Think & Drink: History of Christmas Traditions

Just in time for the holidays! The first Think & Drink program in December is The Surprising & Jolly History of Santa and Christmas Traditions in America.  This holiday program brings out the spirit of the season.

From Dutch settlers’ tales of Sinterklaas to Coca-Cola ads, shopping malls, and holiday parades,  the Santa Claus we know today has a fascinating backstory. Join The Third Place Historian, Erica Benson, for a cozy, story-packed talk tracing how America invented its own version of Santa and reshaped Christmas into the celebration we recognize now. We’ll explore the quirky symbols, surprising traditions, and cultural shifts that turned a winter’s holiday into a national season of cheer.

Think & Drink lectures are free to attend and open to all ESU members and the public, but registration is required. These Think & Drink lecture programs often reach capacity, so we encourage ESU members to register now. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register.

When: Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6:00 pm

Location: Casual Animal Brewing,  1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City, MO

About Erica Benson:

Erica Benson is a seasoned historian and educator with over a decade of experience teaching U.S. history at the college level. She holds multiple degrees in history, including a Master’s degree in North American history, and brings a deep scholarly background to her work in both academic and public history.

A recipient of the prestigious James Madison Congressional Fellowship, Erica has participated in numerous elite history seminars and institutes, continually advancing her expertise in American political and social history. Her commitment to historical education extends beyond the classroom—she is a contributing writer for the National Women’s History Museum and an advocate for gender equality issues and the Equal Rights Amendment.

Erica’s work is grounded in a passion for making history accessible, engaging, and relevant. Her lectures are known for combining rigorous scholarship with compelling storytelling, offering fresh insights into the complexities of the American past.

About Think & Drink Lecture Series:

Think & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts, academics, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. No topic is off the table.

Upcoming Think & Drink Lecture:

When: Thursday, December 18, 2025, 6:00 pm

Location: Casual Animal Brewing,  1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City, MO

Topic: Crises to Watch in 2026: Humanitarian Need Amid Geopolitical Disorder

Humanitarian needs, global hunger, and forced displacement are all near record highs at the same time as governments cut aid budgets and support for the world’s most vulnerable. Learn about which crises and conflicts are at the top of the International Rescue Committee’s 2026 Emergency Watchlist, as well as the geopolitical trends driving them. Guest speaker: Ken Sofer, Founder & Principal, New Colossus Advisors; UMKC Foreign Policy Professor.