Traditions of Christmas

Watch Traditions of Christmas

  • 1995
  • 1 Season

Traditions of Christmas from Bowe Tennant Productions from 1995 is a musical extravaganza that has become a popular annual tradition during the holiday season. The show is an amalgamation of classic Christmas carols, contemporary tunes, and traditional dance performances that come together to create a memorable holiday experience for audience members of all ages.

The show opens with a grand Overture, followed by the arrival of a magical shopping cart that carries Santa Claus, his elves, and a host of other Christmas characters onto the stage. The scene is set in a bustling mall, where holiday shoppers are busy hunting for gifts and festive deals. As the shoppers mill around, Santa and his team of helpers begin to spread holiday cheer by singing classic carols like "Jingle Bells," "Deck the Halls," and "Joy to the World."

Throughout the show, the magical shopping cart takes the audience on a tour of different Christmas eras and traditions, evoking nostalgia, wonder, and enchantment. For instance, there's a retro segment that showcases the music and dance styles of the 1950s, complete with poodle skirts, vanilla milkshakes, and rock and roll tunes like "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "Blue Christmas."

There's also a Celtic Twist segment, which features traditional Irish and Scottish music and dance routines. Tapping into the rich cultural heritage of these regions, the segment is a delightful blend of bagpipe music, step-dancing, and storytelling.

One of the most delightful segments of the show is the Nutcracker Suite, which celebrates the iconic Tchaikovsky ballet through a series of whimsical dances and performances. From the enchanting Sugar Plum fairy to the fearsome Mouse King, the Nutcracker Suite is a visual feast that captures the magic and wonder of the holiday season.

In addition to traditional Christmas carols and dance numbers, Traditions of Christmas from Bowe Tennant Productions from 1995 also features contemporary pop and rock tunes that have become part and parcel of the holiday canon. For instance, the show features a soulful rendition of Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You," as well as upbeat renditions of Wham!'s "Last Christmas" and Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

Throughout the show, the performers don a variety of festive costumes that add to the overall atmosphere of the production. From Santa's trademark red suit to the candy-cane-striped outfits of his elves, each costume is designed to evoke holiday cheer and joy.

One of the highlights of the show is the audience participation section, where everyone in the audience is invited to sing along to classic carols, clap to the beat of heart-pumping dance routines, and even step up on stage to join the performers. It's an immersive experience that makes the audience feel like they're an integral part of the show, and it's a heart-warming way to showcase the sense of community and togetherness that defines the holiday season.

Overall, Traditions of Christmas from Bowe Tennant Productions from 1995 is a captivating production that captures the essence of the holiday season. Whether you're a die-hard fan of classic carols or a fan of contemporary tunes, there's something for everyone in this show. With its mix of dance, music, and storytelling, it's a magical experience that's sure to leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, and full of festive cheer.

Traditions of Christmas is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between November 27, 1995 and on Bowe Tennant Productions

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Seasons
The Feast of Christmas
6. The Feast of Christmas
November 27, 1995
Old Green Father Christmas became red robed Santa Claus when he returned from the USA. The paper hat worn from the Christmas cracker is a relic of dressing-up of Misrule and Saturnalia. At our Christmas meal, not only has the bird changed, but our Christmas Pudding was once a meat porridge! Mince Pies were once crib-shaped meat pies for the 12 Days of Christmas. Christmas has gone short and sweet.
A Dickens of a Christmas
5. A Dickens of a Christmas
November 27, 1995
The man who single-handedly revived and re-invented Christmas for the World was Charles Dickens, in 'Christmas Carol' and a host of special Christmas stories. Revival of carol singing - mulled wine for choristers. The Christmas event of Pantomime appeared as we know it. The invention of Christmas cards, and the appearance of the Christmas Tree.
Parliamentary Christmas
4. Parliamentary Christmas
November 27, 1995
Father Christmas outlawed! The lowest ebb for Christmas - Cromwell banned it! Not only was dancing and singing stopped, - but it was illegal to go to church and celebrate Christmas as the whole thing seemed 'too pagan'! After Cromwell, the old style Christmas never recovered but the turkey and goose stepped in!
The Old Christmas
3. The Old Christmas
November 27, 1995
In the medieval Christmas festivities was the Lord of Misrule, when master served servant at the Manor House. The Twelve Days of Christmas were because the main agricultural holiday was midwinter. The meal of the rich was swan, peacock and boar's head, while the poor ate game birds - with stuffing. Presents were given on the 12th Night rather than Christmas.
The Christian Christmas
2. The Christian Christmas
November 27, 1995
The early Church adapted existing midwinter festivities to celebrate Christ's birthday, but banned candles and presents! The model story - the crib in a church is attributed to St Francis of Assisi. Carols became popular in the 14th Century, deriving from French singing rounds.
Christmas Before Christ
1. Christmas Before Christ
November 27, 1995
Today's festivities and shopping bonanza are often termed 'un-Christian', but the festivities do predate Christ! Today's decorations derive from the holly, ivy and mistletoe greenery, symbolic of continuity of life through winter in the Kissing Bough. The Yule Log is a Norse/Saxon tradition.
Description
Where to Watch Traditions of Christmas
Traditions of Christmas is available for streaming on the Bowe Tennant Productions website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Traditions of Christmas on demand at Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    November 27, 1995