S: 7 E:19 | How to Put Up a Christmas Tree with author Bill Hulseman

About this episode

Bill Hulseman discusses the deeper meanings of the holidays through personal stories and essays from his collection.

Author and ritual designer Bill Hulseman returns to the show to take us deeper into his profoundly moving and gently humorous essay collection, six to carry the casket and one to say the mass . This time, Bill helps us reimagine the meaning of the holidays—beyond the performative gratitude and commercial frenzy. In this episode, Bill discusses two standout essays from his book: Grateful and How to Put Up a Christmas Tree . Through personal stories of family, grief, queerness, and complicated traditions, Bill reveals how the holidays can be both beautiful and deeply painful. From hand turkeys and Lincoln's Thanksgiving proclamation to moments of heartbreak behind a glowing Christmas tree, Bill invites us to hold space for both memory and renewal. Whether you're someone who dreads the season or seeks to find new meaning in old rituals, this conversation will offer you perspective, comfort, and maybe even inspiration to create your own traditions. This is a raw, honest, and reflective episode for anyone who's ever felt out of place during the holidays—and for those looking to reconnect with what matters most. #six tocarrythecasket #BillHulseman #holidaygrief #ritualdesign…

People in this episode

Host: Desiree Duffy

Guest: Bill Hulseman

Topics covered

• Christmas traditions
• holiday grief
• personal stories
• ritual design
• queerness
• family

Keywords

• Christmas tree
• holiday traditions
• grief
• queer authors
• family stories
• rituals
• inspiration

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: six to carry the casket and one to say the mass

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