Christmas hits different when you’re older — and somehow louder when you’re a metalhead.
In this special holiday episode of Influencers of Metal, Collin and Tom step away from riffs and rankings to revisit what Christmas meant growing up… and why it still kind of rules (even when it’s exhausting). They dig into childhood traditions, split-family holidays, annual gatherings packed with food and chaos, and the little rituals that somehow stick with you forever.
Collin reflects on bouncing between two families every Christmas, the magic of late nights with his Portuguese side, and quieter Christmas mornings with his dad. He also tells an all-time legendary story involving a Princess Diana figure, dark humour, and laughter so aggressive it becomes a health hazard.
Tom recounts the joy and madness of driving all over creation to see family, the legendary McKay Christmas Party that’s survived generations, and the sacred tradition of opening pajamas on Christmas Eve — because nothing says “holiday magic” like coordinated sleepwear.
The duo also dive into gift-giving chaos: early shoppers vs last-minute panic buyers, the curse of asking someone what they want only to hear “I don’t know,” and why metalheads are doomed to receive Hot Topic t-shirts forever. They reminisce about childhood gifts that hit hard — from Carolina Hurricanes jerseys and first battle jackets to secret CD snooping and K’NEX roller coasters that fueled an ADHD-fueled engineering phase.
And of course, adulthood brings wisdom: appreciation, perspective… and the undeniable truth that socks are elite-tier gifts.
This episode is funny, nostalgic, slightly chaotic, and full of heart — the perfect soundtrack for wrapping presents, dodging family questions, or mentally preparing to survive Christmas dinner.
Happy Holidays — and remember: always wear corpse paint to family gatherings.
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