History of the Holiday Season In New York! -With John Friia

In this episode, Kelly is joined but John Friia, to talk about the history of the holiday season in New York City! 

Join them as they talk about the first Christmas tree lighting in the United States! They learn about the inventor of Christmas lights and how they became a staple to the holiday season in NYC.

They then talk about t’was the night before Christmas and the development of Chelsea! How the writer of the poem didn’t want to be associated with it, and how it became a worldwide sensation. 

On the topic of Christmas stories, they talk about a Christmas Carol. The surprisingly short time it took to write and where New Yorkers can go see the original manuscript. 

Kelly and John then turn their attention to music! They talk about the origins of “I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause”, “Santa Baby” and “Need a little Christmas”. 

And finally to close out the year, John and Kelly talk about ringing in the new year! John tells Kelly about the history of the Times Square New Year’s Eve party. They talk about their experiences going to the event and tell listeners what they need to know if they want to go themselves which they say that everyone should experience at least once. 

But above all else; Santa Clause is a New Yorker. 

 

Kelly Kopp’s Social Media:
@NewYorkCityKopp

John Friia’s social media:
@here_in_ny on Instagram 
@hereinnyc on TikTok

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - The New Yorkers Podcast
• (00:02:14) - The First Christmas Tree Lighting in New York
• (00:05:50) - Christmas Tree Lightings in New York
• (00:07:30) - The Poem That Changed The Way We See Christmas
• (00:09:23) - The Origins Of Santa Claus And St. Nicholas
• (00:11:35) - Was Santa Claus Real?
• (00:12:25) - Inside the Morgan Library
• (00:12:52) - The Original manuscript of A Christmas Carol
• (00:15:45) - It Happened On Fifth Avenue
• (00:17:56) - Christmas Songs Connected To New York
• (00:21:21) - Phil Springer and Joan Javits Write Santa Baby
• (00:23:16) - Mame the Musical: She Leads With Care
• (00:26:11) - Are Any Modern Christmas Songs Recorded in New York?
• (00:30:04) - Jay Leno And His Singing
• (00:30:36) - Silent Night
• (00:34:17) - The New Year's Eve Ball in Times Square
• (00:38:01) - Times Square's Millennial Ball
• (00:40:40) - NYC ball drops in Times Square
• (00:43:10) - The New Year's Wishes in Times Square
• (00:44:45) - What Christmas to New York Means to You
• (00:46:24) - A Merry Christmas to New Yorkers!