Something You Should Know

The Untold Story of the Christmas Tree & The New Rules of Eating Out

13 snips
Dec 8, 2025
Trent Preszler, a professor and author, explores the rich history of Christmas trees, revealing their origins in ancient solstice traditions and the nuances of tree selection for Rockefeller Center. He discusses cultivation techniques and the differences between real and artificial trees. Meanwhile, food writer Adam Reiner tackles the changing dynamics of dining out, sharing insights on rising costs, evolving customer expectations, and tips for enhancing your restaurant experience in today’s post-pandemic landscape.
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INSIGHT

Why Yawns Spread So Easily

  • Contagious yawning is a real phenomenon but its cause remains unresolved.
  • Mirror neurons and group-synchronization theories compete, while oxygen explanations are largely discounted.
ANECDOTE

Evergreens Are Climate Survivors

  • Trent Preszler explains evergreens as survivors shaped by harsh climates and prehistoric lineage.
  • He highlights their conical form as adaptation to snow and low-angle winter light.
INSIGHT

Christmas Trees Began As Solstice Symbols

  • Bringing evergreen boughs indoors started as pagan winter-solstice rituals symbolizing life and hope.
  • The decorated indoor tree tradition first appears in 1500s Germany and later spread worldwide.
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