Something You Should Know The Real Stories Behind Christmas Traditions and Songs - Holiday Bonus Episode
Dec 23, 2025
Ace Collins, an author and expert on Christmas traditions, shares the charming backstory of the NORAD Santa Tracker, which started from a 1955 typo. He covers the Viking origins of kissing under mistletoe and how the family Christmas tradition evolved in the Victorian era. Listeners will learn how Dickens' A Christmas Carol sparked a spirit of charity, the introduction of the poinsettia to America, and how Jingle Bells transformed from a Thanksgiving song into a Christmas classic. Plus, Ace shares tips for keeping your real Christmas tree fresh!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Creation Trees To Household Christmas Trees
- Christmas trees evolved from medieval church 'creation trees' to household centerpieces over centuries.
- Germany popularized the indoor tree while France added more elaborate decorations.
How Ornaments Became Popular
- Early ornaments included nativity carvings and homemade strings of popcorn or berries.
- Glass ornaments from Germany became popular about 250 years ago and later spread to U.S. markets after the Civil War.
Poinsettias Came From A Mexican Legend
- The poinsettia's Christmas legend in Mexico tells of a poor girl whose plant turned red when offered at the nativity.
- Ambassador Joel Poinsett brought the plant to the U.S. and popularized it in the mid-1800s.