Most of us approach Thanksgiving with a singular focus: the feast. But “Built America Presents: Holiday Hustle,” airing Sunday, November 24 on History, aims to expand our holiday horizons beyond the mashed potatoes and gravy. This four-hour special promises a deep dive into the surprisingly complicated history of our beloved holiday traditions.
While we’re all familiar with the standard Thanksgiving narrative – Pilgrims, Native Americans, a shared meal of gratitude – this episode digs into the less-celebrated, often commercialized aspects of modern celebrations. Ever wonder how the TV dinner became a staple of harried weeknights? “Holiday Hustle” unearths the story of Gilbert Swanson’s frozen turkey feast, a post-war innovation that transformed the American dinner table.
But Swanson’s turkey isn’t the only surprising story on the menu. This special episode also explores the origins of holiday candy. From the mass-produced sweets that fill our stockings to the artisanal chocolates we pretend we don’t devour immediately, “Holiday Hustle” unwraps the sugary history of these festive treats.
And what’s a holiday special without a visit from the big guy in red? “Holiday Hustle” traces Santa Claus’s evolution from a third-century saint to the jolly icon we know and, let’s face it, exploit for wish-list fulfillment.
Beyond the individual stories, the episode also examines how Thanksgiving itself has changed over time. While the core concept remains – a day of thanks and (hopefully) family togetherness – the specifics of the celebration have shifted dramatically over the past century. From evolving menus to changing social dynamics, “Holiday Hustle” offers a fascinating glimpse at how Thanksgiving has adapted to the times.
Built America Presents: Holiday Hustle airs Sunday, November 24 at 8 p.m. on History.
