Christmas Unwrapped - The History of Christmas (1997)

Excellent information

Good to finally get to the truth on some of these holidays. Christmas will never be the same! Excellent video. March 25, 2008

The truth about Christmas

When I was a kid (60 years ago) I thought we had always celebrated Christmas the same for about the last 2000 years or so. Surprise!! We hadn't!! Very enlightening. January 21, 2008

Judith's Review

What a wonderful production! There is a history and story to Christmas that you never knew! This makes a wonderful gift for any age. January 15, 2008

Mark this DVD for annual viewing

Harry Smith does a nice job narrating this history of Christmas and is backed by a well-rounded and erudite group of experts on Christmas, religion, and folklore.

This documentary appeared on The History Channel ten years ago but it isn't outdated. It's nice to have for an annual Christmas season viewing.

Stephen Nissenbaum, Historian at the University of Massachusetts, reminds us that Christmas in old time England was really like a carnival similar to today's Mardi Gras in New Orleans. We also hear from Alan Dundes of the Folklore Department at U.C. Berkley, Leigh Eric Schmidt and Elaine Pagels, both of the Religion Department at Princeton University and A. W. Purdue, Historian at Open University in England.

For those who see a modern day conflict between the religious and secular aspects of the season, Penne L. Restad, Historian at the University of Texas, says that there has always been other ceremonies associated with the Christmas season in addition to Christ. This conflict goes back to the very first celebration of the liturgical feast.

The story reveals the Pagan roots for many of today's traditions and shows that many traditions we think "ancient" are recent inventions. It studies the cultural material of Christmas - trees, shopping, and songs.

Rev. Forrest Church, Minister at All Souls Church in New York City points out that people have deep needs to connect with family and friends during the Christmas season. This illustrates how Christmas is more than just a time to attend a church service; it's a time for family gatherings.

This year, why not gather with your family to view "Christmas Unwrapped."
March 16, 2007

why isn't it longer?

Every segment to this interesting and relevant documentary tells so much about where we get our traditions, yet sometimes it feels rushed. It could have been a whole hour longer and I would not have moved from my seat! January 17, 2007

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