Stories Behind Popular Christmas Traditions | Kiefer Sutherland’s Talks ‘Tinsel Town’” - CBS Mornings on the Go Recap
Podcast: CBS Mornings on the Go
Published: 2025-12-24
Duration: 37 minutes
Guests: Kiefer Sutherland, Megan Alexander
Summary
This episode covers Pope Leo XIV's upcoming first Christmas mass, the impact of conflict on Bethlehem's tourism, and Kiefer Sutherland's new holiday film 'Tinsel Town'. It also delves into the origins of popular Christmas traditions and strategies for reducing energy costs during the cold season.
What Happened
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, is preparing to lead his inaugural Christmas midnight mass. His tenure follows the passing of Pope Francis in early 2025, marking significant shifts in the Catholic Church, including the Jubilee celebration initiated by Pope Francis in 2024.
Bethlehem is once again hosting public Christmas celebrations as the ceasefire holds in the region, though tourism has plummeted due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Imtiaz Tyab highlights the economic devastation, with hotel vacancies at record highs and unemployment soaring to 80%.
In the context of rising energy costs, Ash-har Quraishi provides practical advice on conducting home energy audits. By identifying leaks and upgrading insulation and appliances, homeowners can mitigate the projected 9% increase in heating costs this winter.
Kiefer Sutherland discusses his role in 'Tinsel Town', a holiday comedy where he plays a washed-up Hollywood actor performing in a small English town's theater production. The film adds a unique twist to traditional holiday storytelling.
Omar Villafranca reports on Chickasha, Oklahoma's celebration of 'A Christmas Story's' leg lamp, a 50-foot tall replica drawing tourists despite initial legal challenges from Warner Brothers.
Megan Alexander introduces her book 'The True Gifts of Christmas', which uncovers the historical and cultural significance of 25 Christmas traditions. Her insights aim to reveal the deeper meanings behind these cherished customs.
Americans are experiencing financial pressures with a reported 18% increase in grocery and housing costs compared to the previous year. This economic strain is likely to affect holiday spending and celebrations.
Key Insights
- Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, will lead his inaugural Christmas midnight mass following the passing of Pope Francis in early 2025. This marks a significant transition in the Catholic Church, including the continuation of the Jubilee celebration initiated by Pope Francis in 2024.
- Bethlehem's public Christmas celebrations are resuming amidst a ceasefire in the region, but tourism has drastically declined due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The economic impact is severe, with hotel vacancies at record highs and unemployment reaching 80%.
- Homeowners can counteract a projected 9% increase in heating costs this winter by conducting home energy audits. Identifying leaks and upgrading insulation and appliances are practical measures to improve energy efficiency.
- Chickasha, Oklahoma, has become a tourist attraction with its 50-foot tall replica of 'A Christmas Story's' leg lamp, despite initial legal challenges from Warner Brothers. This unique celebration draws visitors to the area.