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Smash Knit: How Ugly Christmas Sweaters Took the Holiday Season by Storm
How did we get from one ugly Christmas sweater party in Vancouver to … here? It’s quite a yarn.
HOLIDAYS
4 Dickens Christmas Stories You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Such was the success of 'A Christmas Carol' that the four festive stories Dickens published after it—some overlooked classics, others critical flops and missteps—have since largely become eclipsed by their better-known predecessor.
8 Decidedly Unromantic Facts About Mistletoe
The tradition of kissing under mistletoe might stem from a mythological murder.
Why Do We Only Say “’Tis the Season” During the Holidays?
Nobody will think you’re talking about baseball season, open season, or any other season. But why?
The Tragic Tale of Charles Dickens’s Last Christmas Turkey
Charles Dickens appreciated a prize turkey as much as Ebenezer Scrooge did. And on Christmas Eve 1869, his was missing.
How Did Elves Become Part of Christmas?
Myths about elves predate Christmas and Christianity itself.
Can You Spot the Sheep Among the Santas?
In this Christmas hidden object brainteaser, Hungarian artist Dudolf has concealed a single sheep amid a flock of Santas.
Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on December 25?
Jesus’s birthday is subject to interpretation, and there are plenty of intriguing theories to explain how we landed on December 25 to celebrate Christmas.
11 Holiday Cookies From Around the World
From pizzelle to vanillekipferl, cookies are an important part of holidays no matter where you celebrate.
11 Illuminating Facts About the Leg Lamp from ‘A Christmas Story’
As ‘A Christmas Story’ has grown in popularity, so has one of its most recognizable props: the leg lamp, that glowing gam otherwise known as “a major award.”
Santa Slays: When 'Silent Night, Deadly Night' Caused a Public Panic
'Silent Night, Deadly Night,' 1984's killer Santa slasher, led some psychologists to worry kids might develop panic disorders and even regress in their toilet training.
20 Merry Monikers for Santa and Santa-Like Figures Around the World
Whether he’s coming to town, doublechecking his list, or kissing your mom, that rotund, rosy-cheeked gift bearer is probably Santa Claus to you. But around the world, he goes by many different names.
10 Misconceptions About Holidays
'Tis the season to bust some myths about our favorite holiday celebrations, from the origins of the Hanukkah dreidel to Jesus's real birthday.
15 Facts About 'The Muppet Christmas Carol'
'Tis the season to be jolly, joyous, and watch 'The Muppet Christmas Carol'—the first Muppet movie made without Jim Henson.
Traveling By Plane This Holiday Season? Don’t Wrap Your Gifts Ahead of Time
TSA agents don’t want to open wrapped presents that go through security, but they will if they have to.
Why Does Santa Claus Say “Ho Ho Ho”?
No word on how Santa feels about the Jolly Green Giant’s appropriation of his trademark phrase.
Thomas Nast, the Political Cartoonist Who Illustrated Santa Claus
Thomas Nast’s illustrations of Santa for ‘Harper’s Weekly’ shaped the Father Christmas we know today.
Can You Find the Frying Pan Hidden by the Holiday Mess?
To prepare yourself for the mess you’ll find after making ham, latkes, or figgy pudding, check out this holiday hidden-image puzzle.
How Long Does It Take to Grow a Christmas Tree?
Your tree has lived a whole other life before being attacked by your cat.
20 Disturbing Vintage Holiday Cards
Ever since the Victorians invented the Christmas card, people have gotten creative—and a bit bizarre—with their holiday greetings.
Simple Tricks for Safely Tying a Christmas Tree to Your Car
Before taking your annual trip to the Christmas tree farm, make a game plan for getting your tree home safely.
Looking to Chop Down a Fresh Christmas Tree This Year? This Map Can Help Locate the Nearest Tree Farm
The best Christmas tree farm near you is whichever one also has sleigh rides and a petting zoo.
8 Helpful Tips for Keeping Pets Out of Christmas Trees
Having pets doesn’t mean sacrificing the well-being of your Christmas tree. There are easy measures you can take to keep your Christmas tree pet-proof.
A Brief History of Creepy Victorian Christmas Cards
’Tis the season for Victorian Christmas cards featuring dead robins and murdered frogs.