Christmas Special 2023

Rector’s Cupboard Podcast

There are some truly terrifying Christmas/winter characters out there. Many may have heard of Krampus, a German partner of St. Nick who punishes poorly behaved children, but what about Peruchty, a winter witch who likes to disembowel naughty children?

Santa, also, may fall into these terrifying categories, although in less severe ways. Lumps of coal in stocking, running naughty and nice list, even Jolly St. Nick has taken on the role of scaring children into behaving well with threats.

This year, we gathered to talk about some of these characters and the way in which they have been shaped by and, in turn shape, imaginations in Christian understanding.

It’s not all scary, though, we also talk about a Christmas tradition from Catalonia where a log poops out Christmas treats, so there’s something for everyone!

We had a special guest for this recording, Amanda’s puppy, Luna, who greatly enjoyed chewing on our chairs throughout the episode, providing much joy and additional noise while we chatted.

We hope you enjoy this conversation and that you have a blessed Christmastime.

Materials referenced:

Church Fights: King vs. Liquorish, Season 3
"Shock of the Old" - The Guardian, December 5, 2023
Tio de Nadal article
Raising Children UnFundamentalist
Tis the Grinch Holiday Talk Show

Tasting Notes:

On this episode, we enjoyed blueberry tea, a lovely warm cocktail, prepared by Cupboard Master, Ken Bell. Here’s a recipe if you’d like to mix one for yourself. We used some local spirits in our version with Amaretto from Sons of Vancouver Distillery and Triple Sec from Copperpenny Distilling Co.

You can find pictures of the Bible inscription, fill-in afterlife destination card, and the scary Santa from Allison’s house on our website.