This American Life Christmas and Commerce
Dec 24, 2025
Join humorist David Sedaris, known for his sharp comedic essays, as he shares his entertaining experiences working as an elf at Macy's, highlighting the chaotic holiday dynamics with families and the absurdity of staged cheer. David Rakoff adds a unique twist, embodying 'Christmas Freud' in Barney's window, navigating the challenges of retail therapy while exploring the deeper meanings of the holiday season. Both guests blend humor and poignant insights, revealing the heart and hustle that define Christmas in commerce.
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Last-Minute Toy Run Reveals Christmas Pressure
- A father races through Toys R Us on Christmas Eve to buy $90 twin dolls after his daughter insists Santa must bring them.
- Ira Glass uses the scene to show Christmas amplifies everyday identities and pressures to 'get it right.'
Why He Became An Elf At Macy's
- David Sedaris recounts applying and being hired as an elf at Macy's after a series of absurd interviews and a failed drug test.
- He notes they hired him mainly because he was short and fit the elf mold.
The Odd Rituals Of Elf Training
- Sedaris describes exhaustive elf training, motivational cheers, and a 40-page Elfin Guide of rules.
- He finds forced, exclamation-filled merriment embarrassing and prefers frankness with children.