Getting President Thomas Jefferson into the Christmas spirit is always a challenge. This year, we present excerpts from past Jefferson Hour shows discussing Jefferson’s feelings about the holiday and memories of his own Christmas experiences.
Looking for some Jefferson Hour binge listening over the holiday weekend? Don't miss our round-up of past Christmas episodes on the bottom of this page!
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What Would Thomas Jefferson Do?
“There you have it, Mr. Jefferson, three of the most important things to people during this season: generosity, family and home.”
Tune in to your local public radio or join the 1776 Club to hear this episode of What Would Thomas Jefferson Do?
Listen to this week's episode.
In spite of the fact that President Jefferson didn’t really celebrate Christmas, this week we present our annual Thomas Jefferson Hour Christmas show. The program features conversations with Clay’s daughter Catherine, who will be spending the holiday in Great Britain, Beau Wright and Brad Crisler. Clay, by request, shares a special family favorite Christmas reading.
"I often went to house parties during this period and engaged in the convivialities of youth."
— Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson
"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
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.
President Thomas Jefferson shares his feelings about the holiday season and recalls a Christmas he had as a young man.
President Thomas Jefferson shares thoughts about Christmas.
President Thomas Jefferson reflects on the Christmas season.
President Thomas Jefferson talks about Christmas during his time and explains his thoughts about Jesus.