Is Capitalism Killing Christmas?

Is Capitalism Killing Christmas?

Author: Liam Heffernan December 23, 2025 Duration: 37:40
America: The Story of the USA
HistoryCultureNewsPoliticsSocietySociety & Culture

The tree is up, the lights are on, and the presents are (probably) wrapped. Only two more sleeps until the day when sacred, family-oriented togetherness merges with ruthless consumer culture… or, as it’s more commonly known, Christmas. So in this episode we’re going to dive into the murky, tinsel-covered contradiction of the holiday season, as I ask… is Capitalism killing Christmas?

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Special guest for this episode:

  1. Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. His new book, Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon, is available to buy now.
  2. Brian Earl the creator and host of the excellent podcast Christmas Past… a very merry welcome back to Brian Earl…

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Highlights from this episode:

  1. Christmas has evolved significantly from its religious roots into a commercially driven holiday, with advertising and consumerism deeply intertwined.
  2. The Puritans' resistance to Christmas in early America reflects a long-standing conflict between celebration and moral values within American culture.
  3. Consumerism and Christmas are inextricably linked; it's hard to separate the two without losing the holiday's modern meaning.
  4. Historical variations in Christmas celebrations across America reveal regional differences in traditions, influenced by factors like local culture and economy.
  5. The rise of industrialism in the 19th century played a crucial role in shaping the consumer habits associated with the Christmas season.
  6. Charitable giving during Christmas often serves to highlight socioeconomic divides while simultaneously fostering a sense of community and shared goodwill.

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Additional Resources:

  1. Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon by Thomas Ruys Smith
  2. Christmas Past by Brian Earl
  3. The Modern Christmas in America: A Cultural History of Gift Giving by Williams Waits

Hosted by Liam Heffernan, America: The Story of the USA is a deep and ongoing conversation about the forces that have shaped the nation. This isn't just a history lesson; it's an exploration of how the past directly informs today's headlines and cultural shifts. Each episode brings together a remarkable range of voices, from Nobel laureates and acclaimed historians to veteran journalists, to dissect pivotal moments and current events with nuance and depth. You'll hear discussions that connect the dots between a centuries-old political decision and a modern social movement, or examine a breaking news story through the lens of long-standing cultural patterns. The aim is to provide a richer, more connected understanding of the American experience in all its complexity. By weaving together threads from history, politics, society, and culture, this podcast offers a comprehensive and thoughtful narrative. For those who want to look beyond the soundbites and understand the deeper currents running through the United States, this series serves as an essential and engaging resource. Tune in for a consistently insightful analysis that treats the American story as the living, evolving saga that it truly is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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