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Saturday

Thursday

After 38 years on the job, Santa Luke still has time for everyone. Yes, you too

Kensington White, an aspiring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, asked Santa Luke for "numchuks" for Christmas. Bill Chappell/NPR hide caption

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Bill Chappell/NPR

National

After 38 years on the job, Santa Luke still has time for everyone. Yes, you too

We spent a day soaking up the low-key magic made by Luke "Santa Luke" Durant, who draws large crowds — young and old — to storied Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore.

After 38 years on the job, Santa Luke still has time for everyone. Yes, you too

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Tuesday

A thousand Santas ditch the sleigh in favor of bikes in downtown Milwaukee

Mark Rowe (right) and Jeff Kruse (left) decked out their bikes for Milwaukee's annual Santa Cycle Rampage. Rowe declined to share how long his sleigh took to construct. Lina Tran/WUWM hide caption

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Lina Tran/WUWM

National

A thousand Santas ditch the sleigh in favor of bikes in downtown Milwaukee

For nearly two decades, thousands of Santas take over the streets of Milwaukee in what's known as the Santa Cycle Rampage — the "world's largest holiday-themed costume group bicycle ride for charity."

A thousand Santas ditch the sleigh in favor of bikes in downtown Milwaukee

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Saturday

Opinion: School shows are a magical part of the holidays

Scott Simon with his daughter, Elise, during the holidays. Caroline Simon hide caption

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Caroline Simon

Opinion

Simon Says

Opinion: School shows are a magical part of the holidays

NPR's Scott Simon talks about how much he enjoys watching school stage productions this time of year and why.

Opinion: School shows are a magical part of the holidays

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Tuesday

Saturday

Thursday

National

For kids who survived tornadoes, Santa comes 'a little bit differently' this year

Holiday gift donations have poured in from across the country for children who survived the tornadoes in western Kentucky.

For kids who survived tornadoes, Santa comes 'a little bit differently' this year

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Saturday

Black Santas are helping to change holiday icons and add more representation

Santa at the West Dallas Christmas Block Party Michelle Aslam/NPR hide caption

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Michelle Aslam/NPR

Race

Black Santas are helping to change holiday icons and add more representation

African American communities say they appreciate a growing trend of Black Santa Claus representations at Christmas

Black Santas are helping to change holiday icons and add more representation

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Friday

Coronavirus FAQ: Is it OK for the kids to take a pic with Santa?

A Santa Claus in Germany wears a surgical mask in December 2020. If you're planning to take the kids to see Santa this year, experts say it's safest to keep everyone's masks on. Caroline Seidel/picture alliance via Getty Images hide caption

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Caroline Seidel/picture alliance via Getty Images

Goats and Soda

Coronavirus FAQ: Is it OK for the kids to take a pic with Santa?

Plus: Is it safe to go to a holiday party if not everyone is vaccinated? And are people getting different side effects from the COVID booster?

Wednesday

Santa Claus is coming to town and he's busier than ever

Santa entertainer Randyl Wagner examines a Santa suit at his home. Jeff Dean/NPR hide caption

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Jeff Dean/NPR

Economy

Santa Claus is coming to town and he's busier than ever

Santa Claus performers are working from dawn to late in the evening as they try to meet the pent-up demand for appearances, while dealing with retirements and deaths among their ranks.

Santa Claus is coming to town and he's busier than ever

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Saturday

Opinion: 'Twas The Night Before Christmas in 2020

With countless lights, Christmassy illuminated man-high trees and reindeer decorate the entrance of a shop dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images hide caption

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dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images

Opinion

Simon Says

Opinion: 'Twas The Night Before Christmas in 2020

With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore, NPR's Scott Simon updates "A Visit from St. Nicholas" for 2020.

Opinion: 'Twas The Night Before Christmas in 2020

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Wednesday

David Sedaris Reads From 'Santaland Diaries'

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NPR's Holiday Favorites

David Sedaris Reads From 'Santaland Diaries'

The holiday tradition continues. Writer David Sedaris reads from his "Santaland Diaries," recounting his time spent working as a Macy's department store elf named Crumpet.

David Sedaris Reads From 'Santaland Diaries'

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Tuesday

In Bethlehem, 'Baba Noel' Delivers Christmas Gifts To Palestinian Children

Sabri Canaan, 30, dons a Santa suit to deliver presents as Baba Noel (Father Christmas) on Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. His driver Mohammed Battah (left) briefs him on the list of children receiving gifts. Daniel Estrin/NPR hide caption

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Daniel Estrin/NPR

World

In Bethlehem, 'Baba Noel' Delivers Christmas Gifts To Palestinian Children

In the Holy Land, Santa doesn't come down the chimney or wait till kids are asleep to deliver presents. "Baba Noel" or Father Christmas hops out of a red van and makes house calls while they're awake.

Saturday

It's been 50 years since Philadelphia Eagles fans pelted Santa with snow balls from the stands. Some people say they are ashamed of what happened that day, while others remain unapologetic.

It's been 50 years since Philadelphia Eagles fans pelted Santa with snow balls from the stands. Some people say they are ashamed of what happened that day, while others remain unapologetic. Alex Pantling/Getty Images hide caption

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Alex Pantling/Getty Images

1968: How We Got Here

Philly Frustration, 1968: 'The Day That They Were All Against Everything'

Philadelphia Eagles fans are known for passionately — sometimes rudely — backing their team. That reputation was cemented on a cold Sunday in 1968, when disgruntled fans pelted Santa with snowballs.

Philly Frustration, 1968: 'The Day That They Were All Against Everything'

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Friday

He Is Jewish, But Being Santa Is His Calling

Adam Roseman, 52, and Rick Rosenthal, 66, pose after their StoryCorps interview in Atlanta. Brenda Ford/StoryCorps hide caption

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Brenda Ford/StoryCorps

StoryCorps

He Is Jewish, But Being Santa Is His Calling

Rick Rosenthal has been playing the role of Santa for almost seven years. At StoryCorps, he recalls how it all began.

He Is Jewish, But Being Santa Is His Calling

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