The Trial of Santa Claus

You have been selected as members of the jury for the trial of the century: The Trial of Santa Claus.

Santa Claus is on trial, and Christmas is at the risk of being cancelled. Is the Yuletide the most wonderful time of the year, or is it a flagrant and soulless excuse for capitalism?

Laudable Podcasts is putting Saint Nick in the dock, and over the course of 12 episodes for the 12 days of Christmas, ‘The Trial of Santa Claus’ will decide whether it’s Ho Ho Ho for Father Christmas - or No No No for Papa Noel.

The defence is led by Dan McLaughlin, a festive fanatic and the size of one of Santa’s elves, who will argue in favour of Christmas. He will defend the cheesy jokes in crackers, belt out the earworms with pride, and yes, he will put up his tree tremendously early.

The prosecution is led by self-confessed Scrooges, Kelly Crichton and Matt Millard. They will argue ‘oh no it isn’t’ to pantomime, they will deck you if you want to Deck the Halls with boughs of holly, and believe that Michael Bublé should be left frozen in the North Pole.

In each episode, ‘The Trial of Santa Claus’ will cover either a Christmas tradition, carol/song, or a festive film. From Mariah’s warbling to mulled wine, Christmas shopping to whether Die Hard is actually a festive flick, the prosecution and the defence will put their case forward to you: our listeners and members of the jury.

After each episode airs, you will be able to vote on the outcome of that day in court by visiting our Twitter page @LaudablePods.

If you agree with the defence, Santa’s salvation edges nearer; or if you agree with the prosecution, Saint Nick is closer to the nick.

By the end of the 12 days, ‘The Trial of Santa Claus’ will determine Father Christmas’ guilt or innocence - and whether he can ride his sleigh with his reindeer ahead of the big day itself.

The Trial of Santa Claus is a Laudable production, presented and produced by Kelly Crichton, Dan McLaughlin, and Matt Millard. The podcast was created by Dan McLaughlin.