Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas

The story

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 & crew

Harry Smith

Harry SmithNarrator (voice)

James StewartGeorge Bailey (archive footage)

Donna ReedMary Bailey (archive footage)

Wayne AllwineMickey Mouse (archive footage)

Peter BillingsleyRalphie Parker (archive footage)

Robert ClarkeFred (archive footage)

Rosemary ClooneyBetty Haynes (archive footage)

Bing CrosbyBob Wallace (archive footage)

Melinda DillonMrs. Parker (archive footage)

Taylor HolmesEbeneezer Scrooge (archive footage)

Robert HyattTiny Tim (archive footage)

Todd KarnsHarry Bailey (archive footage)