Christmas Stories: Operation Turkey, Christmas Eels and the dog ate the tree

Can you imagine your Christmas morning starting with a box of opened gifts not under your tree but in your backyard, thanks to your box of a puppy? Or how about getting pulled over by a police officer only to receive a turkey instead of a ticket? Prepare to be amused, intrigued, and warmed as we bring you a special holiday edition, where we unravel such fascinating tales and incredible facts. Our guest Aster Ireland is joining us to add the perfect finish to these heartening holiday stories.We kick things off with Mercy, the boxer puppy who sparks an unexpected twist on her family's Christmas celebration. Discover curious notions around the origins of Santa Claus and his flying reindeer possibly tied to shamanistic practices in Siberia. Hear about a remarkable act of generosity from Chad Rose of Michigan, who turned his surplus Christmas tree into a symbol of shared compassion. We also spotlight an amusing initiative called Operation Turkey Warning where police officers swap tickets for turkeys.Finally, let's light up your imagination as we share the innovation behind a Christmas tree in Kamakura, Japan, powered by electric eels. So, buckle up, listeners! It's time to deck the halls with tales of cheer, charity, and the unexpected.