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When Christmas Was Banned | FORWARD BOLDLY

December 24, 2025

Did you know Christmas was banned in early America?

You may be surprised to learn that Christmas used to be illegal in parts of America — all thanks to Puritans, who had a special animus towards "popish trumperies" — among them, the festive celebration of high holy days like the Nativity of Our Lord. Watch this episode to learn more.

I want to wish each of you a happy and holy Christmas, and a truly blessed new year filled with graces. Thank you kindly for all of your prayers and support, without which I could not continue this work. You are a blessing! Let us continue to hold one another in prayer!

God bless you,

Christine

Watch FORWARD BOLDLY: When Christmas Was BANNED

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About Stella Maris Media

Illustration of Our Lady, Star of the Sea (Stella Maris)

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The name Stella Maris has its roots in a 5th-century translation by St. Jerome of the Hebrew name for Mary, Miryam. Originally written as Stilla Maris, it meant "Drop of the Sea." Through what likely stemmed from a transcription error, this evolved into Stella Maris, which means "Star of the Sea."

This title has been cherished in Catholic tradition, especially among seafarers before modern navigation, as they relied on the stars to guide them. Notably, the North Star, Polaris, was also known as Stella Maris.

Beyond just seafarers, Stella Maris serves as a beacon for all of life’s travelers, illuminating the darkness and offering hope as it cuts through the fog, guiding us toward the bright shores of eternity.

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INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST

Christine Niles has worked in broadcast media for more than a decade, first founding her Forward Boldly radio network in 2012 before working as a reporter, investigative journalist, senior producer and anchor at St. Michael's Media. In 2023, Christine founded Stella Maris Media, a nonprofit devoted to truth-telling and reporting with integrity.

View Christine’s filmography

Christine has been a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors, and the Society of Professional Journalists.

CHRISTINE NILES, FOUNDER

Christine Niles was born in Saigon, Vietnam. Her family left the country shortly after the collapse of Saigon to the Communists, spending several years in France before arriving to the United States.

Christine has degrees from Oxford University and Notre Dame Law School.

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