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Evolution of Santa Claus (2:48)

The modern image of Santa Claus has been refined again and again.

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The History of Christmas DVD Set!

Videos (21)

  • Evolution of Santa Claus
    Evolution of Santa Claus

    Video Clip (2:48)

    The modern image of Santa Claus has been refined again and again.

    Video Clip (2:48)
  • Origins of Santa Claus
    Origins of Santa Claus

    Video Clip (2:24)

    In this video, learn about the history of Santa Claus and his real-life inspiration, St. Nicholas.

    Video Clip (2:24)
  • North Pole: Deconstructed
    North Pole: Deconstructed

    Video Clip (1:36)

    Ever wonder how many miles it is from the North Pole to the South Pole? Take a journey to the northernmost point on earth to uncover this and other facts and figures of the Far North.

    Video Clip (1:36)
  • Evolution of Christmas
    Evolution of Christmas

    Video Clip (2:39)

    Christmas has evolved from solstice celebration to family feast.

    Video Clip (2:39)
  • Origins of Christmas
    Origins of Christmas

    Video Clip (3:03)

    The celebration of Christmas as we know it today stems from the traditions of several different cultures.

    Video Clip (3:03)
  • Babe Ruth Santa
    Babe Ruth Santa

    Video Clip (0:29)

    Newsreel footage of children gathering around Babe Ruth dressed as Santa Claus

    Video Clip (0:29)
  • The Christmas Tree
    The Christmas Tree

    Video Clip (2:39)

    From millions of homes worldwide to the White House, the Christmas tree is a tradition that owes its popularity in part to a popular British queen.

    Video Clip (2:39)
  • The Life of a Christmas Tree
    The Life of a Christmas Tree

    Video Clip (1:48)

    From the farm all the way to your living room, take a closer look at the big business of Christmas tree production.

    Video Clip (1:48)
  • Christmas Light Fanatic
    Christmas Light Fanatic

    Video Clip (1:36)

    Outdoor Christmas light displays have become more elaborate over the years.

    Video Clip (1:36)
  • Christmas Light Technology
    Christmas Light Technology

    Video Clip (1:53)

    Christmas lights have evolved from novelty item to household essential.

    Video Clip (1:53)
  • European Christmas Customs
    European Christmas Customs

    Video Clip (2:59)

    In some parts of Europe, people still celebrate Christmas customs based on long-standing folk legends.

    Video Clip (2:59)
  • History of the Christmas Carol
    History of the Christmas Carol

    Video Clip (2:40)

    Get the facts on the tradition of Christmas carols and find out how "Jingle Bells" came about.

    Video Clip (2:40)
  • Strange Christmas Traditions
    Strange Christmas Traditions

    Video Clip (2:05)

    Ruled a legal holiday in 1894, Christmas has had its fair share of strange traditions.

    Video Clip (2:05)
  • Crafting Glass Ornaments
    Crafting Glass Ornaments

    Video Clip (2:10)

    A glass blower demonstrates the techniques used to create traditional glass ornaments.

    Video Clip (2:10)
  • Why December 25th
    Why December 25th

    Video Clip (1:59)

    Find out why Christmas is celebrated on December 25.

    Video Clip (1:59)
  • White House Christmas
    White House Christmas

    Video Clip (0:45)

    Lyndon and Ladybird Johnson celebrate Christmas morning at the White House in 1968.

    Video Clip (0:45)
  • Fruitcake
    Fruitcake

    Video Clip (3:24)

    Find out how to make a fruitcake, one of the quintessential Christmas deserts.

    Video Clip (3:24)
  • Gingerbread House
    Gingerbread House

    Video Clip (3:53)

    The baking of gingerbread houses has long been a Christmas tradition, and some are truly architectural wonders.

    Video Clip (3:53)
  • Candy Canes
    Candy Canes

    Video Clip (3:51)

    Though Christmas happens once a year, candy canes are manufactured all year long.

    Video Clip (3:51)
  • Christmas on the Western Front
    Christmas on the Western Front

    Video Clip (0:58)

    Newsreel footage from WWII shows soldiers celebrating Christmas in 1944.

    Video Clip (0:58)
  • Holidays Toys: Christmas Unwrapped
    Holidays Toys: Christmas Unwrapped

    Video Clip (3:49)

    This History Channel video covers the evolution of Santa Claus in various countries, starting with St. Nicholas in the Middle Ages to the modern Santa Claus in America. Clement Clark Moore's Twas the Night Before Christmas.

    Video Clip (3:49)

Photo Galleries (2)

  • Christmas: History of Santa Claus
    Christmas: History of Santa Claus

    8 Photos

    Learn about the origins and evolution of Santa Claus from images of Saint Nicholas and the Dutch Sinter Klaas, all the way up to through Coca Cola Santas and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

    (8 Photos)
  • Christmas Traditions
    Christmas Traditions

    12 Photos

    View images of Christmas celebrations and traditions around the world, from creche scenes in Bethlehem to santas and storefronts in New York City.

    (12 Photos)

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