It's that time of year! Shauna and Dan deep dive into the holiday phrase, Christmas Spirit. The feeling, not the ghosts. Bonus: Curmudgeonly old men, spirits pitching the Christmas spirit, and the great bagel vs donut debate.
Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast
Episode 258: Christmas Spirit
Record Date: November 24, 2024
Air Date: December 11, 2024
Intro
Shauna:
Welcome to Bunny Trails, a whimsical adventure of idioms and other turns of phrase.
I’m Shauna Harrison
Dan:
And I’m Dan Pugh
Each week we take an idiom or other turn of phrase and try to tell the story from its entry into the English language, to how it’s used today.
Opening Hook
It’s that time of year again. The time where people are hurried and stressed and sometimes that turns into rudeness towards others - though it's probably more like frustration that there isn’t enough time, money, or patience to go around and get things done before the big day. But it’s also the time of year where most people go out of their way to try to be nicer to others, let little frustrations slide instead of blowing up about them, and focus on the nostalgia of goodwill and enjoyable times of days past, when life was simpler and more peaceful because we didn’t have as many responsibilities or we are just willfully mis-remembering our past. And for some, it’s the time of year where you are filled with joy and thankfulness for the life you have and the people in that life with you.
Taking your normal, day-to-day frustrations and turning them into joy - that is what we do this time of year to get into the Christmas Spirit.
Meaning
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Christmas Spirit means:
Quote
A mood or attitude appropriate to the Christmas season, esp. one involving feelings of goodwill, benevolence, and a willingness to enjoy oneself.
End Quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/christmas-spirit_n?tab=meaning_and_use#1297421160100
Before we jump into it, I should note that the Spirit of Christmas, meaning a personification of a spirit, or ghost, representing Christmas, has been around for a long time - much longer than the phrase talking about how we feel about, or feel at, Christmas time. We are going to focus on the use of Christmas and Spirit in the how-we-feel sense, not the ghost sense.
1819
The idea of Christmas Spirit may have originated with early works of Washington Irving who was living in England when he wrote his famous work The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. You may not be familiar with the serialized work, but you have probably heard of the stories Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, both of which first appeared in this collection. So it was immensely popular in the United States and Europe. As for Christmas Spirit, it does not appear Irving ever actually put the word Christmas and Spirit together. Still, some of the stories in Volume 5 of this collection, dated 1819, did speak on the concept in general terms, like in this passage from the story called,”Christmas”:
Quote
Of all the old festivals, however, that of Christmas awakens the strongest and most heartfelt associations. There is a tone of solemn and sacred feeling that blends with our conviviality, and lifts the spirit to a state of hallowed and elevated enjoyment.
End Quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Sketch_Book_of_Geoffrey_Crayon/iKpKAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=christmas
And this one from the story “The Stage Coach”, also in Volume 5.
Quote
I am tempted to follow it up by some anecdotes of a Christmas passed in the country, which may serve as practical illustrations of my general remarks: in pursuing which, I would most courteously invite my reader to lay aside the austerity of wisdom, and , putting on the genuine holyday spirit, which is tolerant of folly, and anxious only for amusement, to attend with all indulgence to the scenes I shall endeavour to represent.
End quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Sketch_Book_of_Geoffrey_Crayon/iKpKAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=christmas
So Irving is talking about feelings we get during Christmas-time. And he even uses ‘holyday spirit’. But I just didn’t find anything with him actually putting Christmas and Spirit together. Still, because of his broad popularity it’s little wonder that we started seeing the phrase pop up just a few Christmas’ after these writings.
1825
This first example I could find is from a periodical called The Portfolio and was based out of London. This issue is Number 17 of Volume 4 and was dated 1 January 1825.
Quote
Enough of the holyday amusements and gambols still remain, and these few are the more cherished, because years have mellowed them into veneration. In truth, we will long preserve the spirit of Christmas, even after its form has mouldered away.
End Quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Portfolio_of_Entertaining_Instructiv/iVQAAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22spirit+of+christmas%22&pg=PA266&printsec=frontcover
1827
Another early example comes from the Derby Mercury out of Derbyshire, England dated 26 December 1827
In the newspaper there is a letter to the editor that was dated 24 December 1827. In this letter the author, who describes himself as an old man, complains about the young people of this generation and their lack of ‘benevolent heart-bursting’ - which I can only assume is joy - that characterized the author's younger days. Still, I like this one because the author ends one paragraph with what he means by the true spirit of Christmas before also saying that his generation should also embrace it.
Quote
Up then, my young friends! call forth your best feelings, sharpen your wits, brighten your smiles, bring in your holly boughs, prepare your yule cakes, undraw your purse strings, present your new-year’s gifts with gallantry and grace, and shake the poor man’s hand with a shilling in your palm.
This Christmas Spirit should methinks be more particularly kept up in the country, because those who dwell in retirement are in danger of living too much for themselves, and of becoming selfish and individualized.
End Quote
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000052/18271226/011/0004
1843
At this point I should mention Charles Dickens’ 1843 work A Christmas Carol in prose Being a Ghost Story of Christmas. There is a lot of talk about Spirits in the story, but alas, they are the ghosts he speaks of. And - spoiler alert for a 180 year old story - while Scrooge ends up learning about the Christmas Spirit and becomes joyous and celebratory in the end, Dickens never uses the phrase in A Christmas Carol.
https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_Christmas_Carol_in_Prose/m_JRAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=charles+dickens+christmas+carol&printsec=frontcover
1852
He does, however, use it in other stories, such as this piece I found reprinted in The Cecil Whig out of Elkton, Maryland dated 7 February 1852, titled “Dicken’s Christmas Story. What Christmas is, as we grow Older” by Charles Dickens In it Dickens encourages the reader to put away some of the stress of life and celebrate Christmas as they did when they were young.
Quote
Far be such miscalled philosophy from us, dear reader, on Christmas Day! Nearer and closer to our hearts be the Christmas spirit, which is the spirit of active usefulness, perseverance, cheerful discharge of duty, kindness, and forbearance!
End Quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83016348/1852-02-07/ed-1/seq-1/#date1=1756&sort=date&date2=1963&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&index=2&words=Christmas+spirit&proxdistance=5&rows=20&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=christmas+spirit&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
1918
The Kaukauna Times out of Wisconsin dated December 13, 1918.
Quote
In the grim business of war, and under the spur of conservation pleas wrongly understood, there is danger this year that something of the Christmas spirit will be lost. Never before has it been more important that it should not be. The Christmas spirit as well as civilization and liberty must be saved.
End Quote
https://newspaperarchive.com/the-kaukauna-times-dec-13-1818-p-1/
1932
Here is an interesting piece in the Brownsville Herald out of Brownsville, Texas dated December 9, 1932. It features a giant image of Santa Claus sitting on a throne-like chair with contemporarily dressed shoppers all around, arms full of presents, and in all caps says All Hail TO THE KING!
Quote
Ruler in the realm of good-will, of friendliness and kindliness. Ruler in the domain of the Christmas spirit. He holds court now in the stores and calls on you for loyalty in observance of the brotherhood of man, good fellowship to the needy and the devotion to your kinfolks that is made manifest through gifts.
Lavish has been the preparation, extensive the variety, broad in a range of choice to fit every purse, preference, and purpose.
His order goes forth… spend as generously as your heart directs; spend as economically as your means dictate but spend to bring JOY to all… to perpetuate the true CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
End Quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86063730/1932-12-09/ed-1/seq-6/#date1=1756&sort=relevance&date2=1963&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&index=4&words=CHRISTMAS+Christmas+SPIRIT+spirit&proxdistance=5&rows=20&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=christmas+spirit&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=2
With that, it’s time to move to our more modern uses but first we need to say thank you to our sponsors.
A Quick Thank You
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Modern Uses
1963
There are a ton of songs called some variant on Christmas Spirit. I’ll include a few of them throughout our modern uses. We’ll start off in 1963 when Johnny Cash released a Christmas album called The Christmas Spirit. The first track on the album was a spoken poem Cash read to the background of the song ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’. Here is a short snippet of the poem:
Quote
In London Town I walked around Piccadilly Circus
A mass of people movin' here and there I wandered where
On every face at every place was hurry up I'm late
But a kind old man at a chestnut stand said merry Christmas mate
And I felt the Christmas spirit
End Quote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o38vxHtddR8
1995
The Christmas Spirit is a 1995 book by Debbie Macomber. Here is the synopsis from her website:
Quote
Peter Rhinehart and Hank Meyer are best friends, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Peter is a local pastor who is dedicated to his community. He spends his time visiting the flock, attending meetings, and with the holiday season approaching, preparing for the Christmas service and live nativity. As a bartender, Hank serves a much different customer base at his family-owned tavern, including a handful of lonely regulars and the local biker gang.
When Peter scoffs that Hank has it easy compared to him, the two decide to switch jobs until Christmas Eve. To their surprise, the responsibilities of both bartender and pastor are similar, but much more difficult than either of them expected. As Peter and Hank begin to see one another’s lives in a new light, and each discovers a new love to cherish, their lives are forever changed.
End Quote
https://debbiemacomber.com/books/the-christmas-spirit
1996
The Christmas Spirit, is a 1996 song by Alabama off the album Christmas Vol. II. Here is the chorus:
Quote
The Christmas spirit is in the air, the Christmas spirit is everywhere
Like the day Christ was born in Bethlehem, the Christmas spirit has been
coming down
End Quote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kpq8d7xmQbQ
2011 and 2012
Christmas Spirit is a 2011 single by Richard Marx that was re-released on his 2012 seasonal album of the same name. The music video for the song features a ton of celebrity cameos lip-synching to the song. Here is the chorus:
Quote
I gotta get the Christmas spirit
I can't get anywhere near it
But I'm here hoping desperately
I'll do it up with all the trimmings
Christmas tree and carols singing
Anything to bring my baby back to me
End Quote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PSzloLEhVA
2013
A Christmas Spirit is a 2013 hallmark movie. Here’s the synopsis from Hallmark:
Quote
Charlotte Hart, a distinguished journalist, is spending time with her family over the holidays when a real estate developer approaches their small town with quite an offer. Skeptical and looking for the real scoop, Charlotte drives to see the real estate head honcho to question him. While she's en route, she gets into a terrible car accident and wakes up in the hospital only to realize that her body is in a coma, but her spirit is very much awake. She meets another spirit, who just happens to be the greedy developer. It turns out that he was on the other end of the accident and he too is in a coma. With only a few days left before the town votes on the development, Charlotte must try to change the minds of the developer and the town, but that is no easy task when no one can see or hear her. Will her voice be heard?
End Quote
https://www.hallmarkmystery.com/the-christmas-spirit/videos/the-christmas-spirit
So basically, she is a spirit who has to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
2018
I Got the Christmas Spirit is a 2018 picture book by Connie Schofield-Morrison. It is illustrated by Frank Morrison. Here is the synopsis from the publisher, Bloomsbury Publishing:
Quote
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and a mother and daughter are enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The little girl hears sleigh bells ringing and carolers singing. She smells chestnuts roasting--CRUNCH! CRUNCH! CRUNCH!--and sees the flashing lights of the department store windows--BLING! BLING! BLING! She spreads the spirit of giving wherever she goes. And when she reaches Santa, she tells him her Christmas wish--for peace and love everywhere, all the days of the year.
End Quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/I_Got_the_Christmas_Spirit/FgqlDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0
2021
Christmas Spirit is a 2021 song by Kristen Brown. Here’s the chorus:
Quote
I'll let the mistletoe hang down
And put the lights out on the house
So you can see them shine from where you are
I'll put the angel on the tree
And know you're watching over me
I'll turn the music up so loud that you can hear it
Cause you're my Christmas spirit
You're my Christmas Spirit
End Quote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJpZZuUeZj0
2022
The Christmas Spirit is a 2022 movie by Maverick Movies. It’s free on youtube. Here is the synopsis from the channel:
Quote
Faith comes home after learning of her father's tragic death. Losing her role model, she is faced with a choice between finishing her education and taking over his ministry. Struggling to cope with his passing, she has an unwanted visitor to guide her through her pain.
End Quote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwVTN8ATYOE
The unwanted visitor in this is random dude who just died in a car accident and was told his mission is to help Faith find her way forward. So basically, he’s a spirit who has to get Faith in the Christmas spirit.
Current
And last but certainly not least… You have probably heard of the popular costume and party shop Spirit Halloween that is known for reanimating dead storefronts during the spooky season into lively places of commerce once more. But did you know this company has moved into the later holidays with their aptly named Spirit Christmas?
Apparently you can go to a Spirit Christmas location in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or New York to get your picture taken with Santa. None of this surprises me, but I didn’t know it existed until I started researching this episode. You can also get cool Nightmare Before Christmas and other spooky Christmas themed costumes on their website.
https://www.spirithalloween.com/content.jsp?pageName=spiritchristmas
One more quick fact for you… Spencers… the gag gift lava lamp-type shop in many remaining American malls… it’s owned by the same parent company as Spirit Halloween and Spirit Christmas.
Wrap Up
I am not of a faith that celebrates Christmas, but living in the United States, where faiths that do celebrate Christmas dominate the economy and popular culture, it is impossible to get away from. But I don’t dislike Christmas. In fact, I love how people are usually kinder to and more patient with each other during the holidays. And I relish an opportunity for good food and good times with people I care about. And regardless of the trappings of the holiday that can sometimes cause stress and frustration, I think a focus on the positives are something we can all get behind. And that, to me, is the Christmas Spirit.
Dan:
That’s about all we have for today. If you have any thoughts on the show, or pop culture references we should have included,
reach out to us on Patreon, patreon.com/bunnytrailspod or comment on our website bunnytrailspod.com
Shauna:
It’s poll time!
Recently we asked our Patrons… Bagels or Doughnuts??
A full 80% voted for doughnuts!
Jan says:
Quote
Doughnuts - so many varieties! Best I've had was a fresh key lime doughnut from Krispy Kreme. Most unique was a glazed doughnut burger at the KS State Fair.
End Quote
Dan:
I would eat a glazed doughnut burger. I bet I’d feel like crap afterwards, but I could see how that could taste amazing!
Shauna:
JGP says:
Quote
Bagels or doughnuts? How on earth am I supposed to choose? A bagel and schmear of cream cheese is the best breakfast there is but doughnuts! Doughnuts! Doughnuts are the best pastry any time of day.
End Quote
Dan:
I tend to agree, JGP. I like bagels, but doughnuts? Oh yeah. In the late 90s I worked at a donut place in Wichita called "The Donut Shop". The best donut I'ver had was a fresh-off-the-line glazed chocolate cake donut. It had a slight crunch on the outside under the glaze but was moist and yummy on the inside. So good! I've never had other donuts as good as those. But fresh donuts, as in within 15 minutes coming off the line, are all good.
Shauna:
Pat added:
Quote
…If I had to choose one to take to Mars with me--definitely donuts. Best I ever had was the first Krispy Kreme hot off the rollers--can't replace your first...
End Quote
Dan:
Emily comes in with the dissenting opinion, but also a great recommendation:
Quote
Einstein Brothers Bagels in Chicago area
End Quote
I do love bagels in place of bread, especially on breakfast sandwiches. I’ll take a bagel in place of bread on almost any sandwich.
Shauna:
As a reminder, our silly polls mean absolutely nothing and are not scientifically valid. And patrons of all levels, including our free tiers, can take part. Head over to patreon.com/bunnytrailspod to take this week’s poll!
Outro
Shauna:
Thanks for joining us. We’ll talk to you again next week. Until then remember,
Together:
Words belong to their users.
