The Story of Christmas: The Birth of Jesus Christ
The story goes, according to the books of Matthew and Luke, that Joseph
of Nazareth, roughly the 58th-generation of the Holy Lineage from Adam
through David, was engaged to a woman named Mary. However, when Mary (a
virgin) became pregnant, Joseph had a plan to end the engagement before
the child was born, as not to suggest shame upon the woman. The angel
Gabriel convinced him otherwise, telling Joseph that his fiancée
was carrying a child of God. So, traveling to Bethlehem to take part in
a census set forth by Caesar Augustus, Joseph and the pregnant Mary
needed to stop... a nearby "inn" was full, so they directed themselves
to a manger, where Mary delivered the child who would be Jesus Christ.
Upon Christ's birth, angels of God went forth to local shepherds and
distant kings, who came in droves to pay homage to the child and offer
gifts. King Herod of Jerusalem wasn't too happy and denounced claims
that Christ was any king that would infringe upon his reign, so he
plotted to kill the child, asking to "go and worship" him. Having heard
divine warning of the plot, Mary, Joseph, and the Christ eventually
fled to Egypt. The rest, as they say, is history.
Spread to pagan culures: From debauchery to holiness
As Christianity spread throughout Europe, it ran into many pagan
cultures. Many of these cultures had celebrations that marked the
winter and spring seasons. Christians, willing to negotiate on the
issues in an effort to win over the pagans, converted the winter
celebration into Christmas and the spring celebration into Easter, to
mark the birth and resurrection of Christ, respectively. At first, the
"Christmas" celebrations were examples of sex, drunkenness, and general
debauchery until Christian purists demanded that the holiday be taken
more seriously.
Santa Claus
Santa Claus is a legend based upon a philanthropist from circa AD 200
known as St. Nicholas of Turkey, a noted clergyman, philanthropist and
(somewhat ironically) anti-paganism activist. For those of you going on
Jeopardy! any time soon, he had a feast named in his honor that was
originally designated on December 6; the proximity to the Christmas
holiday is what caused "Santa Claus" to be lumped into the Christmas
season.
However, the legend has since grown into a
full-blown industry. So here's the general consensus on the legend.
Santa Claus's physical description: he is of unknown height, notably
overweight, he has a long white beard and is bald. His wardrobe is
almost universally red. The story of Santa Claus's origin is disputed;
however, we do know that he is married to a woman known only as Mrs.
Claus and that he lives in a workshop on the North Pole. (Note:
Geologists may note that there are two North Poles, a geographic
[covered in water and ice] and a magnetic [under an island].
Fullervision, for the sake of realistic possiblility, will argue that
the workshop is on the magnetic North Pole on Bathurst Island, Nunavut,
Canada. Other organizations have argued that Santa lives in northern
Scandinavia, as Santa Claus is a Dutch [closely related to English and
Scandinavian languages] translation of Saint Nicholas.) The workshop on
the North Pole is manned by elves, who are responsible for producing
all of the toys in the world. (This despite most claims that they are
made by other diminuted people-- the Chinese.)
The apex of activity at the North Pole workshop comes on Christmas Eve
(December 24 for those of you in Rio Linda), when all of the elves
gather the toys and place them into a large sack for Santa Claus to
carry around the world. The sack is carried out to a large sleigh,
which is powered by nine reindeer (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen,
Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph, the last with a bright red
nose to guide the sleigh during inclement weather). Santa also compiles
a list, from various sources, of all of the children to be considered
"naughty" and undeserving of gifts. The rest of the Christian children
are labeled "nice" and are rewarded with gifts from the sack. The
sleigh navigates in a fashion so that it arrives at the children's
houses at about midnight local time.
Chanukkah (December 5-12, 2007)
Chanukkah, also spelled Chanukah or Hanukkah, is celebrated December
4-12 this year, an earlier turn than usual. The
relatively minor Jewish holiday is noted so often because it lands in
roughly the same time frame as Christmas, one of the most major
Christian holidays, and due to the fact that many famous media
personalities are Jewish
(see Adam Sandler's line of "Hanukkah Songs") The story of this holiday
involves a belief that
divine intervention allowed one day's worth of temple oil to last for
eight days. The custom is symbolized by lighting a menorah of nine
candles, one master candle to light the other eight, one for each day.
Also involved is a game of dreidel-spinning (the dreidel being a top
with four sides, each with Hebrew lettering) and feasts including
deep-fried potato latkes (pancake-like creations).
Kwanzaa: It's fake, it's racist, I don't even consider it a
holiday.
Media Guide
Radio: Holiday Music Watch
The following outlets are expected to carry Christmas music this year.
This has been one of the
most unusual format change years in a while. We had no less than 6
stations on the Lake Ontario shoreline change format within 2 hours of
each other, and a 7th go full-in after 12 hours of mixed format at the
same time. Some time this past week, CHRE followed suit.
WHTT has begun "Mix"-ing in Christmas songs to their regular "80s, 90s
and now" playlist as of November 27.
Programming
and playlists being watched with help from Yes.com
HOLIDAY MUSIC WATCH (Last updated 11/28/07)
|
Station
|
Owner
|
Status/Notes
|
Playlist
|
Webcast
|
Buffalo, NY
|
WJYE
96.1
|
Regent
|
Playing
Christmas music 24/7 (11/16 7 PM) |
Yes
|
Yes
|
WTSS
102.5
|
Entercom
|
Playing
Christmas music 24/7 (11/16 7 PM) |
Yes
|
Yes
|
WHTT 104.1
|
Citadel
|
25%
Christmas, 75% Regular playlist
24 hour holiday channel
|
Yes
|
Yes
Yes
|
Rochester, NY
|
WRMM
101.3
|
CBS
|
Playing
Christmas music 24/7 (11/16 7 PM) |
Yes
|
No
|
WVOR
102.3
|
Clear Channel
|
Playing
Christmas music 24/7 (11/16 7 PM) |
Yes
|
No
|
Syracuse, NY
|
WYYY
94.5
|
Clear Channel
|
Playing
Christmas music 24/7 (11/16 5 PM) |
Yes
|
Yes
|
WZUN
102.1
|
Galaxy
|
Playing
Christmas music 24/7 (11/1)
|
No
|
No
|
WLTI 105.9
|
Citadel
|
One
Christmas song per hour
24 hour holiday channel
|
Yes
|
Yes
Yes |
Southern Ontario
|
CJEZ
97.3
|
Astral |
Playing
Christmas music 24/7 (11/16 5 PM) |
Yes
|
Yes
|
CHFI
98.1
|
Rogers
|
One
Christmas song per hour
24 hour holiday channel
|
Yes
|
Yes
Yes
|
CKLH 102.9
|
Astral |
One
Christmas song per hour
24 hour holiday channel
|
Yes
|
Yes
Yes
|
CHRE
105.7
|
Astral |
Playing
Christmas music 24/7
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
See also...
|
Clear
Channel Communications Christmas Formats
|
No
|
Yes
|
- Nationally syndicated - Full
format changes (does not count those that change one week before
Christmas)
- Delilah (will change 11/16)
- John Tesh
- American Top 10 with Casey Kasem (will change 11/24?,
full top-60 Christmas countdown weekends of 12/16 and 12/23)
- The Dr. Demento Show (will change around 12/2... will not
be available online-- at least free-- due to Dr. Demento's cash flow
problems)
- Your Weekend with Jim Brickman
Television
Please note that all times
listed are subject to change. As the holiday approaches, I will update
dates and times as well as remove any dropped specials.
UPDATE: As of 11/12, more Christmas specials timetable released by ABC.
Most notable television specials, by network:
- CBS
- Rudolph
the Red Nosed Reindeer, Dec. 4 8 PM
The first and original
Rankin-Bass claymation special featuring the voice of Burl Ives and the
famous Gene Autry song, as well as the longest running Christmas
special on television today. In addition to strictly following the song
storyline to the word, this series also incorporates several good
subplots including Hermie the Dentist Elf, the Abominable Snowman and
the Island of Misfit Toys.
- Frosty the
Snowman, Dec. 7 (repeats Dec. 19) 8 PM
Rankin-Bass's only
hand-drawn animation series based upon the infamous winter carol. A
brave young girl named Karen attempts to keep Frosty safe from rising
temperatures and the notoriously bad (in more ways than one) magician
"Professor Hinkle."
- Frosty Returns
A leftist piece of tripe
produced by CBS as a sequel to Frosty the Snowman.
- Movie: Elf, Dec. 22 8 PM
The movie starring Will
Ferrell as a man who was raised by elves and has to return home to New
York City.
- Ice Wars: USA vs. the World, TBA
A primarily token figure
skating competition that has aired on CBS for the past several years.
- A Home for the Holidays, Dec. 21
Sheryl Crow takes over
this annual Christmas special seeking to find adopted families for
orphaned children. Formerly hosted by Kathie Lee Gifford. (Just be sure
to use one sheet of toilet paper during the commercial breaks... sorry,
couldn't resist)
- ABC (holiday schedule)
- A
Charile Brown Christmas, Nov. 27 8 PM
The first animated
Peanuts story ever created, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is considered
to be one of the best Christmas specials of all time. The story is
effectively a lament of Christmas gone awry due to commercial excess
and a reminder of what Christmas is truly celebrating. Coupled with
"Charlie Brown's Christmas Tales."
- Shrek
the Halls, November 28 (encore December 11) 8 PM ET
An animated special based
upon a popular movie trilogy. Did we learn nothing from the Star Wars
Holiday Special? EDIT: OK, I was wrong-- it was a huge hit, and
a pretty good one from what I hear.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas, November 28 8:30 PM ET
The television adaptation
of Dr. Seuss's book, narrated by horror flick legend Boris Karloff,
about a character who plots to steal all material possessions related
to Christmas from the tiny, innocent town of Whoville... but fails to
quash the Whos' Christmas spirit. Movie includes famous "You're a Mean
One, Mr. Grinch" performance by Thurl Ravenscroft. The program moves to
ABC and will also air on TBS and Cartoon Network.
The 2003 movie adaptation of this story starring Jim Carrey and
directed by Ron Howard can be
seen on ABC/ABC Family.
- Movie: The Polar Express, Nov. 30 8 PM
Partially-animated
spectacle featuring Tom Hanks's voice and head plastered on a lot of
bodies.
- Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Dec. 4 8 PM
Another Rankin-Bass
special, this one focusing on the story of Santa Claus (only loosely
based upon the title song). A tripped out hippie scene makes this one a
worthwhile watch. Replays on ABC Family.
- I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown! Dec. 10 8 PM
This sequel to "A Charlie
Brown Christmas" (actually, the second such sequel) was first released
after the death of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, and focuses on the
youngest and newest Peanut, Rerun van Pelt, taking in Snoopy's
desert-living cousin Spike as a pet.
- Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too, Dec. 11 8:30 PM
The name says it all. And
no, there's no poop involved.
- Movie: The Santa Clause
This 1994 movie features
Tim Allen as a toy salesman and father who unwittingly accepts the
duties of Santa Claus-- and then physically transforms into him to
boot, causing his ex-wife to worry for their child's sanity. It has
since produced two sequels. Also watch for The Santa Clause 2.
- Elmo's
Christmas Countdown, Dec. 23 7 PM
Elmo from Sesame Street
crosses over into commercial television after over a decade in
commercial toyland. About time.
- Christmas parade, Dec. 25 9 AM
Hosted by Regis Philbin
and Kelly Ripa from Walt Disney World in Florida.
- Rudolph's
Shiny New Year, Dec. 26 MAYBE
In this Rankin-Bass
sequel to the original "Rudolph," the title character is sent out to
find the New Year's Baby, who has gone astray in time. Moves to ABC the
day after Christmas in a surprise move that I missed.
- New Year's
Rockin' Eve with Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest,
Dec. 31 10 PM
Dick Clark returns with
co-host Ryan Seacrest to count down to 2008.
- NBC
- Movie: Miracle on 34th Street, Nov. 22 2 PM
The original 1947 version
of the story of Santa Claus paying a visit to New York City returns to
broadcast television; the film had been
airing for the past few years at 2 PM ET on Thanksgiving Day on NBC
(although oddly, in 2006, the network dropped it and replaced it with
Babe-- they have since reversed the decision).
- Christmas at Rockefeller Center, Nov. 28 7 PM (??)*
A two-hour extravaganza
featuring a dozen musical performances and culminating with the
lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center.
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Dec. 1 8 PM
The annual stage show
featuring the world-famous short-skirted Rockettes airs December 1 at 8
PM
- Movie: It's a Wonderful Life, TBA
The famous movie about a
man who wishes he had never been born-- and then sees what his life
would be like without him through the help of a guardian angel. Special
presentation narrated for the blind by former President George Bush.
- MyNetworkTV
The network formerly known
for its spectacular flop trying to use base programming of catty soap
operas in prime time enters the Christmas programming this season.
- Olive, the Other Reindeer
Also airs on Cartoon
Network. Olive (voiced by Drew Barrymore) is a dog who hears a news
report on trouble with Santa's reindeer and mistakes it for a "help
wanted" ad.
- Holidaze, the Christmas that Almost Didn't Happen
- Several other special music programs are also airing on
MyNetworkTV.
- CBC
- Movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, TBA
The third installment of
the Chevy Chase "Vacation" series. Clark Griswold and his extended
family engage in the most dysfunctional Christmas dinner ever
concocted. NBC aired an edited version of this special until 2005.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas, TBA (see ABC for
description)
- Frosty the Snowman, TBA
(see CBS for
description)
- The Legend of Frosty the Snowman, TBA
The most recent sequel to
"Frosty the Snowman."
- Robbie the
Reindeer TBA
Two British-produced
claymation shows featuring Robbie, who strives to become a member of
the next generation of reindeer. (The genders and ages of the reindeer
are totally inconsistent with those of the original story.) The show
was dubbed by American celebrities circa 2000 and
released in the United States, an edition likely never to be seen
again. It will air on CBC this year, and in the US, the original
British version will be seen on the Nicktoons channel.
- Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, TBA (see ABC for
description)
- The Santa Clause, TBA (see ABC for description)
- Movie: Elf, TBA (see CBS for description)
- Movie: Jingle All the Way, TBA
Arnold Schwarzenegger and
Sinbad battle it out for the latest hot toy for their kids.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, TBA (see CBS for
description)
Please note: the version
of this special that airs in Canada has a slightly different
soundtrack, featuring the song "Fame and Fortune" instead of
"There's Always Tomorrow."
- Cable: TBS
- A Christmas Story, Dec. 24 (estimated)
Jean Shepherd narrates
his life story through the character of "Ralphie," an enthusiastic
young boy whose life goal is to get a Daisy Red Ryder 200-shot Carbine
Action Air Rifle for Christmas. Many memorable moments (wow, I've
become Irv Weinstein) exist, including the ad-dispensing decoder ring,
the tongue stuck to the flagpole on a "triple dog dare," and the
continuously repeated phrase "you'll shoot your eye out."
- Cable: ABC Family
- "25 Days of Christmas" -- A 25-day virtual marathon of
Christmas specials (home page)
Full
programming will begin on 12/1, including the following specials:
- Frosty's Winter Wonderland
Rankin-Bass's original
sequel to Frosty the Snowman, narrated this time by Andy Griffith and
built around the song "Winter Wonderland." In this special, Frosty
seeks a wife.
- Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July
The full-length
finale to
both the Rudolph and Frosty stories, featuring a very dark and bizarre
storyline, some plot inconsistencies, and (drumroll, please)... Ethel
Merman!
- Year Without a Santa Claus (animated version)
Two kids negotiate a
deal with the Heat Miser and Snow Miser (two weather-controlling
demigods who have catchy and nearly identical theme songs) to bring
snow to the South, but in return, the North Pole is warm for Christmas,
which jeopardizes Santa Claus's ability to leave via sleigh.
- Other claymation specials: Jack Frost, Pinnochio's
Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, among others
- As well as a handful of movies
- More cable outlets to be added soon.
- NOTABLE DISCONTINUED SPECIALS
- A Garfield Christmas Special
The story of Jon
Arbuckle's trip to Christmas dinner with his family. Garfield
eventually discovers Jon's grandfather's old love letters to Jon's
grandmother and returns them as a gift to Grandma. CBS discontinued
this special after losing the rights to A Charlie Brown Christmas; the
two specials had aired side-by-side for several years. CBS sold the
rights to Garfield to Fox and they have opted not to air the special;
however, Fox has made the special available on DVD.
- The Homecoming: A Christmas Story
The made-for-television
movie that spun off the television series The Waltons, this story is
the tale of a rural Depression-era family who is rocked by the
disappearance of their father. CBS had aired the program on Saturday
mornings until the late 1990's, when it inexplicably disappeared. It is
available on DVD but is rare and comparitively expensive. Yes, I have a
copy. No, you can't have it.
- It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown!
I have never seen this
little known sequel to "A Charlie Brown Christmas" produced in 1992.
Bootleg copies are floating around on Youtube, I believe.
Television Sports (Christmas Eve/Christmas Day)
- NFL
- While no games are scheduled on Christmas Day (due to the
fact that it's Tuesday), a Monday Night Football game is scheduled for
Christmas Eve between the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers.
- NBA
- Los Angeles Lakers @ Miami Heat, 2:30 PM (ABC)
- NCAA football and the NHL are taking Christmas Day off.
|