Christmas
Christmas history - facts and myths surrounding the celebration of Christmas and the holiday season.
Christmas Folklore Quiz
How did the third-century monk St. Nicholas come to be associated with Christmas? Are poinsettias really poisonous? What do the red and white stripes of candy canes symbolize? Take the Christmas Folklore Quiz and test your Yule knowledge.
How did the third-century monk St. Nicholas come to be associated with Christmas? Are poinsettias really poisonous? What do the red and white stripes of candy canes symbolize? Take the Christmas Folklore Quiz and test your Yule knowledge.
The 12 Days of Christmas
Did the popular song "The 12 Days of Christmas" originate as an underground catechism when Catholicism was suppressed in Elizabethan England, or not? Columnist Terry Mattingly considers both sides of the historical debate.
Did the popular song "The 12 Days of Christmas" originate as an underground catechism when Catholicism was suppressed in Elizabethan England, or not? Columnist Terry Mattingly considers both sides of the historical debate.
Are All of Santa's Reindeer Female?
Is it true that male reindeer lose their antlers by December, therefore all of Santa's reindeer -- including Rudolph -- must be female?
Is it true that male reindeer lose their antlers by December, therefore all of Santa's reindeer -- including Rudolph -- must be female?
The Christmas Archives
An international treasure trove of Christmas history, folklore and trivia carefully researched and compiled by Christmas historian Maria Hubert.
An international treasure trove of Christmas history, folklore and trivia carefully researched and compiled by Christmas historian Maria Hubert.
Christmas Around the World
A global perspective on traditions of the holiday.
A global perspective on traditions of the holiday.
A Christmas Carol
Hypertext edition of Charles Dickens' classic story.
Hypertext edition of Charles Dickens' classic story.
'Christmas House' Light Display
Amazing - and real - video of a suburban house decorated with animated Christmas lights synchronized to music.
Amazing - and real - video of a suburban house decorated with animated Christmas lights synchronized to music.
Christmas: Origin and History
Copious references to historical documents set this history of Christmas above the rest. Laborious to read but highly informative. From The Catholic Encyclopedia.
Copious references to historical documents set this history of Christmas above the rest. Laborious to read but highly informative. From The Catholic Encyclopedia.
The Christmas Pickle (Die Weihnachtsgurke)
According to legend, there is a very old Christmas Eve tradition in Germany consisting of hiding a pickle ornament in the branches of the Christmas tree. Whoever found it would have good luck in the coming year. True? About.com's German Guide Hyde Flippo says "Bah, humbug!"
According to legend, there is a very old Christmas Eve tradition in Germany consisting of hiding a pickle ornament in the branches of the Christmas tree. Whoever found it would have good luck in the coming year. True? About.com's German Guide Hyde Flippo says "Bah, humbug!"
Christmas Traditions
A brief look into the origins of such holiday customs as tree-trimming, Advent wreaths, and Christmas cards.
A brief look into the origins of such holiday customs as tree-trimming, Advent wreaths, and Christmas cards.
Chronological History of the Christmas Tree
Evolution of a tradition, from St. Boniface's 7th century trek to Germany to postmodern Dickensian nostalgia.
Evolution of a tradition, from St. Boniface's 7th century trek to Germany to postmodern Dickensian nostalgia.
Clement C. Moore: The Reluctant Mythmaker
Story of the presumed author of "A Visit from St. Nicholas," a source of our modern conception of Santa Claus and his reindeer. See also: parodies of "A Visit from St. Nicholas."
Story of the presumed author of "A Visit from St. Nicholas," a source of our modern conception of Santa Claus and his reindeer. See also: parodies of "A Visit from St. Nicholas."
Clement C. Moore: True Author of 'Night Before Christmas'?
Article about literary sleuth Don Foster, who argues that Clement Clarke Moore could not have written "The Night Before Christmas" and probably, in fact, plagiarized it. The controversy rages on.
Article about literary sleuth Don Foster, who argues that Clement Clarke Moore could not have written "The Night Before Christmas" and probably, in fact, plagiarized it. The controversy rages on.
Coca-Claus
Did a soft drink company invent our modern image of Santa Claus? To some extent, yes! Article from the Boston Phoenix.
Did a soft drink company invent our modern image of Santa Claus? To some extent, yes! Article from the Boston Phoenix.
The 'Donner' vs. 'Donder' Controversy
Some folks say Santa's seventh flying reindeer is named "Donner," others say it's "Donder." Researchers say the earliest version of the name was "Dunder." Which is correct?
Some folks say Santa's seventh flying reindeer is named "Donner," others say it's "Donder." Researchers say the earliest version of the name was "Dunder." Which is correct?
English Christmas Customs
From Maria Huber's delightful Christmas Archives: What makes an English Christmas?
From Maria Huber's delightful Christmas Archives: What makes an English Christmas?
The History of Christmas
The History Channel traces the origin and history of Christmas from pagan midwinter celebrations through the reinvention of the Christmas holiday in modern popular culture.
The History Channel traces the origin and history of Christmas from pagan midwinter celebrations through the reinvention of the Christmas holiday in modern popular culture.
Iceland's 'Scary Santas' - The Yule Lads
"In the old days, the yule lads were vicious trolls – according to some tales they were over 50 in total – who lived in the mountains like outlaws, but came down before Christmas to steal Christmas food rations and torment people with their pranks. Their mother and father also came to town to snatch naughty children and eat them."
"In the old days, the yule lads were vicious trolls – according to some tales they were over 50 in total – who lived in the mountains like outlaws, but came down before Christmas to steal Christmas food rations and torment people with their pranks. Their mother and father also came to town to snatch naughty children and eat them."
Luke 2:1-20
Origin of Christmas, King James Version.
Origin of Christmas, King James Version.
Mistletoe Facts & Folklore
Are you ready? The name "mistletoe" comes from the Anglo-Saxon for "dung-on-a-twig." So says Sara Williams, who offers lots of interesting lore about Phoradendron flavescens.
Are you ready? The name "mistletoe" comes from the Anglo-Saxon for "dung-on-a-twig." So says Sara Williams, who offers lots of interesting lore about Phoradendron flavescens.
'The Night Before Christmas' Parodies
A dozen or so homages to the most famous Christmas rhyme, compiled by your Guide (with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore).
A dozen or so homages to the most famous Christmas rhyme, compiled by your Guide (with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore).
Origin of the Abbreviation 'Xmas'
A crass attempt by secular humanists to "take Christ out of Christmas"? Not so, says author Dennis Bratcher, who observes that the Greek letter X has stood for Christ for centuries.
A crass attempt by secular humanists to "take Christ out of Christmas"? Not so, says author Dennis Bratcher, who observes that the Greek letter X has stood for Christ for centuries.
Origin of the Candy Cane
Do the red and white stripes have Christian significance? Does the "J" shape stand for "Jesus," or a shepherd's staff? Who really invented this tasty treat that also serves as a Christmas tree decoration, and why?
Do the red and white stripes have Christian significance? Does the "J" shape stand for "Jesus," or a shepherd's staff? Who really invented this tasty treat that also serves as a Christmas tree decoration, and why?
Poinsettias - Are They Poisonous?
"For years poinsettias had the bad reputation of being poisonous," writes About.com Gardening Guide Marieannotti. "However poinsettias have undergone extensive testing and there is no evidence that they are toxic or unsafe to have in the house."
"For years poinsettias had the bad reputation of being poisonous," writes About.com Gardening Guide Marieannotti. "However poinsettias have undergone extensive testing and there is no evidence that they are toxic or unsafe to have in the house."
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Was Santa's most famous reindeer a promotional gimmick invented by Montgomery Ward? For the answer, I refer you to this fine article by Bob Bankard on Johnny Marks' 1949 Christmas chartbuster.
Was Santa's most famous reindeer a promotional gimmick invented by Montgomery Ward? For the answer, I refer you to this fine article by Bob Bankard on Johnny Marks' 1949 Christmas chartbuster.
Santa Claus - The Evolution of Santa
From The History Channel, an account of the legend of Santa Claus, traced from the earliest tales of St. Nicholas through the origin of the reindeer.
From The History Channel, an account of the legend of Santa Claus, traced from the earliest tales of St. Nicholas through the origin of the reindeer.
Santa Claus FAQ
A colorful page offering a multicultural take on the story of Santa Claus.
A colorful page offering a multicultural take on the story of Santa Claus.
Sayings and Superstitions of Christmas
A collection of folk beliefs concerning the Christmas holiday.
A collection of folk beliefs concerning the Christmas holiday.
Solstice Celebrations
The origins of Christmas in solstice celebrations throughout history.
The origins of Christmas in solstice celebrations throughout history.
The Star of Bethlehem
From Space.com: Astronomers use history and the latest computer technology to try to explain the "Star of Bethlehem" reportedly seen by the Magi at the time of the birth of Christ.
From Space.com: Astronomers use history and the latest computer technology to try to explain the "Star of Bethlehem" reportedly seen by the Magi at the time of the birth of Christ.
Suicide Season?
Does the suicide rate increase during the Christmas season? Here are the true facts and figures behind the urban legend.
Does the suicide rate increase during the Christmas season? Here are the true facts and figures behind the urban legend.
Symbols, Customs and Traditions of Christmas
Capsule explanations of some time-honored holiday customs.
Capsule explanations of some time-honored holiday customs.
The True Story of St. Nicholas
What we know about the selfless cleric whose life 1700 years ago inspired the myth of Santa Claus.
What we know about the selfless cleric whose life 1700 years ago inspired the myth of Santa Claus.
A Visit from St. Nicholas
The original poem attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, though there is some controversy about its authorship. See also: parodies of the celebrated Christmas poem.
The original poem attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, though there is some controversy about its authorship. See also: parodies of the celebrated Christmas poem.
Was Jesus Actually Born on Dec. 25?
Not likely. Here's a brief explanation of how this particular winter's day came to be officially designated as the birthday of Jesus Christ, though many theologians suspect he was actually born in the spring.
Not likely. Here's a brief explanation of how this particular winter's day came to be officially designated as the birthday of Jesus Christ, though many theologians suspect he was actually born in the spring.
Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus
The original editorial written by Francis P. Church and published in the New York Sun exactly 100 years ago. Also, the story behind the famous piece.
The original editorial written by Francis P. Church and published in the New York Sun exactly 100 years ago. Also, the story behind the famous piece.
Yule Traditions
Historical overview of northern European celebrations of "the return of the light" at the winter solstice -- precursors of the Christmas holiday.
Historical overview of northern European celebrations of "the return of the light" at the winter solstice -- precursors of the Christmas holiday.