I Don't Have Enough FAITH to Be an ATHEIST

Behind the Scenes at #AmFest2025 PLUS Fascinating Christmas Traditions with Bill Federer

Dec 23, 2025

Bill Federer, a historian and author well-versed in American and Christian history, dives into the fascinating origins of Christmas traditions. He debunks myths around St. Nicholas, revealing how he became the prototype for Santa Claus. Federer elaborates on the significance of December 25th and the influence of various cultures on holiday practices. He also explores the evolution of Santa's image through art and literature. Tune in for a delightful blend of history and festive spirit!

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ANECDOTE

AmericaFest 2025 Experience

Frank Turek recounts attending AmericaFest 2025 and meeting many public figures, describing the scale and atmosphere of the event.
He highlights dining with Allie Beth Stuckey and plans to host several new guests on the podcast next year.

INSIGHT

Christian Influence Promotes Civic Order

Frank relays Dennis Prager's thought experiment showing why a Christian presence civilizes communities.
He argues Christian influence reduces violent behavior and benefits everyone, even nonbelievers.

ADVICE

Donate To Double Your Impact

Frank asks listeners to support CrossExamined's ministry with year-end donations to match a $300,000 gift for campus security.
He emphasizes 100% of donations go to ministry and that contributions double under the matching gift.

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Merry Christmas everyone! In this very special episode of ‘I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist’, Frank shares his personal thoughts and experiences from his time at America Fest 2025 last weekend, including who he met for the first time, what’s coming next for TPUSA, and what new guests you might be seeing on the podcast soon!

Then, we share a “blast from the past” fan-favorite episode with the great Bill Federer, where he talks about the TRUE history of our Christmas traditions and debunks some of the popular myths and questions circulating online including:

Is there any CHRISTIAN truth to our Christmas traditions or are they rooted in paganism?
What’s the deal with Santa Claus and where did he come from?
Was Jesus REALLY born on December 25th?
Is Christmas a copycat of Sol Invictus?
What role did St. Nicholas play at the Council of Nicaea?
Where did the Christmas tree come from?
How did Martin Luther change Germany’s Christmas traditions?
Is it ok for Christians to use the term X-mas and where did it come from?
Should Christians teach their kids that the mythical Santa Claus is real?
What is the true meaning of Christmas?

And so much more! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out Bill’s book, ‘There Really Is a Santa Claus’, and sign-up for his popular newsletter, American Minute.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY USING THE LINK BELOW. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Donate to CrossExamined - https://donor.crossexamined.org/

Truth at the Table: A Holiday Conversation Toolkit - https://crossexamined.org/holidaytoolkit/

Frank’s full speech at AmFest 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iehHx9SKgG4 Saturate USA panel with Lucas Miles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju4YfoWPP5I Daily Wire interview at AmFest 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y9qUtM-AaCw More AmFest 2025 highlights & speeches - https://bit.ly/4aZ2VEg

Bill’s website & newsletter - https://americanminute.com/

There Really Is a Santa Claus by Bill Federer - https://bit.ly/3KNX3Dk

Hope One Throwback Christmas Episode (2021) with Bill Federer - https://www.youtube.com/live/tFbfjJqVSzw