The Russell Moore Show Christmas Traditions with Steve Cuss and Clarissa Moll
Dec 22, 2025
Steve Cuss, host of the Being Human podcast, shares his insights on unique Australian Christmas traditions, including the whimsical 'Wombat Divine' and the quirky song 'Six White Boomers.' Clarissa Moll joins in, reflecting on the emotional complexity of the season as they discuss when to start playing Christmas music. The trio dives into personal nativity characters, joyful childhood memories, and the importance of supporting loved ones through grief during the holidays. Humor and poignant reflections make their holiday talk both heartfelt and entertaining.
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Episode notes
Set Clear Seasonal Boundaries
- Start Christmas music at a deliberate time to avoid burnout; Russell Moore uses November 15 as his compromise.
- Clarissa prefers the first Sunday of Advent to give Thanksgiving its due and pace the season.
Incarnation Music Transcends Seasons
- Incarnation-focused music (like Behold the Lamb) feels seasonally flexible because it centers on Christ, not holiday tropes.
- Russell distinguishes worshipful albums from novelty carols that feel out of season.
Carols Grow With Life
- 'Oh, Come All Ye Faithful' and 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' gain new layers as life reveals more joy and suffering.
- Russell hears triumph and lament through those carols each year.