Thomas Jefferson shares his views about not celebrating Christmas. President Jefferson discusses the Christmases faced by George Washington during the the Newburgh Conspiracy, a plan by some Continental Army officers to challenge the authority of the Confederation Congress due to their frustrations with Congress's failure to meet its financial obligations to the military.
Clay S. Jenkinson's message from Rome in December 2015 to listeners of The Thomas Jefferson Hour.
"I believe so strongly that Jefferson was right about separation of church and state."
— Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson
We wish all a Merry Christmas from The Thomas Jefferson Hour, which, as it turns out, is perhaps more than Thomas Jefferson would have done. Jefferson was not a believer in celebrating Christmas in a traditional fashion and felt it should not be a national holiday.
I’m going to be alone this Christmas for the first time in twenty years—so do feel free to send presents—cognac, figs, books, music, frankincense and myrrh, whatever they are.
"Happy holidays to all."
— Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson
Special guest host Catherine Jenkinson speaks with President Jefferson about Christmas during Jefferson’s time.