Lights, Camera, Santa Claus: A Very Hollywood Christmas Artwork

The Jocular Pugilists

Two clueless individuals, who completely understand how misinformed they are‚ the Jocular Pugilists fearlessly explore their combined incompetence while seeking the truth behind the world's mysteries and its complicated occupants. With thirty-seven years of friendship, one global pandemic, three thousand miles between them, and countless ridiculous opinions—what could go wrong? They are the Jocular Pugilists.

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The Jocular Pugilists

Lights, Camera, Santa Claus: A Very Hollywood Christmas

December 18, 2025 • The Jocular Pugilists • Season 10 • Episode 16

Snow-covered small towns. Perfect families. Big emotions. Even bigger soundtracks.

Somewhere along the way, Hollywood didn’t just depict Christmas — it defined it.

In this episode, we unpack how film and television reshaped the modern holiday: from the look of Christmas lights and department-store Santas to the emotional beats we expect every December. We explore how nostalgia, spectacle, and storytelling turned a religious and cultural tradition into a shared cinematic experience — one we all recognize, whether we celebrate it or not.

Is our idea of Christmas authentic… or beautifully manufactured?

And does it even matter if it works?

Pour something festive, settle in, and join us for a very Hollywood Christmas.

Let us know what you think.

Email Phil or Tomas at:

thejocularpugilists@gmail.com

And check out our website at: thejocularpugilists.com

Phil Giangrande

Host

Tomas Cataldo

Host