History for the Holidays: The Spirit of Celebrations Past

The holiday season in America is a rich tapestry woven from diverse cultural threads, yet many of the customs cherished today are surprisingly recent inventions. Public historian Ken Turino traces how Christmas evolved from a rowdy, once-outlawed celebration into today’s family-centered holiday. He reveals how Christmas trees, holiday decorations, and even Santa Claus came to be, while highlighting traditions shaped by Spanish, French, Dutch, and other immigrant cultures.