On this episode of Our American Stories, for generations, “White Christmas” has served as the soundtrack to the holiday season. Its lyrics and melody helped define what Christmas sounds like in America, shaping holiday music for decades. Yet the man who wrote it, Irving Berlin, did not celebrate Christmas. He arrived in the United States as a Jewish immigrant from Russia and built his career as one of the most influential songwriters in American history. Our host, Lee Habeeb, shares the story.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, for generations, &ldquo;White Christmas&rdquo; has served as the soundtrack to the holiday season. Its lyrics and melody helped define what Christmas sounds like in America, shaping holiday music for decades. Yet the man who wrote it, Irving Berlin, did not celebrate Christmas. He arrived in the United States as a Jewish immigrant from Russia and built his career as one of the most influential songwriters in American history. Our host, Lee Habeeb, shares the story.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

“White Christmas” and the Jewish Immigrant Who Wrote It

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/7829b6fd-55bf-4e0e-b7bc-b3bb00abf4f4/transcript

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On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1964, Leon Hess set out to give children something fun and affordable at his gas stations—and ended up creating a toy truck that lit up, rolled out, and quickly sold out. Sixty years later, Hess Trucks have become a holiday tradition, with collectors, families, and fans marking each annual release like a mini Christmas of its own. Hess Toy Truck director Justin Mayer and longtime superfan Mike Roberto share how a simple seasonal idea grew into a uniquely East Coast obsession.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, in 1964, Leon Hess set out to give children something fun and affordable at his gas stations&mdash;and ended up creating a toy truck that lit up, rolled out, and quickly sold out. Sixty years later, Hess Trucks have become a holiday tradition, with collectors, families, and fans marking each annual release like a mini Christmas of its own. Hess Toy Truck director Justin Mayer and longtime superfan Mike Roberto share how a simple seasonal idea grew into a uniquely East Coast obsession.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Hess Trucks: The Christmas Tradition That Started at a Gas Station

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5ff649c6-cd63-4521-9d31-b3bb00abf4fa/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, on Christmas Eve 1968, the crew of Apollo 8 became the first humans to orbit the Moon. Joined by astronomer and broadcaster Steve Kates, known as Dr. Sky, they recall the moment the astronauts read from the Book of Genesis, uniting millions of listeners on Earth during a tense and historic holiday season in the midst of the Cold War.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, on Christmas Eve 1968, the crew of Apollo 8 became the first humans to orbit the Moon. Joined by astronomer and broadcaster Steve Kates, known as Dr. Sky, they recall the moment the astronauts read from the Book of Genesis, uniting millions of listeners on Earth during a tense and historic holiday season in the midst of the Cold War.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

The Night Apollo 8 Read the Bible From Lunar Orbit

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/10b7eeb2-c5bb-4ead-ac5b-b3bb00abf4f6/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories listener and regular contributor Stephen Rusiniak shares the story of the time he worked in a nursing home as a teenager and what happened when Santa made an unexpected visit.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, Our American Stories&nbsp;listener and regular contributor Stephen Rusiniak shares the story of the time he worked in a nursing home as a teenager and what happened when Santa made an unexpected visit.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

When Santa Visited a Nursing Home

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0a97a874-f3c1-4443-bcb4-b3bb00abf4f6/transcript

“White Christmas” and the Jewish Immigrant Who Wrote It

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