The History of Christmas and St. Nicholas with the Battle of New Orleans

On December 26, 2023, Kim Monson delivers a special pre-recorded Christmas week broadcast featuring historian Bill Federer explaining the origins of Christmas traditions and St. Nicholas, alongside Colonel Bill Rutledge’s detailed account of how Andrew Jackson and a band of unlikely allies saved New Orleans from British invasion.

The True Origins of Christmas and December 25th

Start listening at 02:05 – Hour 1

Bill Federer, creator of American Minute, presents a compelling biblical and historical case for December 25th as the actual date of Christ’s birth. Federer traces the evidence through the priestly division of Abijah mentioned in Luke’s Gospel, calculating that Zechariah would have been serving in the Temple during the last week of September. Six months later places Mary’s conception in late March, and nine months after that arrives at December 25th.

The historian dismantles common objections about shepherds in fields during winter, noting that Jerusalem’s climate resembles Flagstaff, Arizona, with temperatures around 42 to 60 degrees in December. Lambs are routinely born as early as December on modern farms. Federer also addresses claims about Saturnalia, pointing out that the Roman festival fell on December 22nd, not the 25th, and that no Christian writer before the 12th century suggested Christmas was chosen to replace pagan celebrations.

“Every single thing that’s dated on planet Earth is dated to what? The birth of Christ.”

Bill Federer, Creator of American Minute

From St. Nicholas to Santa Claus

Start listening at 31:40 – Hour 1

Federer reveals the remarkable true story of St. Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop who became the most popular Greek Orthodox saint. Nicholas grew up wealthy in Patara, Asia Minor, but gave away his fortune secretly to help the poor. The famous story of Nicholas throwing bags of gold through a window to save three daughters from being sold became the origin of secret gift-giving traditions and Christmas stockings.

Nicholas survived Emperor Diocletian’s persecution, preached against pagan temples, and according to tradition, slapped the heretic Arius at the Council of Nicaea. After his death on December 6, 343 A.D., his remains were moved to Bari, Italy, to protect them from Muslim conquest. The Dutch pronunciation of St. Nicholas, “Sinterklaas,” eventually became “Santa Claus” when Dutch settlers brought their traditions to New Amsterdam.

“So when you say Santa Claus, you are saying the Dutch pronunciation of St. Nicholas.”

Bill Federer, Creator of American Minute

The War of 1812 and British Imperial Ambitions

Start listening at 59:31 – Hour 2

Colonel Bill Rutledge, 95-year-old retired Air Force officer, explains how the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 set the stage for British plans to recapture American territory. When Napoleon’s defeat freed thousands of experienced British soldiers, Parliament conceived a three-pronged attack: through the Great Lakes, along the Atlantic coast, and secretly through New Orleans to control the Mississippi River.

The British burned Washington D.C. and the White House but were stopped at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Their confidence was so high that British officers brought their wives along for shopping after their anticipated conquest of New Orleans.

“So Jackson hated the British, absolutely.”

Colonel Bill Rutledge, Retired U.S. Air Force

Andrew Jackson and the Defense of New Orleans

Start listening at 90:00 – Hour 2

Colonel Rutledge describes how Andrew Jackson arrived in New Orleans on December 1, 1814, with barely 1,000 men to face 8,000 battle-hardened British troops. Jackson immediately declared martial law and began building defensive ramparts of mud stretching from the Mississippi River to the swamps. When the British landed just 20 miles south on December 23rd, Jackson launched a daring night attack that bought precious time.

The key to Jackson’s defense came from an unlikely source: the pirates of Jean Lafitte. Though initially rejected, the privateers provided desperately needed ammunition, cannons, and expert marksmen. Rutledge shares a personal connection, having met Jean Lafitte’s direct descendant, seven generations removed, while serving as a lieutenant in the Air Force.

“The key was the 23rd to stop the British. So the British fell back and the Americans and all the people around New Orleans and the various militia that were coming in all started work.”

Colonel Bill Rutledge, Retired U.S. Air Force