Stuff You Should Know

The SYSK Holiday Spectacular

Dec 24, 2019
This holiday special is a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt messages. It dives into the quirky connection between Santa Claus and psychedelic mushrooms, offering a whimsical take on Christmas lore. The spirited debate over classic films like 'It's a Wonderful Life' adds nostalgic charm. Listeners will uncover the fascinating backstories of iconic Christmas songs and the legal battles surrounding them. Plus, explore the unique tradition of flocking Christmas trees and celebrate the joy of holiday creativity!
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ANECDOTE

Santa and Psychedelic Mushrooms

  • Siberian shamans dressed like mushrooms (red and white) and delivered gifts through chimneys during the winter solstice.
  • This practice, combined with reindeer's love for these mushrooms, has led to speculation about Santa's origins.
INSIGHT

It's a Wonderful Life's Journey to Popularity

  • It's a Wonderful Life flopped initially but gained popularity after entering the public domain in 1974.
  • NBC regained exclusive rights in 1994, ending its free-for-all broadcast era.
ANECDOTE

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

  • Haven Gillespie, a Kentuckian, wrote "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" in 15 minutes.
  • The song became a massive hit, selling half a million sheet music copies in one day.
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