Overview
Christmas abounds with traditions, from neighborhood carolers to lovingly decorated trees, but from where did all these rituals emerge? This enlightening program looks at the origins of the Western world's most popular Christmas traditions -- from the significance of December 25th and its relationship to winter solstice to the enchanting legend of Santa Claus and Prince Albert's 1841 unveiling of the Christmas tree.
Cast
Harry Smith
Narrator (voice)
James Stewart
George Bailey (archive footage)
Donna Reed
Mary Bailey (archive footage)
Wayne Allwine
Mickey Mouse (archive footage)
Peter Billingsley
Ralphie Parker (archive footage)
Robert Clarke
Fred (archive footage)
Rosemary Clooney
Betty Haynes (archive footage)
Bing Crosby
Bob Wallace (archive footage)
Melinda Dillon
Mrs. Parker (archive footage)
Taylor Holmes
Ebeneezer Scrooge (archive footage)
Robert Hyatt
Tiny Tim (archive footage)
Todd Karns
Harry Bailey (archive footage)
Danny Kaye
Phil Davis (archive footage)
Darren McGavin
Mr. Parker (archive footage)
Vera-Ellen
Judy Haynes (archive footage)
Patrick Whyte
Bob Cratchit (archive footage)
Alan Young
Scrooge McDuck (archive footage)
Media
Recommendations
Cries and Whispers
Monkey Business
The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum
The Gauntlet
La Notte
Two Evil Eyes
The Merchant of Venice
The Play House
White Hunter, Black Heart
Decalogue II
Smiles of a Summer Night
Too Young to Die
Death Race: Inferno
The Insider
The Man from Laramie
Inferno
Torn Curtain
Decalogue VI
Waking Ned
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
