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It’s the holiday season! So we would like to say a few words: Whoop-de-do. Also: hickory-dock. These inspiring words come from just exa-a-actly the worst-written Christmas song you may have ever heard of. But you have heard of it—and many others. Which songs are your least favorite? Which fantastical songs are the best? And when should you start listening to Christmas music? Should we Christians fight, even politely, over “secular” versus “sacred” Christmas songs? Hum along with us while we begin a new podcast season: Christmas Magic.

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Episode sponsors

1. Enclave Publishing: Calor by J. J. Fischer
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3. Infernal Fall by Bryan Timothy Mitchell

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Concession stand

• Enjoy early candy canes, chocolate drops, and for the British, tangerines!
• We’ll assume that it’s okay to celebrate Christmas (is this a future topic?).
• We mean no insult to any classic or new artists, not even Andy Williams.
• Music, like stories, can bring strong emotion. All this is tongue-in-cheek.
• We’re quoting some comments from heroes in our Lorehaven Guild!
• Finally, if we’re very festive, we might break into (public domain) songs.

No holiday shade meant. It’s just not exa-a-actly great writing. (Stephen is accountable for this meme.)

1. When should you start the Christmas music?

2. What are the best fantastical Christmas songs?

3. Which are the worst Christmas songs you hear?

Com station

• Last week, Angel Studios premiered their Wingfeather Saga series.
• One week earlier, DailyWire+ had another fantasy series to announce.

Carey Green commented:

I’m half way through the cycle now and have loved it.

Lisa added her anticipation:

It took me 10 minutes to read this short article because I am BEYOND excited!! Please be quality, please my favorite author and my favorite series (tied with his Song of Albion). When I first read these books 30+ years ago, it made me want to be a better Christian. So, so good!

Chris pleaded with series creators (whoever they are):

Please please please do this series justice. Could be a cultural phenomenon if don’t right

Finally, inkslingerjournal slung some ink:

I read the first three books when they were released and it was one of the best stories and they remain with me all these years later.

Lorehaven mission log

• Don’t miss Marian Jacobs’s popular article about accidental legalism.
• Next up: Josiah DeGraaf explores discerning morality in Christian fiction.
• Find our new reviews for Aberration and Calor (which releases today).
• We’re also starting our Dream of Kings book quest in the Guild.
• Subscribe free to Lorehaven for updates plus to become a Guild hero!
• After a rush of new heroes, we’ve renovating the Guild castle for 2023.
• New rooms are opening in “beta” stage to explore new conversations.

Next on Fantastical Truth

Some months ago, a certain other Lord of the Rings-ish TV show prompted some fans to say, “Now we’re really going to appreciate The Hobbit film trilogy!” But after that certain other show, we saw little appreciation. Mostly the fans wanted to criticize that certain other show. Stephen says he never stopped appreciating The Hobbit films, yet feels alone in a company of Dwarves who really seem to hate those movies. Next week an old friend returns to explore the Hobbit film trilogy, whose first film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, released ten years ago this month.