Forgotten History: Christmas Traditions

Forgotten History: Christmas Traditions

The Forgotten History of Our Favorite Christmas Traditions: Dan O'Donnell tells the stories behind the things we enjoy at Christmastime.

Episodes

December 20, 2018 1 min
Dan O'Donnell explains why a celebration of Adam and Eve, not Jesus, is responsible for Christmas trees.
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Dan O'Donnell tells the story of the man most responsible for the tradition of sending cards at Christmastime.
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Dan O'Donnell explains why you can thank the ancient Roman god Saturn for those socks your uncle gives you this Christmas!
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December 17, 2018 1 min
Dan O'Donnell explains how a legendary English monarch is responsible for a legendary Christmas treat.
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December 16, 2018 1 min
A popular drink with the English nobility became a favorite of America's first President.
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December 14, 2018 1 min
Why do we go door-to-door caroling at Christmas? As Dan O'Donnell explains, it's a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages.
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December 14, 2018 1 min
Dan O'Donnell tells the story of why we put tinsel on Christmas trees
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December 14, 2018 1 min
Dan O'Donnell explains how the ancient Greeks started the tradition of Christmas wreaths on doors.
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December 14, 2018 1 min
Did human sacrifice lead to the custom of burning a big log at Christmastime? As Dan O'Donnell reports, it's very possible!
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Why do we hang stockings by the chimney with care? Dan O'Donnell investigates.
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December 11, 2018 1 min
Dan O'Donnell explains how ancient Greek traditions gave us Christmas wreaths
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December 11, 2018 1 min
Why do we kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas? As Dan O'Donnell finds, we have the ancient druids to thank.
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December 11, 2018 1 min
Dan O'Donnell explains how a vacation to Germany led to the mass marketing of Christmas ornaments.
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December 11, 2018 1 min
Why do we eat candy canes at Christmas? Dan O'Donnell explores
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Dan O'Donnell tells the story of the one man responsible for Christmas lights
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December 2, 2018 1 min
As Dan O'Donnell explains, the least popular Christmas treat dates to before even Christmas itself!
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