Christmas in the Revolutionary Era: Traditions, War, Nation-Building – Part III

"Washington Crossing the Delaware" by Emanuel Leutze. Battle of Trenton, December 1776.

Christmas Beyond Washington’s Crossing This post isn’t just about dramatic Christmas moments from the American Revolution, like Washington crossing the Delaware River, nor is it a light look at decorations, caroling, or festive foods. Instead, it explores the evolution of how we Americans have observed and celebrated Christmas, which, in many ways, is revealing of […]

Christmas in the Revolutionary Era: Traditions, War, Nation-Building – Part II

"Washington Crossing the Delaware" by Emanuel Leutze. Battle of Trenton, December 1776.

Christmas Beyond Washington’s Crossing This post isn’t just about dramatic Christmas moments from the American Revolution, like Washington crossing the Delaware River, nor is it a light look at decorations, caroling, or festive foods. Instead, it explores the evolution of how we Americans have observed and celebrated Christmas, which, in many ways, is revealing of […]

Christmas in the Revolutionary Era: Traditions, War, Nation-Building – Part 1

"Washington Crossing the Delaware" by Emanuel Leutze. Battle of Trenton, December 1776.

Christmas Beyond Washington’s Crossing This post isn’t just about dramatic Christmas moments from the American Revolution, like Washington crossing the Delaware River, nor is it a light look at decorations, caroling, or festive foods. Instead, it explores the evolution of how we Americans have observed and celebrated Christmas, which, in many ways, is revealing of […]

3 Reasons Why “Yankee Doodle” Embodies the American Revolution

This is an image of "The Spirit of '76", which was originally titled "Yankee Doodle". It was pained by Archibald Willard in 1875 and exhibited in the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.

When I initially researched the American Revolution, I didn’t expect a simple song like “Yankee Doodle” to capture so much history. In this post, I share with you the song’s journey from British mockery to Patriot pride. This is a story of resilience, revolutionary spirit, and the surprising complexity of our nation’s beginnings. Why I […]