Most people think the story of Santa Claus originated with Coca Coca.

It didn't.

It started long before that with Siberian tribes drinking reindeer urine and going on psychedelic mushroom trips.

Don't believe me?

The Amanita muscaria mushroom is the classic large red mushroom with white spots on it.

You've probably seen it in every cartoon ever made.

What you probably didn't realise is that it is a very potent psychedelic.

Alice In Wonderland? It's pretty psychedelic, isn't it?

The Shamans of Siberian tribes have been using it in rituals for centuries to induce mystical experiences.

Siberian tribes in the North Pole.

At the time of the Winter Solstice. Dec 21st.

Starting to see the Santa link?

The mushroom itself is quite toxic, so it needs to be dried out first before consuming it.

This was often done on pine trees or by hanging them in a sock over a fire.

No resemblance to Christmas trees or Christmas stockings there!

The Shamans also worked out that reindeer could consume the mushroom without ill effects, and their urine contained the hallucinogen without the toxins, so they would drink it as part of the ritual.

The reindeer, although unharmed, did often go on quite a trip.

Flying reindeer, anyone?

The Shamans would go on mystical journeys to discover what lay ahead for their tribes.

They would then return home after their 'trip' with these gifts of knowledge.

Presents anyone?

The tribes in the North Pole lived in Yurts that were often packed in with snow, so the returning Shaman would, at times, have to enter the Yurt via a hole in the roof.

A chimney. He would come down the chimney with gifts.

The Shamans also wore reindeer skin boots that turned black over time.

The Shamans also wore red and white robes to honour the Amanita muscaria mushroom.

I wonder where Santa gets his 'Magic' elves?

Happy Christmas, All.

Let's hope Santa left the correct presents under the tree for everyone and didn't mistakenly leave some of his magic reindeer urine instead.

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Dr Paddy Barrett

A Christmas 'Trip'