Stuff You Missed in History Class: Christmas Décor Episode Summary

Released on December 25, 2024 | Hosted by Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson | Produced by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the holiday-themed episode titled "Christmas Décor," Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the rich history and evolution of Christmas decorations. They explore the origins of Christmas trees, the development of glass ornaments, the transition from candles to electric lights, and share intriguing stories from listeners that add a personal touch to the festive discussion.

Origins of Christmas Trees

Early Traditions and Symbolism

The tradition of adorning trees during Christmas festivities has deep roots, primarily traced back to Germany. Holly explains, “We know that evergreens popped up sometime in the Middle Ages in Christian German households, and they were meant to represent the Garden of Eden” (04:11). These early trees, often called "paradise trees," were decorated with apples to symbolize the forbidden fruit from the biblical story of Adam and Eve.

Myths and Legends

Tracy adds, “One is that in the 8th century, St. Boniface came upon some pagans using an oak tree as part of a human sacrifice ritual” (04:47). While this story is unsubstantiated, it highlights the evergreen's symbolic significance in repelling pagan practices and representing Christian values.

Regulation and Conservation

As the popularity of Christmas trees surged in the 1400s, sustainability became a concern. In the Alsace region, laws were enacted to prevent the overharvesting of pine trees, limiting families to one tree per home to protect the environment (05:00).

Martin Luther and the Evolution of Tree Decorations

Martin Luther’s Contribution

Martin Luther is often credited with enhancing the Christmas tree tradition in the 16th century. Tracy reminisces, “He may have initiated the practice of adding lights to the tree by placing candles on the boughs” (06:19). This innovation not only illuminated the trees but also added a magical quality to the winter nights.

First Written Records

Holly notes, “About 50 years after Martin Luther's death, we have the first written record of Christmas trees in use in the homes of Strasbourg, decorated with apples, paper roses, gold foil candies and wafers” (06:58). These decorations were early precursors to the modern glass ornaments we recognize today.

Royal Influence: Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria

Introduction to England

Queen Charlotte, born in Mecklenburg, Strelitz, brought the Christmas tree tradition to England in 1761. Tracy explains, “She incorporated the Christmas tree into celebrations shared with the royal family and its visitors, and this popularized the practice with the aristocracy” (09:48).

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

The tradition gained further prominence during Queen Victoria’s reign. An engraving of the royal family with a Christmas tree, published in the 1840s, significantly boosted the tree's popularity. Tracy adds, “Victoria and Albert were just ceaselessly fascinating to the press, their Christmas trees were covered extensively every year” (10:56).

The National Christmas Tree and Rockefeller Center

National Christmas Tree

In 1923, the first National Christmas Tree was lit on the White House lawn, an initiative by Frederick Feicher, Herbert Hoover’s assistant. Tracy recounts, “Feicher described his idea in a letter...to have the National Christmas Tree at Washington, which would stimulate other people to have outdoor Christmas trees” (18:52).

Rockefeller Center Tree

During the Great Depression in 1931, construction workers at Rockefeller Center erected a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree, symbolizing hope and resilience. Tracy highlights, “That tree came to symbolize the sustaining nature of this one big construction project” (20:46).

The Rise of Artificial Christmas Trees

Cy Spiegel’s Innovation

Cy Spiegel revolutionized Christmas décor by improving artificial tree designs in the 1970s. Holly shares, “He used real trees as models for the designs...once his division produced fake trees that looked more or less like real ones, business picked up quickly” (22:55). Spiegel's efforts led to the widespread adoption of artificial trees, which are now an integral part of holiday celebrations, with an estimated 10 million artificial trees purchased in the US annually.

Evolution of Glass Ornaments

Hans Greiner’s Legacy

The history of glass ornaments dates back to the 16th century with Hans Greiner from Lauscha, Germany. Tracy explains, “Greiner didn’t only make glass ornaments, he also made ornaments out of tiny glass beads on strings” (24:50). These bead garlands remained popular through the Victorian era due to their durability and shine.

Design Innovations

By the mid-19th century, glass ornaments had evolved beyond simple orbs. Holly notes, “Ornaments started to be designed to look like various objects, like fruit or animals” (25:58). This diversification made tree decorations more personalized and elaborate.

Commercialization

Frank Winfield Woolworth’s importation of Griner ornaments in the 1880s greatly increased their availability and popularity in the United States. Tracy mentions, “Frank Woolworth started importing them for sale in his stores, and he made a lot of money through ornament sales” (27:50).

Transition to Electric Christmas Lights

Candles and Fire Hazards

Initially, Christmas trees were illuminated with candles, which posed significant fire risks. Holly recounts, “These candles were incredibly dangerous. There are so many newspaper mentions of fires caused by Christmas tree candles” (36:11).

Invention of Electric Lights

Edward Hibbard Johnson, working with Thomas Edison, sought to eliminate the hazards of candles by introducing electric Christmas lights. Tracy narrates, “In the winter of 1882, he invited a member of the press to his home to see the first electrically illuminated Christmas tree” (40:14). This innovation marked the beginning of a safer and more sustainable approach to holiday lighting.

Adoption Challenges

Despite their safety advantages, electric lights were initially expensive and inaccessible to many. Holly explains, “Early strings, which only had 16 lights, cost the equivalent of several hundred dollars in today’s money” (42:36). However, by the 1910s, the cost had decreased significantly, making electric lights more affordable and popular.

Modern Usage and Safety

Today, Christmas lights are a staple of holiday décor, with approximately 150 million sets sold annually in the US. Tracy adds, “Holiday lights accounted for 6% of the energy use in the United States during the month of December” (43:12). While electric lights have reduced fire risks compared to candles, safety measures and regulations continue to evolve to ensure their safe use.

Listener Stories and Community Engagement

Susan’s Ghost and Marshmallow the Dog

Late into the episode, Holly shares heartwarming stories from listeners. Susan recounts a childhood ghost story involving a headless nun mannequin used to discourage vanity, alongside a story about rescuing a dog named Marshmallow. Holly appreciates these contributions, stating, “Thank you for rescuing dogs. Everybody that picks up an animal on the side of the road, you're a hero” (48:35).

Conclusion

Holly and Tracy wrap up the episode by celebrating the enduring traditions and innovations that make Christmas décor a beloved part of holiday festivities. They encourage listeners to share their own stories and experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared history.

Notable Quotes:

• Holly Fry, [04:11]: “We know that evergreens popped up sometime in the Middle Ages in Christian German households, and they were meant to represent the Garden of Eden.”

• Tracy V. Wilson, [06:19]: “Martin Luther may have initiated the practice of adding lights to the tree by placing candles on the boughs.”

• Tracy V. Wilson, [18:52]: “Feicher described his idea in a letter...to have the National Christmas Tree at Washington, which would stimulate other people to have outdoor Christmas trees.”

• Holly Fry, [24:50]: “The Griner family just kept making glass ornaments.”

Final Thoughts:

This episode of "Stuff You Missed in History Class" provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Christmas décor's history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, Holly and Tracy illuminate the cultural and historical significance of the decorations that adorn our homes each holiday season.

Listen to the full episode on the iHeartRadio app or your favorite podcast platform to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Christmas décor!