In this Part One of a two Part Series on the origins of The American Way of Christmas we’ll examine one of America’s most successful efforts at building a common national culture as we discover whether or not Christmas is a religious feast or a midwinter carnival celebrating life at its fullest. Or is it both? We’ll examine the holiday’s ancient origins and meet the six people who created America’s distinctly festive Christmas in the 19th century. Along the way, we’ll learn where Christmas trees originated, how gift giving became part of the holiday, and who made the first Christmas cards.

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