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 enjoy the podcast, do give us a follow and leave us a review. If you would like to suggest an episode idea or request to be a guest on the show, please email [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices