Ever wondered how a festival honoring the Roman god Saturn could influence your Christmas celebrations today? Join us, the History Buffoons, as we unravel this and other fascinating tidbits in our festive romp through holiday history. You’ll discover the intriguing evolution of Christmas from public church gatherings to cozy home festivities, all while we sip on some delightful brews and dodge the playful antics of our feline co-hosts. This episode promises not only to satisfy your curiosity about the first Christmas carol broadcast from space but also to amuse you with trivia like the highest-grossing Christmas movie—just in time for your holiday gatherings.

Travel back with us to the Middle Ages and Victorian times, where you'll learn how these eras shaped the Christmas traditions we hold dear today. From the introduction of Christmas cards in 1843 to the culinary transformation of holiday feasts, discover the role that figures like Charles Dickens and entities like Father Christmas played in crafting the festive spirit. Whether it's the revival of carol singing or the misunderstood history of Santa's red suit, our lighthearted exploration offers both warmth and a touch of holiday trivia cheer. Grab your favorite holiday beverage, get cozy, and enjoy this merry celebration of Christmas traditions through the ages.


Christmas Through the Ages by Mark Cartwright

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1893/christmas-through-the-ages/

The First Christmas Tree by Alison Barnes

https://www.historytoday.com/archive/history-matters/first-christmas-tree#:~:text=Contrary%20to%20myth%2C%20it%20wasn,the%20Christmas%20tree%20to%20Britain

“'Merry Christmas' … There’s a history there” by Elizabeth Rosenblum

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/talk-greenville/2022/12/08/merry-christmas-theres-a-history-to-the-greeting/69711250007/

61 Best Christmas Trivia Questions to Impress Your Family This Holiday By Jessica Leigh Mattern, Erin Cavoto and Ashley Leath

https://www.countryliving.com/life/g23461993/christmas-trivia/

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to become an astronaut and join the ranks of legends like Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins? Grab a soda and get comfortable as we share some personal stories, starting with Bradley's dreams of being a musician and Kate's unforgettable, albeit queasy, experience shadowing a biologist. As we reminisce about childhood aspirations, we segue into the extraordinary careers of the Apollo 11 crew, highlighting their iconic contributions to space exploration and Collins' unique role in that historic mission.

Join us as we chart the fascinating paths of these pioneering astronauts, from Armstrong's daring test flights to Aldrin's journey from rejection to earning the nickname "Dr. Rendezvous." We even throw a spotlight on Collins' formative aviation experiences that set him up for his pivotal role in the moon landing. These narratives blend skill, determination, and a little bit of luck, painting a vivid picture of the human spirit that propelled these men to lunar greatness.

But wait, there's more! We break down the rigorous selection process and training astronauts undergo today, touching on new policies like allowing LASIK surgery and the grueling physical and mental demands candidates face. As we explore the competitive application process and the extensive training involved, we also share a fun tidbit about the "white elephant" idiom and our morning rituals. So tune in for an episode that’s as informative as it is entertaining, offering you a front-row seat to the awe-inspiring world of astronautics.


https://www.space.com/25786-how-to-become-an-astronaut.html

https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/astronauts/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCnRPwUQ_ug

https://science.howstuffworks.com/question534.htm

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Support the show

This website contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the running of this website and allows me to continue providing valuable content. Please note that I only recommend products and services that I believe in and have personally used or researched.

Journey with us through the shadowy corridors of history as we unravel the overlooked tale of Rosemary Kennedy, a narrative intertwined with the ingenuity of Operation Mincemeat and the tragic legacy of lobotomies. This episode of "The Origin of Weird" uncovers the complex dynamics within the Kennedy family, where political ambition collided with private struggle. Born amidst the Spanish influenza epidemic, Rosemary's life was irrevocably shaped by her birth complications, leading to unique challenges. The pressure of her father Joe Kennedy's political aspirations led to a life-altering decision: a lobotomy that cast a long shadow over Rosemary's life and forever altered her reality.

As we peel back layers of secrecy, listeners are invited to witness the enduring impact of Rosemary's story, not only on her family but on the world. Her siblings, kept in the dark for decades, provide a poignant perspective on the secrecy surrounding her condition. We explore how this painful chapter inspired Eunice Kennedy Shriver to champion the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities through the creation of the Special Olympics. With a thoughtful exploration of the rise and fall of lobotomies, we reflect on how this once-prevalent practice left its mark on history, and how Rosemary eventually found her place within her family before her passing in 2005. This episode offers a compelling look at an era of medical experimentation and the personal stories that continue to resonate.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary_Kennedy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobotomy

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Support the show

This website contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the running of this website and allows me to continue providing valuable content. Please note that I only recommend products and services that I believe in and have personally used or researched.