In this episode of “Just a Couple of Words,” host E.V. Holland peels back the layers of the most famous holiday celebrated on December 25th: Christmas. Christmas is a holiday rich with history, but how much do we know about where it came from? In this episode, we explore the surprising ancient roots of Christmas traditions and the figures that shaped the holiday we celebrate today. From the winter solstice celebrations of ancient Rome to the blending of pagan customs with Christian beliefs, we’ll uncover why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th and how it evolved into the holiday we know today.

Journey with us as we uncover the fascinating stories behind St. Nicholas, Krampus, and La Befana — figures who transformed Christmas into a global celebration of generosity, folklore, and sometimes mischief. We’ll also trace how Christmas evolved from a religious observance to a commercial juggernaut, driven by everything from Victorian-era traditions to modern advertising.

Whether you love the holiday for its religious meaning, family traditions, or festive spirit, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of why we celebrate Christmas — and how its rich tapestry of history continues to shape the way we experience the season.

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Buon Natale! Frohe Weihnachten!

References:

Italian Morning by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/

In this first episode of "Just a Couple of Words," host E.V. Holland delves into the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Uncover the tale of a group of Catholic conspirators who attempted to assassinate King James I and blow up the House of Lords. From the anonymous warning letter to Lord Monteagle to the dramatic capture of Guy Fawkes, this episode explores the intricate details of the plot, its key players, and its far-reaching consequences. Learn how this failed conspiracy shaped English history, led to increased persecution of Catholics, and eventually transformed Guy Fawkes into an enduring symbol of rebellion and resistance.

References

BBC - History - The Gunpowder plot. (2011, March 29). https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/civil_war_revolution/gunpowder_robinson_01.shtml

Elizabeth I (R.1558-1603). (n.d.). The Royal Family. https://www.royal.uk/elizabeth-i

Fraser, A. (1997). The Gunpowder Plot: Terror & Faith in 1605. Random House (UK).

The National Archives. (2024, February 6). Gunpowder Plot - source 1 - The National Archives. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/gunpowder-plot/source-1/