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Move Over, Krampus: France’s Père Fouettard Is St. Nick’s Sidekick—and Possibly a Brutal Murderer
Père Fouettard, or “Father Whipper,” is a butcher whose favorite pastime is eating children. And hanging out with St. Nicholas.
HOLIDAYS
The Most Popular Christmas Movie in Each State
How many states opted for 'Elf' over 'A Christmas Story'? Did 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' get the shaft? Discover the topography of holiday movies here.
16 Gifts Your Mom Will Love
Stressed about what to give to mom this year? From fitness trackers to DNA testing kits, the best gifts for moms run the gamut, but they can help make her holiday season even more meaningful.
How Did Eggnog Get Its Name?
The ‘egg’ part of ‘eggnog’ is obvious. The ‘nog’ is a little more mysterious—possibly involving noggins and/or grog.
A Brief History of Whamageddon—the Game that Forces You to Avoid Hearing Wham!’s “Last Christmas”
“Last Christmas” is now the centerpiece of a growing holiday tradition based around ... not listening to it.
18 Fascinating Facts About Charles Dickens
Dickens’s unprecedented celebrity made him the most popular novelist of his century—but the author of Great Expectations, Bleak House, A Christmas Carol, and dozens of other works was more than just a writer.
Band Aid: The Charitable—and Controversial—History of “Do They Know It's Christmas?”
Band Aid's charity song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" enlisted everyone from Sting to Bananarama, but its efforts to help the Ethiopian famine didn't go exactly as planned.
1 Misconception About 9 Major Holidays
We celebrate the same holidays every year, but how much do we actually know about these annual traditions? And how much of what we think we know is actually true?
How “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” Went From Morbid Omen to Holiday Mainstay
The original “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” implied that you’d never have a merry Christmas again.
Watch More Than 15 Minutes of Deleted Scenes From ‘Home Alone’
These deleted scenes shed more light on Harry's motivations, Kevin's siblings' feelings, and more.
Make the Holidays Extra Cozy—and Entertaining—With Our 100-Fact Fireplace Video
YouTube has countless cozy fireplace videos. But how many of them boast 100 fun facts?
What Are Frankincense and Myrrh, Anyway?
Frankincense and myrrh are a fragrant part of traditional Christmas celebrations, but what exactly are these pebble-like perfumes?
When J.R.R. Tolkien Posed as ‘Father Christmas’ for 23 Years
The Middle-earth author spent some imaginary time in the North Pole for an audience of just four people: his children.
Ho, Ho, No: The Reason So Many Kids Cry When Meeting Santa
Some children love meeting Santa. Others believe they're meeting the devil himself. Why?
Can You Spot the Five Holiday Words in This Festive Scene?
How well do you know your Christmas vocabulary?
IKEA’s 10-Pound Meatball Belongs on Your Holiday Menu
Lingonberry jam and cream sauce are included, naturally.
20 Traditional Gift-Giving Superstitions
If you want to avoid bad luck this holiday season, don't give knives, hankies, or peacock feathers, but do give coal.
14 Thoughtful Gifts for Commuters
The best gifts for commuters make your loved one’s journey to work something they’ll look forward to.
Watch a Master Woodworker Make a Christmas Ornament
In this 11-minute video, woodworker Frank Howarth makes what he calls an “inside-out Christmas ornament,” complete with a mini-Christmas tree inside.
14 Gifts for the Home Improvement Enthusiast in Your Life
Buying for a DIY enthusiast doesn't have to be hard. Check out our gift suggestions for someone who likes working with their hands.
10 Ways to Say “Merry Christmas” Around the World
’Tis the season to learn how to say “Merry Christmas” in many languages.
12 of the Best Gifts for Bird Lovers
If bird lovers are on your gifting list this year, look no further than these fun and useful ideas.