Christmas History
Christmas history is much older than you think. It is older than Santa Claus, Christmas trees or even the Nativity of Jesus Christ.

Christmas history stretches from society to society, from culture to culture. It is amazing to see how many of the icons of the season pop up in the ancient history of civilizations all over the world.

In this merry section of MMC we dive deep into the stories of Christmas and explain how the modern elements of Christmas celebration came to be. Many of these are histories unknown to those who just do things because tradition dictates it.

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Frankincense

They came from distant lands, these kings and wanderers following a star. With them they packed precious gifts fit for a King: gold, myrrh and frankincense. We know what gold is and we know that myrrh was considered then to be an ointment of…
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Tips for Keeping Santa Special

In the spirit of St. Nicholas Day (December 6th) we offer a few suggestions for keeping the magic of Santa alive. The figure of Santa Claus holds a special place in the heart of anyone who loves Christmas. Belief is not measured in wanting…
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The First Christmas Tree in England

It was the British royal family’s German connections which led to the introduction of the Christmas tree custom in England. King George III’s wife, Queen Charlotte -- who was of German descent-- arranged for a great yew tree to be erected…
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Ancient Connections of Thanksgiving and Christmas

Here is some fodder for your Thanksgiving day discussions around the turkey -- which is the more sacred holiday in America, Thanksgiving or Christmas? Check your learning of history at the door. This history of both holidays goes back further…
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St. Augustine Brings Christmas to England

Known as the "Apostle of the English," Augustine (also called Austin; not to be confused with Augustine of Hippo, who came earlier) founded the Christian Church in southern England and became the first archbishop of Canterbury. Augustine…
Christmas food
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Legend of the Christmas Orange

Nicholas, as you know, was a Bishop long before he ever was a Saint. This story is but one of many that make up his legend and it is sacred to those who consider him a saint. He had heard of a family that lived closed by -- not even members…
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A Christmas Parade 1950s Style

Dating back 65 years in time this is astonishing footage from a Christmas parade in 1950 from Simcoe, Ontario, Canada in fully remastered glory:
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A Brief History of Christmas Cards

Christmas cards began, as many traditions do, in Victorian England. In the early 1840s John Colcott Horsley printed what we would commonly call a post card today for his friend, Sir Henry Cole, who had the idea for sending his friends a greeting…
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Christmas 1968 from Space

Christmas of 1968 is remembered for what happened as part of the mission of Apollo 8. This was a full six months before man landed on the moon in July of 1969 and their mission was to orbit the moon nine times -- an event that transpired on…
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Ten Things You Didn’t Know about Miracle on 34th Street

Three films made in quick succession post World War II have endured in the minds of Christmas fans as among the best of films ever made: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Bishop’s Wife and Miracle on 34th Street. But of those three films only Miracle…
Vintage Christmas
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The Controversy of Who Wrote A Visit from St. Nicholas

One of the more romantic notions associated with Santa Claus and Christmas comes in the form of an early 19th century poem titled A Visit from St. Nicholas. As the legend goes, college professor and devout church man Clement Clarke Moore…
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The Year Santa was Nearly Banned

It is interesting to note in this day and age when Christmas shopping can be done on a device you hold in your hand and whatever it is you buy can be shipped to your home without you ever getting dressed what it was like 97 years ago as the…
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History of the American Christmas Tree

The story of Christmas trees in America usually takes us down the path of Hessian soldiers who showcased Christmas trees to George Washington's troops during his famous Christmas trek across the Delaware. Historians explain that Christmas…
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When Elvis Butchered White Christmas

White Christmas remains, more nearly 75 years since it was written, the most popular Christmas single of all time. Bing Crosby immortalized it with two recordings and a film. And an entire generation embraced it as not only a Christmas song…
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The History of Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Eddie Cantor, a comedian from the 1930s was given a new Christmas song to sing for his radio audience in 1934. Targeted at kids, the songwriters were frustrated at their inability to get it recorded and sold. Record labels thought the appeal…