The Evolution of Christmas Holiday Controversy

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Christmas holiday was not widespread or uniform in the early 19th century. It lacked biblical basis and was entangled with a complex pagan heritage. The Protestant Reformation saw renewed criticism of the holiday, leading to anti-Christmas sentiment among religious Americans. Christmas also retained a heritage of indulgence, drinking, and ritual misrule from Saturnalia. The tradition of wassailing saw the poor demanding food, drink, and money from the rich during Christmas time, leading to gangs of people crowding wealthy neighborhoods.

Scientists are making considerable progress in the race to slow the ageing process of our cells, and in turn, our bodies. But what would living for longer actually mean for the world? How government legislation and impatient consumers are forcing the advertising industry to adapt (13:19). And, the story behind a famous, 200-year-old Christmas poem (21:29).

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