In the words of Andy Williams, It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but do we really know why we celebrate Christmas? Do our modern day traditions of Santa, trees and TV specials blind us from the real history of the holidays? This episode is definitely NSFK - not safe for kids - as we answer… what is the history of Christmas in America?
Guests on this episode:
- Thomas Ruys Smith - a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. His latest book, The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, is available now.
- Brian Earl tells the fascinating stories behind our favourite holiday’s traditions through the popular podcast, Christmas Past. The podcast, one of the longest-running of its kind, delivers holiday cheer with a storytelling style inspired by public radio.
Talking points:
- When did Christmas stop being a religious holiday?
- The Americanization of Christmas
- Santa Claus / Father Christmas / Saint Nicolas
- How Coca-Cola hijacked the holidays
Additional resources:
PODCAST: Christmas Past by Brian Earl
BOOK: Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions by Brian Earl
BOOK: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith
BOOK: Christmas Past: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Nineteenth-Century America by Thomas Ruys Smith
POEM: The Children’s Friend
If you love this episode, you might also like:
What is the War on Christmas?
How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie
What's the History of Christmas in America?
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: liam@mercurypodcasts.com
Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com
We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
NeoTaste
Be on the Show!
What would you put in a US time capsule? We're creating a virtual one on the podcast very soon, and we want to hear from you. Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory right now to record your contribution... and you might just make it on the show.
