On this episode of Our American Stories, the history of classic Christmas songs is a story shaped by accidents, migrations, and reinventions. A poem written for one parish grew into a carol that crossed borders. A melody carried across continents found new life in American churches. Other pieces resurfaced during political upheaval and eventually settled into the traditions we now recognize. Together, they formed the foundation of the Christmas music that anchors the season.

Ace Collins, author of Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, joins us to share the surprising origins of your favorite holiday tunes.

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The Hidden Histories Beneath Our Christmas Music