Exploring the origins of Christmas traditions and the influence of capitalism. Delving into the narratives of Hallmark movies and Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. Analyzing the evolution of gift-giving and the commercialization of the holiday season. Contrasting American and Mexican Christmas customs. Reflecting on the societal significance and cultural comparisons of Christmas celebrations.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
The Christmas Shoes
Ellie introduces the Christmas song "The Christmas Shoes", about a poor boy buying shoes for his dying mother.
The song blends Christian theology with consumerism, highlighting the boy's poverty and a stranger's charity.
insights INSIGHT
Critique of Consumerist Salvation
David and Ellie analyze "The Christmas Shoes," noting its problematic implications.
It suggests salvation is tied to consumerism and promotes a white savior narrative.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Christmas Music Overload
David recounts working at a bookstore where Christmas music played excessively early, beginning in October.
This experience solidified his aversion to Christmas music.
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Happy holidays! As Christmas approaches, the average American prepares to spend nearly $1,000 on presents, decorations, and family feasting. How did an originally religious festival become so caught up in capitalist consumption? What really defines Christmas in an increasingly secular America? This holiday season, David and Ellie try not to be scrooges as they explore the Christmas Industrial Complex. From Hallmark movies to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the stories we tell around Christmas can be incredibly varied. In looking at these narratives and more, Ellie and David discuss whether Christmas can be separated from the often heavily capitalist rituals around it. Episode 40.
Works Discussed
NewSong, “The Christmas Shoes” Megan Garber, “The Cheesy Endurance of the Made-for-TV Holiday Movie” A New York Christmas Wedding Daniel J. Boorstin, The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol History.com, “Saturnalia” Mari Ruti, Penis Envy and Other Bad Feelings Jim Probasco, “Average Cost of American Holiday Spending” Jonathan Berr, “Hallmark’s Christmas Movies Are Predictably Popular With Viewers”
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