The Evolution of Tinsel and the Revival of Christmas Traditions
Tinsel has evolved from expensive gold and silver strands to more affordable materials like aluminum and copper, but its use of lead in the early 20th century raised toxicity concerns. Charles Dickens revived Christmas traditions through his book "A Christmas Carol," saving them from suppression by Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans. The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the cost of the items from the "12 Days of Christmas," but they may not be considered good gifts anymore. James Edgar, the first department store Santa, played a significant role in popularizing the tradition of mall Santas. The leg lamp from the movie "A Christmas Story" has become an iconic symbol, with a patented design and even a skyscraper in Cleveland dedicated to it. Dr. Anthony Fauci assures children that Santa Claus is immune to COVID-19, but precautions are being taken with Santa's helpers in malls and virtual visits are being offered.
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Tinsel originated from wealthy aristocrats using strands of gold and silver on their Christmas trees, but it became more affordable with the industrial age and was made from aluminum, copper, and eventually lead, which was problematic due to its toxicity.
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Lead tinsel, which was popular in the early 20th century, was phased out due to lead poisoning concerns, and the FDA secretly worked to replace it with plastic.
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Charles Dickens revived and popularized Christmas through his book "A Christmas Carol," saving it from obscurity and bringing back traditions that were being suppressed by Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans in the 17th century.
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Charles Dickens saved Christmas from being lost and brought back traditions through his book "A Christmas Carol," which became a big hit and influenced many Christmas traditions that we know today.
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The cost of the items from the "12 Days of Christmas" has decreased significantly in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but even if you could get all the items, they may not be considered good gifts anymore.
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James Edgar was the first known individual to portray Santa Claus and his character closely resembled that of Santa, as he genuinely loved children and went above and beyond to help others, such as repairing children's shoes for free and taking care of his employees.
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James Edgar, the first department store Santa, attracted kids from all over the Northeast in 1890 and his influence led to the tradition of mall Santas or department store Santas.
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The leg lamp from the movie "A Christmas Story" is iconic and there is some debate about how many were made and what happened to them, but it is a patented design and there are even Christmas ornaments and a skyscraper in Cleveland that commemorates it.
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Dr. Anthony Fauci reassures kids that Santa Claus is immune to COVID-19, but precautions are being taken with Santa's helpers in malls and virtual Santa visits are being offered this year.
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