Christmas in the Crosshairs

Two Thousand Years of Denouncing and Defending the World's Most Celebrated Holiday

Gerry Bowler

• Examines the entire sweep of Christmas history and provides a global scope of its influence
• Discusses the controversies that have surrounded Christmas since its inception
• Examines several "wars on Christmas" from both right and left sides of the political spectrum
• A witty, eclectic collection of stories about one of the most beloved holidays, which is sure to entertain as much as it educates

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From Our Blog

The history of holiday traditions [podcast]

One of the best parts of the holiday season is that everyone celebrates it in their own unique way. Some traditions have grown out of novelty, such as eating Kentucky Fried Chicken dinners on Christmas in Japan. Others date back centuries, like hiding your broom on Christmas Eve in Norway to prevent witches and evil spirits from stealing it to ride on.

Posted on December 24, 2018

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The war on Christmas: a two thousand year history [timeline]

Is there a war on Christmas? Yes. And it's been fought for almost two thousand years. Since their earliest incarnation, Christmas festivities have been criticized and even outlawed. In the timeline below, historian and Christmas expert Gerry Bowler takes a look at this long history'from nativity protests in 240 through the billboard wars of 2014.

Posted on December 22, 2017

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Curious Christmas celebrations around the world

Celebrated as both a sacred religious holiday, as well as a commercial phenomenon, Christmas has been observed, denounced, and defended for two thousand years by people all around the world. The long history of battles fought in the war on Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2016

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The language of Christmas [quiz]

Christmas carols'a celebratory tradition spanning language and culture'were originally derived from the songs sung during the Winter Solstice. Christian lyrics were set to the tune of popular pagan carols, giving way to the festive music still played today.

Posted on December 2, 2016

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Is there a war on Christmas? [excerpt]

Is there a war on Christmas? Historian Gerry Bowler argues yes'and that it's been going on for over 2000 years. The following excerpt from Christmas in the Crosshairs discusses recent incidences of Christmas-time political correctness in America, while highlighting examples of 'Merry Christmas legislation.'

Posted on October 22, 2016

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Witches, werewolves, and Christmas

In Hamlet, Marcellus, referring to the royal ghost, says: 'It faded on the crowing of the cock. Some say that ever gainst that season comes wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated, this bird of dawning singeth all night long, and then, they say, no spirit dare walk abroad, The nights are wholesome, then no planets strike, No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm, so hallowed and so gracious is that time.'

Posted on October 5, 2016

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Christmas in Nazi Germany

Christmas is the most widely celebrated festival in the world but in few countries is it valued as deeply as in Germany. The country has given the world a number of important elements of the season, including the Christmas tree, the Advent calendar and wreath, gingerbread cookies, and Bach's Christmas Oratorio, "Es ist ein Ros` entsprungen," or "Vom Himmel Hoch."

Posted on September 7, 2016

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