Happy holidays! This year, because homemade gifts are always the best kind, Joe and Tim have made you a special episode of Ridiculistics, full of seasonal surprises, glorious goodies and pedagogical pleasures!
Idioms are on break, so we’re flying antlers-first into everyone’s favorite holiday poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Everyone knows Clement Clarke Moore was the poem’s author…OR WAS HE? How is Santa simultaneously fat AND tiny? And has his assistant been hiding in plain sight all along?! Oh, and you probably don’t know what a sugar plum is — but you will!
From Dunder to Donner, from Nakatomi Plaza to Bedford Falls, and from Christmas Eve Day to Christmas NightEveDayNight, this episode is so good you’ll throw up your sash!
So cozy up — and thistle down — to a warm fire with a hot toddy, and rip the wrapping off this episode like a rabid, sleep-deprived 6-year-old . And from Joe and Tim to all our Ridiculisteners: Merry all of the things to all, and to all a good night!
Christmas Poem and Author Controversy
- Clement Clarke Moore on Poets.org – A brief biography of Moore, including his works and contributions to literature.
- Henry Livingston’s Case – Vassar College Article – An overview of the claim that Henry Livingston was the true author of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
- The Troy Sentinel Publication – 1823 – Explore the original publication where the poem first appeared anonymously.
Sugar Plums and Candy Lore
- Tasting History: Sugar Plums YouTube Video – Max Miller explains the history of sugar plums and recreates the recipe over three days.
- Ferrara Candy Company’s History – Learn about the candy makers behind Lemonheads and Atomic Fireballs.
Reindeer Names and Dutch Influence
- Dutch Origins of Dunder and Blixem – How the Dutch words for “thunder” and “lightning” became part of Santa’s reindeer lineup.
- The Evolution of Santa Claus on History.com – A dive into how St. Nicholas became the jolly figure we know today.
Holiday Language and Fun
- Merriam-Webster: Kerchief Definition – What exactly is a kerchief, and how does it differ from a handkerchief?
- Christmas Eve, Eve – The Great Debate – An exploration of quirky holiday phrases and traditions.
- Thistle Down Defined – The meaning behind thistle down and its poetic use.