In this special Christmas edition of Culture of Change, Ashe in America and Abbey Blue Eyes step back from the noise of the season to examine how modern Christmas traditions were shaped, commercialized, and detached from their original meaning. The conversation traces the evolution of Santa Claus from St. Nicholas through poetry, art, and advertising, including Coca-Cola’s role in standardizing the modern image. From Elf on the Shelf culture and consumer pressure to historical perspectives on Easter, Christmas, and faith, the hosts explore how marketing, psychology, and social incentives reshaped religious observance. The episode then shifts toward deeper discussion on the birth of Christ, the historical credibility of the resurrection, ancient manuscripts, and why belief in the supernatural was once the norm rather than the exception. Thoughtful, reflective, and grounded in history, this episode refocuses the season on faith, truth, and the reason Christmas matters.
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