History Extra Podcast Summary: "Christmas History: Everything You Wanted to Know"

Release Date: December 21, 2024
Host: Ellie Cawthorn
Guest: George Goodwin, Historian and Author of "Christmas: A Celebration of Festive Lore"

In this comprehensive episode of the History Extra Podcast, host Ellie Cawthorn engages in an enlightening conversation with historian George Goodwin to explore the rich and varied history of Christmas. The discussion delves into the origins of Christmas traditions, the evolution of festive customs, and the cultural influences that have shaped the way we celebrate today. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics covered, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Origins of Christmas Gatherings and Parties

Listener Question: When did people start gathering together for Christmas parties?
Listener: Lavimarie (Twitter)

George Goodwin explains that Christmas gatherings have deep historical roots, tracing back to midwinter celebrations such as the Roman Saturnalia and the Norse Yule. These ancient festivals emphasized feasting, drinking, and merriment, laying the groundwork for modern Christmas parties.

George Goodwin [02:36]: "The celebration for Christmas really stems from... the winter solstice... Saturnalia... Saxons and the Vikings, and that's where Yule comes from."

2. Pagan Origins of Christmas

Listener Question: Does Christmas have any pagan origins?
Listener: Josephine Wong

Goodwin acknowledges the overlap between Christmas and pagan traditions but clarifies that the Christian church did not initially intend to adopt pagan festivals. It wasn't until St. Augustine's influence in the 6th century that certain pagan customs were integrated into Christmas celebrations to ease the transition for converts.

George Goodwin [05:21]: "When the Christians decided... that Christmas Day was the birth of Christ... they fought very, very hard against linking the festival with pagan versions."

3. Discontinued Christmas Traditions and Tudor Christmas

Listener Questions:

• Are there any strange Christmas traditions that have been discontinued?
  Listener: Siobhan O'Farrell (Facebook)
• Can you tell us about some of the traditions from Tudor Christmas?
  Listener: Emily M725

Goodwin discusses obsolete customs like mumming and wassailing—predecessors to modern trick-or-treating and caroling. He highlights Tudor-era practices, including the introduction of Father Christmas as a personified figure in court masques under James I and VI, emphasizing festivities like misrule and various feast traditions.

George Goodwin [08:21]: "Mumming... was an absolutely brilliant way of acting in a criminal fashion... wassailing... could be a bit dodgy because people would turn up at your door... But the waits... were a nicer way of doing it."

4. Earliest Depiction of the Nativity Scene

Listener Question: What is the earliest depiction that we know of of the Nativity scene?
Listener: AgroBiodiverse

The earliest known Nativity scene is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi in Greccio, Lazio, in 1223. Goodwin notes that these scenes were both depicted and acted out, merging visual and performative traditions.

George Goodwin [14:14]: "That was by St. Francis... the Nativity scene was also acted out."

5. Oldest Christmas Songs or Carols

Listener Question: What's the oldest known Christmas song or carol?
Listener: Jessica Roberts (Facebook)

Goodwin distinguishes between secular and religious carols, citing the early 13th-century Norman French carol "Seignior Hor Entende" as the first English carol. He also mentions "A Child is Born Amongst Men," an early religious carol predating 1350.

George Goodwin [14:45]: "The first English carol is completely secular and it's in Norman French... the first religious carol... before 1350."

6. Evolution of Christmas Food Through the Ages

Listener Question: Can you please tell us about Christmas food through the ages?
Listener: Anna Lillyhook (Facebook)

Goodwin explores the transformation of Christmas cuisine from the medieval Boar's Head and meat-centric dishes to the rich, sweet-focused meals of the 18th and 19th centuries. He shares a historical recipe for Christmas porridge, highlighting how tastes have evolved over time.

George Goodwin [16:54]: "The Boar's head... could be roasted or cooked in red wine for hours... Christmas porridge... a great treat for English people, but I assure you, not for me."

7. Origin of Turkey in Christmas Celebrations

Listener Question: Did the tradition of eating turkey originate in Britain or North America?
Listener: Uncle Juma (Instagram)

Goodwin clarifies that while turkeys are native to North America, their association with Christmas in Britain only became popular in the 1950s with the advent of refrigeration. In America, turkey became prominent with the establishment of Thanksgiving traditions in the late 19th century.

George Goodwin [21:23]: "In England, it was really the 1950s and refrigeration... turkey became much more popular."

8. History of Mince Pies

Goodwin traces mince pies from their medieval origins, where they included minced meat, to their transformation in the 19th century into the sweet versions we know today. He debunks the myth that Oliver Cromwell banned mince pies, explaining that the Puritans opposed Christmas celebrations more broadly.

George Goodwin [23:57]: "In the 19th century... the meat disappeared and the lovely sweet elements... took over and became the complete mince pie."

9. History of Gift-Giving and Christmas Trees

Listener Questions:

• When did gift giving first become associated with Christmas?
  Listener: mattclement97
• What is the history of Christmas trees?

Goodwin outlines the evolution of gift-giving from social obligations to a more altruistic tradition centered around children in the 19th century. He credits Queen Charlotte, not Prince Albert, with introducing the Christmas tree to Britain, although Albert popularized the trend through royal endorsements in the 1840s.

George Goodwin [26:51]: "The idea of gift giving... became more centered around children in the 19th century."
George Goodwin [29:52]: "Queen Charlotte... was the first one to bring the Christmas tree over from Germany."

10. History of Christmas Stockings

Listener Question: What's the history of Christmas stockings?

Originating from the legend of St. Nicholas, who gifted stockings to three poor women, Christmas stockings became a Dutch tradition brought to America, evolving into the modern-day practice of hanging stockings for Santa Claus to fill.

George Goodwin [31:02]: "St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Christmas... the story of him giving stockings of gold."

11. Santa Claus and Father Christmas

Listener Question: Is Father Christmas the same as Santa Claus? & Is it true that Father Christmas's outfit used to be green and was changed to red because of Coca Cola?
Listener: Wendy Arles (Facebook)

Goodwin dispels the myth that Coca Cola created Santa's red suit, attributing the modern image to artists like Thomas Nast and Frank Nankivel. He explains that Santa Claus and Father Christmas are essentially the same figure, adapted across cultures.

George Goodwin [43:39]: "Santa Claus was created by Washington Irving... Father Christmas and Santa Claus are one."

12. History of Christmas Crackers

Listener Question: What's the history of Christmas crackers?

Invented by Tom Smith, who sought a way to sell more wrapped sugar almonds, Christmas crackers were inspired by the crackling sounds of logs in a fire, leading to the festive party staples we know today.

George Goodwin [35:40]: "Tom Smith... included this little thing that you can pull... that's where the crackers come from."

13. History of the Twelve Days of Christmas

Listener Question: What's the history of the twelve days of Christmas?

Goodwin explains that the twelve days originate from the early church's festival period but dismisses the popular "Twelve Days of Christmas" song as a 1780 children's game without deeper significance.

George Goodwin [38:05]: "All that stuff... was just a children's game... there's no great significance to it at all."

14. Victorian Era's Influence on Modern Christmas

Listener Question: How has our modern Christmas been shaped by the Victorian era?

Goodwin emphasizes the pivotal role of the Victorian era in shaping contemporary Christmas traditions. Influential figures like Charles Dickens and Prince Albert were instrumental in popularizing family-centric celebrations, Christmas trees, and the inclusion of children in festivities.

George Goodwin [40:24]: "Christmas became a great family occasion and a time really to include children... shaped by the Victorian era."

15. Personal Favorite Historical Christmas Tradition

Listener Comment:
Ellie Cawthorn asks George Goodwin about his favorite historical Christmas tradition.

Goodwin shares his affection for Christmas carols, inspired by his son's enthusiasm, highlighting the enduring charm of festive music.

George Goodwin [45:42]: "I am a real sucker for a Christmas carol... that's a very nice note to end on."

This episode offers a captivating exploration of Christmas's multifaceted history, blending scholarly insight with engaging anecdotes. From the ancient origins of winter celebrations to the Victorian innovations that define our current customs, George Goodwin provides a thorough understanding of how Christmas has evolved over the centuries. Whether you're curious about the origins of your favorite traditions or intrigued by the historical context behind modern practices, this episode is a treasure trove of festive knowledge.

For more fascinating historical insights, visit HistoryExtra.com.