Ep 15. Adam Ruins Christmas

Adam Ruins Everything is a show that uncovers the truth behind common misconceptions and exposes the lies that people believe. In season 2, episode 15 titled "Adam Ruins Christmas," Adam Conover takes on the holiday season, debunking myths and exposing the hidden truths behind some of our most cherished traditions.

The episode begins by exploring the concept of Santa Claus. Adam explains the origins of Santa and how he has evolved over time from a Bishop in the early Catholic Church to the jolly, rotund, bearded man we know today. He also exposes that the image of Santa Claus was popularized by Coca-Cola in the 1930s, and that many of the modern traditions associated with Santa, such as leaving out milk and cookies, were actually invented by advertisers as a way to sell more products.

Next, Adam tackles the idea that Christmas is a Christian holiday, revealing that many of the customs associated with Christmas, such as decorating trees and giving gifts, actually have pagan roots. He explains that the celebration of the winter solstice was a common tradition in many ancient cultures, including the Romans and the Norse, and that the early Christian Church adopted many of these customs in an effort to convert people to Christianity.

Adam then takes on two major holiday staples: Christmas shopping and holiday movies. He explains that the idea of gift-giving during the holiday season was invented by retailers to increase sales, and that the stress and anxiety associated with Christmas shopping is actually a product of their marketing campaigns. Adam also reveals that many popular holiday movies, such as "It's a Wonderful Life," were actually box office disappointments when they were first released and only became classics years later through repeated television broadcasts.

The episode wraps up with a look at the dark side of the holiday season. Adam exposes the negative impacts of holiday travel, including the high cost and environmental damage caused by air travel. He also touches on the stress and loneliness that many people feel during the holidays, despite the expectation of feeling joy and happiness.

Overall, "Adam Ruins Christmas" is an entertaining and thought-provoking episode that challenges many of the beliefs and traditions surrounding the holiday season. Through witty humor and deep research, Adam Conover exposes the truth behind our most cherished holiday myths and encourages viewers to question their own assumptions about the season.