Lou Powers, a historian at Colonial Williamsburg, describes the celebration of Christmas and the winter holidays in the colonial era, while also addressing some points in the evolution of the holiday in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Marcy Wright, a performing arts dance interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, describes the place of dance in colonial society, focusing particularly on dance in Christmas celebrations.

John Turner, program manager and religious projects specialist at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses the colonial hymns that evolved into modern Christmas carols. He also looks generally at popular music in the colonial era, and at views on how Christmas should be observed.

Todd Norris, manager of performing arts at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about colonial theatrical performances and Colonial Williamsburg's presentation of Othello.

Note: this podcast is no longer available. To view a transcript of the original podcast, click here.

Jane Hanson, a music interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, describes 17th-century musical instruments and colonial views on music and musicianship.

Kelly McEvoy, Colonial Williamsburg peer teacher in the volunteer dance department, describes the social importance of dancing in colonial society, and the education of children in dance.

Robert Brantley, who is a journeyman in the historic foodways department at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses the celebration of holidays in colonial North America, including the preparation of food for these holidays.

Colonial Williamsburg historian Lou Powers discusses the holiday season as it existed in the colonial era, as well as touching on calendar systems and class divisions.

Political pressure and personal bias have hounded American journalists since the first newspapers were printed. Interpreter Dennis Watson talks about the Virginia Gazette.

Brooke Welborn, a journeywoman milliner and mantua maker at Colonial Williamsburg, describes colonial women's undergarments, the ways in which dress determined or was determined by women's social roles and class, and the trade of millinery and mantua making. For more information on 18th century clothing, click here.