Buck Denver Asks... Why Do We Call It Christmas?

I grew up on VeggieTales, a direct-to-video Christian animated series. When I was in middle school, the creator Phil Vischer made a 13 part series called What's In The Bible, covering The Bible for kids with puppets.

Why Do We Call It Christmas was a bonus special, and it's beyond excellent. I would rate it 11 stars if I could.

The cast of puppets, led by Buck Denver, decide to have a Christmas party with one intention- finding out what different holiday traditions are for.

What's Hannakuah? Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th of all days? Why do we call it Christmas, anyways? Was Christ born in 1 AD? It's after Christ, right? Who is Santa Claus, and what does he have to do with the birth of Jesus? Why do we hang up Christmas trees?

These are the kinds of questions that are asked and answered. I won't spoil the whole video- but let me explain one right now.

A long time ago, a missionary came to Germany and met some pagans who believed in the god Thor. They also thought a tree in the forest was important to Thor, and they would be struck dead if it was chopped down.

The missonary Barnabas cut it down, and nothing happened. At this revelation, the Germans renounced Thor and became Christians.

Barnabas then pointed to a nearby fir tree, and requested that they use it to build their homes, and let it be a symbol of Jesus at the center of their homes. This is why we put up Christmas trees in our houses!

Even if you are not religious, you would be suprised how our seemingly secular holiday traditions point back to the birth of Jesus. As such, for Christians, atheists, and x alike, I highly, highly recommend this special to all ages. It's funny, entertaining, touching, and very informative.

And it's from the creator of VeggieTales, what's not to love?

NOTE: Happy 66th Birthday to Robbie, a friend who also loved What's In The Bible? :)