From the historic campus of Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, where the good, the true, and the beautiful are taught, nurtured, and honored, this is the Radio Free Hillsdale Hour, bringing the activity and education of the college

to listeners across the country.

Everyone loves the nativity scene.

Where did all that begin?

Well, actually it began in the 13th century,

the 1200s, with St. Francis of Assisi.

He wanted to find a new way, really, to celebrate the nativity.

This is your host, Scott Bertram.

Welcome to the Radio Free Hillsdale Hour, part of the Hillsdale College Podcast Network.

That was Dr. Ken Calvert, professor of Ancient History here at Hillsdale College.

Today we talk about the history of Christmas.

Also later on in today's program, Dr. Chloe Carmichael is with us.

Her new book is Can I Say That? Why Free Speech Matters and how to use it fearlessly.

First, we're joined by Dr. Ken Calvert.

He is Professor of Ancient history here at Hillsdale

College. Dr. Calvert, thanks for joining us. Thank you, Scott. Good to be here.

Digging into the history of Christmas today, tis the season. And there's a long history.

And thankfully, we have you the expert to join us. Right. Let's start at the beginning.

Okay. So how and maybe why and when

did Christmas first come to be celebrated in the Christian tradition? Right. So we look at

December 25th, you know, as the date. And there has been all kinds of confusion about why that date is the date that we

celebrate Christmas. Since about the 18th century, the 1700s AD, there has been this idea

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