Around this time of year, we like to recognize that the holiday season is not about exchanging gifts, spending money, and supporting the economy, but more about family, peace and possibly reigion or heritage—the centuries-old “traditional” Christmas-related values.
This History Channel has a nice feature online about the Real Story of Christmas, and it’s not quite what people are generally taught in religious schools.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s peaked American interest in the holiday?
If you’re interested in religion and history, with a little bit of consumerism thrown in, enjoy the lesson in four parts or find more related information here. In that second link, read Sectio III for a wonderful consumerist surprise regarding Santa’s red suit.
Subscribe
