WORCESTER, Mass. – Edward T. O'Donnell, associate professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross, is an expert on the historical and cultural aspects of Christmas. He has studied, written and spoken about the evolution of Christmas as an American holiday for many years.
Among the aspects he covers:
* The Puritan ban on Christmas in the 17th century
* Clement Clarke Moore and his " 'Twas the Night ..." poem
* Thomas Nast and the development of the modern image of Santa Claus
* The introduction of the Christmas tree (by German immigrants)
* The story behind songs/TV specials like "Rudolph"
Last Christmas he published an article in The Irish Echo on the story of the famous "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" editorial that appeared in the New York Sun in 1897.
Author of 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish American History, he has contributed to several PBS historical documentaries. He earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University.
He can be reached at 508.793.3730 (office) and 508.829.4964 (home office).
Expert on Christmas at Holy Cross
Read Time
1 Minute
