HOLIDAYS

Put your eye for picking out gifts to the test.

Spot the Hidden Gift in This Valentine’s Day Brainteaser

Can you find the surprise Valentine’s Day gift in under 2 minutes?

A bouquet of red roses probably isn't your best purchase come February.

What to Buy In February—Plus What You Should Probably Skip

Shopping for the best bargains in February? From TVs to Presidents Day sales, here’s what to buy—and what to avoid—this month.

That’s a groundhog who was woken up too early.

Where Did Groundhog Day Come From?

Will the groundhog see its shadow? Uncover the history and folklore behind Groundhog Day and its connection to weather forecasting.

He inspired a lot more than just Burns Night.

8 Things Named After Scottish Poet Robert Burns

Burns Night isn't the only thing named after Robert Burns. Streets, towns, and monuments throughout the world were christened in his honor.

'Til March Do Us Part: March and August are the Most Popular Months for Divorce Filings

The end of the holiday season can also mean the end of a marriage for many couples.

Melt a few hearts with these affordable Valentine's Day gifts.

20 of the Best Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $50

Discover the best Valentine’s Day gifts under $50 to give your partner, like satin pillowcases and a Le Creuset petite heart cocotte.

There’s still a lot going on during the shortest month of the year.

29 Offbeat Holidays to Celebrate This February

The shortest month of the year still includes a lot of obscure, offbeat holidays to celebrate.

School's out for the summer. And also Lunar New Year.

New York Schools Are Getting Two New Holidays Off This Year

Lunar New Year and Diwali are being observed in New York schools in 2024. They also come with some challenges for administrators.

Barack Obama giving his inauguration speech, 2009.

Listen to Some of the Most Famous Presidential Speeches From History

Listen to inaugural addresses and other speeches from each president from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama.

A Brief History of Dry January

Participating in Dry January means that no booze at all is to pass your lips for the entire calendar month of January. Here's how it started.

He's counting down the minutes until the fireworks end.

How to Protect Pets From Fireworks Stress

Your fluffy pals need special attention during holiday celebrations. Here's what you can do to help manage their stress.

Why Does the New Year Start on January 1?

Ever wonder why the new year officially starts on January 1? Turns out, you can thank Pope Gregory XIII—and Julius Caesar.

Cooking kids was not a tradition (but sending strange cards was).

11 Unusual Victorian New Year's Traditions

For many Victorians, parties, dancing, and festive spirits were staples of New Year’s celebrations. Yet there were many other odd, quaint, and charming customs that for the most part are no longer with us.

Times Square New Year's Eve 2023 celebration.

A Brief History of Times Square’s New Year’s Eve Celebration

New Year’s Eve in Times Square is one of the most famous traditions in New York City. Learn how Manhattan's most colorful party came to be.

8 Sparkling Facts About Champagne

As midnight approaches on December 31, more than a few of us will pop open a bottle or two of champagne to help ring in the New Year. Here are a few nuggets you can share with fellow revelers.

What did Scrooge mean when he said “Bah! Humbug!” anyway?

What Does “Bah, Humbug!” Actually Mean?

The meaning of ‘Bah, humbug!’ is a little more layered than what people normally attribute to Ebenezer Scrooge of ‘A Christmas Carol.’

December 25, 1066, was a big day for William the Conqueror.

25 Non-Christmas Things That Have Happened on December 25

Other momentous events have happened on December 25, like Washington crossing the Delaware and the birth of Jimmy Buffett.

There's a hamper hidden among the presents—can you spot it?

Can You Find the Hamper Hidden Among the Presents?

The record for solving the puzzle is 30 seconds. Can you beat that time?

25 Things to Look for During the 24-Hour ‘A Christmas Story’ Marathon

You know Ralphie Parker’s plight by heart, but can you spot the many flubs in Bob Clark’s ‘A Christmas Story’?

It wasn't always associated with the holidays.

Why Is Holly a Symbol of Christmas?

The hardy plant’s ability to stay vibrant through the winter made it a natural choice for pre-Christian winter festivals, but why is holly now associated with Christmas?

‘The Carol Singers,’ a 1927 print by D.M. Wheeler.

15 Vintage Christmas Songs to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

These obscure Christmas songs from the early 20th century might become your new favorite carols.

George Washington’s Extra-Boozy Eggnog Recipe Will Knock You Sideways

George Washington's preferred eggnog recipe calls for four kinds of booze—and none of them in small quantities.

The Yule Lads didn't always look like Santa.

Iceland’s Yule Lads Bring Gifts, Steal Meat

Thirteen bearded wild men descend upon Icelandic homes to reward children who behave and punish those who don’t.

The winter solstice marks the return of longer days.

25 Facts About the Winter Solstice, the Shortest Day of the Year

Whether you’re a fan of winter or wish it would go away, here are 25 things to note about the winter solstice, a.k.a. the shortest day of the year.

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