This American Life Christmas and Commerce
Dec 24, 2025
David Sedaris, a humorist celebrated for his witty autobiographical tales, shares his quirky experiences as an elf at Macy's in the hilarious 'Santaland Diaries'. He recounts the absurdities of holiday shopping, rude customers, and the surreal expectations of Christmas magic. Meanwhile, David Rakoff transforms into a window-display Sigmund Freud, humorously discussing the commercialization of Christmas and the surprising intimacy of his 'therapy' sessions. Both guests shed light on the chaotic yet comedic realities of holiday retail.
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Last-Minute Toy Dash
- A father races through Toys R Us at 7:30 on Christmas Eve to buy $90 twin dolls his daughter demanded.
- Ira Glass uses this scene to show Christmas gives people a stage to prove they're caring parents.
Becoming An Elf At Macy's
- David Sedaris recounts answering a Macy's elf job ad and undergoing intense screening and training.
- He fails a drug test but is hired because he's short and fits the elf cast.
Inside Macy's Santaland
- Sedaris describes Santaland's maze, magic tree, and theatrical elf positions like "oh my god elf."
- He finds forced merriment embarrassing and plans to be a low-key elf named Crumpet.