Christmas
“His miracles went viral!”
Christmas: the season of giving, family, and…corporate brainwashing. In the latest episode of Toonsplained, I sit down with Father James and Joey to explore the strange history of how Christmas became the heavily commercialized spectacle we know today. From its pagan roots to Santa’s Coca-Cola makeover, the truth about the holiday might make you rethink your next holiday shopping spree.
The Pagan Foundation
Many of the traditions we associate with Christmas didn’t start with Christianity. Ever wonder why we bring trees inside and hang ornaments? That dates back to pagan winter solstice celebrations, where evergreens symbolized life during the darkest time of the year. Mistletoe? Another pagan favorite, symbolizing fertility and peace. Even December 25th aligns more with the Roman festival of Saturnalia than the actual birth of Jesus.
The Christian Remix
Early Christians were savvy marketers. By strategically aligning Christmas with existing pagan traditions, they made their faith more appealing to converts. This wasn’t just a religious celebration—it was a calculated rebranding. As Father James puts it, “Jesus was the original influencer.”
Santa Claus Gets a Makeover
Fast forward to the 20th century, when Coca-Cola popularized the modern image of Santa Claus. Before then, Saint Nicholas was depicted in various forms—skinny, ghostly, even downright scary. But Coca-Cola’s marketing team transformed him into the jolly, red-suited figure we recognize today. It was a stroke of branding genius—and a testament to how deeply corporations have shaped holiday traditions.
Capitalism Takes the Wheel
Today, Christmas is big business. Americans spend billions on gifts, decorations, and festive foods, often at the expense of their sanity and bank accounts. Joey insists this is just “the American way,” but I argue it’s less about holiday spirit and more about corporate greed. From Black Friday stampedes to endless Hallmark movie marathons, it’s clear that the true meaning of Christmas has been overshadowed by consumerism.
Can We Find the True Spirit of Christmas?
Despite its commercialization, Christmas still brings people together—whether through family dinners, caroling, or cozying up to watch Die Hard for the 100th time (Christmas movie???). But as I point out, it’s worth questioning why we celebrate the way we do—and who benefits from our traditions.
