Episode 156: “Bread Santa – A People’s History of Christmas” ft. Liz of Rebel Steps

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: Check out Rebel Steps wherever you get your favorite podcasts! Follow them on Twitter and TikTok and support their work on Patreon. Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and visit our website. Pick up a Coffee with Comrades shirt or coffee mug at our official merch store.  Coffee with Comrades is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network. Coffee with Comrades is an affiliate of the Firestorm Books & Café. Check out our reading recommendations! Our logo was designed by Nathanael Whale. 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