America: A History

The tree is up, the lights are on, and the presents are (probably) wrapped. Only two more sleeps until the day when sacred, family-oriented togetherness merges with ruthless consumer culture… or, as it’s more commonly known, Christmas. So in this episode we’re going to dive into the murky, tinsel-covered contradiction of the holiday season, as I ask… is Capitalism killing Christmas?...Special guest for this episode:Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. His new book, Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon, is available to buy now.Brian Earl the creator and host of the excellent podcast Christmas Past… a very merry welcome back to Brian Earl…...Highlights from this episode:Christmas has evolved significantly from its religious roots into a commercially driven holiday, with advertising and consumerism deeply intertwined.The Puritans' resistance to Christmas in early America reflects a long-standing conflict between celebration and moral values within American culture.Consumerism and Christmas are inextricably linked; it's hard to separate the two without losing the holiday's modern meaning.Historical variations in Christmas celebrations across America reveal regional differences in traditions, influenced by factors like local culture and economy.The rise of industrialism in the 19th century played a crucial role in shaping the consumer habits associated with the Christmas season.Charitable giving during Christmas often serves to highlight socioeconomic divides while simultaneously fostering a sense of community and shared goodwill....Additional Resources:Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon by Thomas Ruys SmithChristmas Past by Brian EarlThe Modern Christmas in America: A Cultural History of Gift Giving by Williams WaitsThe Commercialization of the Calendar: American Holidays and the Culture of ConsumptionChristmas in America: A History by Penne L. RestadHow the Puritans Banned Christmas. Yankee Magazine.Colonial Williamsburg ‘The Twelve Myths of Christmas’ and Early American Christmas traditionsAn Early American ChristmasThe Oxford Handbook of Christmas – “Commercialism and Consumerism.” John Schmalzbauer. [Oxford Academic, 2020]. Exploring capitalism, disenchantment, enchantment, and debates on secular/commercial Christmas. The Commercialization of the Calendar: American Holidays and the Culture of Consumption, 1870–1930 by Leigh SchmidtThe Golden Age of Department Stores at Christmas by The Retro NetworkA Brief History of Commercializing Christmas by Tim HarfordBrand Vision: Best 50 Christmas Marketing Campaigns of All Time20 Holiday Advertising Campaigns That Revolutionized MarketingThe Artist Behind the Coca-Cola Santa ClausHaddon Sundblom and the Coca-Cola SantasChristmas as Cyclical Repetition - Easy SociologyCapitalism and the Holidays: How Money Grows on Christmas TreesChristmas over-consumption: Why we shop the way we do (even climate activists!)A Conscious Christmas: Rethinking Consumerism and Supporting Social EnThe Christmas spirit: is it now about consumerism or caring?...And if you like this episode, you might also love:What is the War on Christmas?How to Make a Hollywood Christmas MovieWhat's the History of Christmas in America?...SUPPORT THE SHOWIndividual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnershipsBrand Sponsors: [email protected] us: [email protected]'re partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.Mentioned in this episode:This episode is sponsored by What's Your MapWhat's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219

In our last bonus episode of the year, I wanted to share some episodes that can get you through the holiday season, linked below, and give you a little tease of what's to come in 2026.Spoiler alert: we are going bigger, better and bolder than ever before, so follow the podcast right now and be part of something mega!...And if you like this episode, you might also love:Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth?What is Disney's America?Why is Santa So American?I Am... Jody Williams...SUPPORT THE SHOWIndividual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnershipsBrand Sponsors: [email protected] us: [email protected]'re partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

EPISODE BLURB...Special guest for this episode:Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of the New Area Studies Research Centre. In 2023, he published The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, and his new book, Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon, is available to buy now.Vaughn Joy, whose doctoral research, Selling Out Santa, focuses specifically on Hollywood Christmas Films in the age of McCarthy....Highlights from this episode:The discussion revolved around the transformation of Santa Claus into an American cultural icon over the years.We explored how Santa's early depictions varied regionally across America, reflecting different cultural influences and customs.The podcast highlighted the role of commercialism in shaping Santa’s image, especially during the rise of department stores in the late 19th century.Santa Claus has evolved through various literary and film interpretations, reflecting societal values and changes in American culture.The conversation touched on the implications of Santa's myth on children's expectations around Christmas and societal values of generosity and goodwill.We examined how modern iterations of Santa are influenced by current events and cultural shifts, showcasing his adaptability in American folklore....Additional Resources:Amazon.com: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman edited by Thomas Ruys SmithSearching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon by Thomas Ruys SmithSelling Out Santa: Hollywood Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy by Vaughn JoyOld Santeclaus with Much Delight: The Children's Friend: A New-Year's Present, to the Little Ones from Five to Twelve'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. MooreA Mischievous St. Nick from the Smithsonian American Art MuseumSanta Claus (1898)A Little Girl Who Did Not Believe in Santa Claus (1907)Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (1897)Is There a Santa Claus? By Jacob RiisMiracle On 34th Street 1947/ 1994 Double PackThe Little Messenger Birds: Or, the Chimes of the Silver Bells by Caroline ButlerThomas Nast - Hello!, Santa Claus! (originally published in "Harper's Weekly," December 20, 1884) - The Metropolitan Museum of Art...And if you like this episode, you might also love:What is the War on Christmas?How to Make a Hollywood Christmas MovieWhat's the History of Christmas in America?...SUPPORT THE SHOWIndividual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnershipsBrand Sponsors: [email protected] us: [email protected]'re partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.Mentioned in this episode:This episode is sponsored by What's Your MapWhat's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219

In this special festive bonus episode, Liam & guests discuss their own personal Christmas traditions, their favourite screen Santa Claus and what, if anything, we would change or add to the myth of Santa.Happy holidays everyone!...Special guest for this episode:Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia, and author of The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman.Brian Earl, creator and host of Christmas Past...Highlights from this episode: The importance of traditions like Santa Claus in family celebrations. Brian explains the Christmas Goose. Tom reflects on the evolution of Santa Claus in modern holiday culture and media. How children's understanding of Santa changes as they grow older. The fleeting nature of childhood magic during Christmas celebrations. The portrayal of Mrs. Claus and her evolving role. ...And if you like this episode, you might also love:What is the War on Christmas?How to Make a Hollywood Christmas MovieWhat's the History of Christmas in America?...SUPPORT THE SHOWIndividual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnershipsBrand Sponsors: [email protected] us: [email protected]'re partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.Mentioned in this episode:This episode is sponsored by What's Your MapWhat's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219 NeoTaste

This edition of the podcast is a very special one. Firstly, it’s our 100th main episode, which is astonishing, so I want to thank everyone who has played any part in making this podcast - from everyone at UEA and behind the scenes to every guest who has donated their time and expertise. This genuinely would not have been possible without all of you.On which note, today also marks the first of our ‘I Am…’ series, where we are joined by someone who has made an indelible mark on America, if not the world, to tell their story in their own words....Special guest for this episode:Jody Williams, a Nobel Peace Laureate, who changed international law by founding the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). She is now a founding member of the Nobel Women’s Initiative, and her tireless determination to make the world a better, safer, and more equitable place has had an unfathomable impact on millions....Additional Resources:My Name Is Jody Williams: A Vermont Girl's Winding Path to the Nobel Peace Prize by Jody WilliamsJody Williams – Biographical - NobelPrize.orgJody Williams | Peace JamJody Williams: A realistic vision for world peace | TED TalkHomepage - ICBLCMCNobelPrize.org...And if you like this episode, you might also love:What Was the Constitutional Convention?Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?Is the President Above the Law?How Are Presidents Elected?What is the US Constitution?...SUPPORT THE SHOWIndividual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnershipsBrand Sponsors: [email protected] us: [email protected]'re partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.Mentioned in this episode:This episode is sponsored by What's Your MapWhat's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219