landis film Trading Places? Props to O’Hara for enthusiastically and affectionately bridging the gap between the “high” and “low” of holiday movies; listening to her playful analysis feels almost as satisfying as curling up on the couch and actually watching one of her picks.