Episodes

EpisodeTitleFirst
Broadcast
Comments
01Santa of the Lighthouses20091221

Alan Dein unwraps the oral history of Santa Claus, hearing the true stories of those who have donned the red and white costume, from war-torn Hungary to the icy wastes of Alaska.

Of course Santa flies, but this one arrives by helicopter. For 80 years, the lighthouse and coastguard families of New England have been waiting for him to touch down.

Of course Santa flies, but this one arrives by helicopter.

Alan Dein unwraps the oral history of Santa Claus

02White Beard20091222

Alan Dein unwraps the oral history of Santa Claus, hearing the true stories of those who have donned the red and white costume, from war-torn Hungary to the icy wastes of Alaska.

Playing Santa is often the last job in a lifetime of work. Donning the red and white costume is often a way to reconnect with a new generation in the age of want, as Alan Dein discovers.

Playing Santa is often the last job in a lifetime of work, as Alan Dein discovers.

Alan Dein unwraps the oral history of Santa Claus

03Shop Store Santa20091223In one of Britain's oldest grottos, Santa finds the present very different to the past.

Alan Dein unwraps the oral history of Santa Claus

04Santa's Everywhere20091225Alan Dein catches up with Santa as he crosses the globe.

Alan Dein unwraps the oral history of Santa Claus