The Long Journey of Christmas
How an old winter celebration became the Christmas we know: the tree, Santa Claus, the lights and the songs
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Wren: 36 min · Nigel: 36 min
Your chapters
The world on a winter evening
A quiet walk through a snowy village, and why people have always brought light into the longest nights of the year.
The origins of Christmas
How a celebration first recorded in Rome came to settle on December 25, and how it changed as it traveled.
The evergreen that became a Christmas tree
How decorated trees made their way from German guild halls to Queen Victoria's Britain, helped along by one famous picture.
The journey of Santa Claus
How a generous bishop from the fourth century slowly became the man with the white beard, the sleigh and the reindeer.
The magic of Christmas lights and music
From Edward Johnson's electric Christmas tree of 1882 to today's LEDs, and how carols began as medieval dance songs.
The traditions we carry home
The small rituals each family makes its own, and why the holiday never needs to be perfect to mean something.
The village is sleeping
One last walk through the sleeping village, with the lights still glowing and nothing left to prepare.