In this episode of the Lifespring WhyChristmas Advent Calendar, host Steve Webb and James Cooper explore the cultural history of the “White Christmas.” Despite snow and ice having no mention in the original biblical story, they have become central to our holiday imagery through literature and royal tradition. The Dickensian Influence The strong association between…
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Day 16 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar explores the rich history behind two beloved Christmas traditions: the Christmas tree and the Yule log. In this episode, Steve Webb and James Cooper trace these symbols from ancient winter festivals through medieval Europe and into their Christian meaning today. Evergreen trees and burning logs were long…
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Day 11 – Christmas Greenery: Holly, Ivy, and Mistletoe Welcome to Day 11 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar. Today Steve Webb and James Cooper explore some of the most iconic greenery of the season — holly, ivy, and the ever-mysterious mistletoe. These plants show up everywhere during Christmas, but their story stretches back long…
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On Day 6 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar, Steve Webb and James Cooper unwrap the story behind one of the most familiar figures of the season: Santa Claus. From a kind fourth-century bishop in Turkey to children leaving clogs out in the Netherlands, to reindeer and Rudolph, this episode follows the surprising journey of…
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Day 2 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar continues our journey toward Christmas by looking at one of the most recognizable symbols of the season: the Christmas tree. These Advent Calendar episodes were originally recorded in 2006, but the story, meaning, and joy behind these traditions remain timeless. Each day, Steve Webb and James Cooper…
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The Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar is back. These special episodes were first recorded in 2006 and are now presented again in 2025 so that you can walk day by day toward Christmas with the Lifespring family, James Cooper from WhyChristmas.com, and your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. The story of Advent and Christmas is timeless, even…
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