“Christmas is, if false, of no importance. If true, it is of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”

So writes Cardus Senior Fellow Peter Menzies, in his Christmas op-ed “Christmas Gives Peace a Chance.

. . . And while you have time this holiday, check out six great podcasts recommended by Comment‘s Alissa Wilkinson:

NPR’s Hidden Kitchens a wealth of stories about kitchen cultures across North America and around the world.

The Moth seeks to bring back the art of storytelling and reminds the listener of the importance of each person’s stories.

KCRW’s The Treatment provides an extended look into the work of film directors.

KCRW’s Martini Shot is a quick, often humorous story about an aspect of life in show business.

NPR’s Book Tour is a recording of a live reading by a prominent author at DC’s Politics & Prose bookstore.

This American Life—Alissa’s favorite—is the quintessential hour-long program involving several stories on a theme, and often provides a pithy, sensitive insight into the different kinds of people it takes to make up a world.

Comment wishes its community a healthy, happy, and joyful new year.