EP30 Curious Christmas Folklore of Wales: Christmas Eve and Day traditions and customs, from kissing under the mistletoe and light-filled Plygain services to Sion Corn (Santa Claus) and the Mari Lwyd

It's Christmas Eve - the perfect time to pull up a chair next to the log fire, pour yourself a glass of mulled wine and listen to some old folklore of Wales. In this festive special, Mark Rees takes a look at: • Why kissing under the mistletoe isn't just about the romance • The incredible Plygain services, in which countless candles are used to illuminate the night • How the town of Tenby ensured nobody had a lie-in on Christmas Day • A return of the horse-skulled Mari Lwyd • And even revealing Father Christmas's first name... well, maybe! For some of the answers - and even more questions - press play and join Mark Rees for the latest special festive episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees. Merry Christmas / Nadolig llawen!  Christmas on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast Christmas is a magical time for Welsh folklore and ghost stories, and every Thursday during December there'll be a special episode of the podcast dedicated to a festive subject. There include such folkloric favourites like the Mari Lwyd, to haunted pubs where the spooks make an appearance every December 24. Be sure to check out each episode on December 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 - yes, there'll even be new episodes of Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast? Join Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he explores the weird and wonderful history of Wales. The world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends, GHOSTS & FOLKLORE OF WALES combines Mark’s research and insights from his books and articles with long-lost tales from some ancient tomes into a truly unique podcast experience. New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to the fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion,  Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit: Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees Ghosts of Wales podcast