Rick Steves' European Christmas Part 1: The Christmas Story

[lusoguyJesuspower]

I LOVE this SHOWW!!!!!! I love watching at christmas, too bad he didnt go to portugal :P. but PTL!!!

[humilityprinn]

@1420007y - It was by Moren Lauridsen, but as far as I can tell it's not part of Lux Aeterna. It's called O magnum Mysterium. Isn't this guy's music incredible?

[1420007y]

Yes, it's a segment from Moren Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna, a stunningly beautiful creation.

[humilityprinn]

Can anyone tell me what the name of the choir music in the background is? It's magnificent.

[Smokeyboy03801]

@humilityprinn It's driving me crazy because I have sung it! Can't find it on the CD list.

[littlefuzzer]

@humilityprinn I maybe wrong,but I believe it is the Westminster Choir

[teakbridge101]

@humilityprinn Morten Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium."

[dccph]

Actually, this is not the story of Christmas. The celebration of Christmas predates the birth of Christ by hundreds of years, celebrated as Yule and Saturnalia. All of our Christmas traditions come from the pagans of Northern Europe, who were celebrating the passing of the winter solstice. It wasn't until Constantine declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire that they declared December 25 to be Jesus's birthday. No one knows when he was actually born. Nice story though.

[HektorAnasthainomai]

@dccph

Right, everyone knows that Christmas TRADITIONS predate Christianity. That, however, has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas itself. Also, no one has ever claimed that the 25th of December was Christ's date of birth; this date was chosen for the Christmas celebration for the simple reason that it allowed Christians and pagans to celebrate together and help relations between the new faith and the old... which is how pagan traditions became a part of Christmas in the first place.

[littlefuzzer]

I would love to know what version of Joy to the World this is, plus the backround chant music..anyone?

[djlien16]

One of the best series to watch during Christmas by far.

[littlefuzzer]

This is wonderful!..God has a special place reserved for Rick...hopefuly not soon

[Kellyannk308]

I saw this past Christmas holiday on KOCE CHannel 50 here in SO CAL I hope it on again this year

[yaspeedyrn1975]

Thank You so much Rick for making this Christmas special. You have helped me become a MUCH better traveler and I have all of your videos and The Best of Europe book. God Bless !

[FlorenceMae01]

great video!

[Occoquan1]

I've watched this for the past few Christmases since I found it on PBS. I love it so much I have it on iTunes and bought the special at your site as well. This just really puts me in the spirit of Christmas. Thank you for such a wonderful Christmas special.

[BritishBeliever]

Brilliant !!

[MastaShortie]

you forgot to sya that december 25th is the birthday of pagan gods that came b4 jesus, christians just plagiarised paganism and came up with today's christianity

[HektorAnasthainomai]

@MastaShortie

1: kind of hard for pagan gods to be born on December 25th considering that December was not a month until the Gregorian calendar, created by Christians.

2: No one ever claimed that Christ was born December 25th, ever.

[UFOIST]

Excellent !!

[BritishBeliever]

Awesome, Merry christmas and god bless you all!

[THESHADOWATCHER]

Your video are very good and I dont know the word in english so in french vos videos sont tres rafine et de bon gout bref your video are confort food for the soul

[PrincesseJen]

Thank you for uploading this!

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Rick, this is such a wonderful collection. One of my favorite Christmas specials ever. Very nice work. I have the companion book as well, and just love it.

[2Tellthetruth]

Watched this on PBS last week. I really enjoyed this! I loved it so much that I went to your site and bought not only this special but the complete series set for my wife for Christmas! I plan to have her open the Christmas special on Christmas Eve so we can all watch it together that evening! Thanks Steve for sharing your travels with all of us! Merry Christmas! Frohe Weihnachten!