How Hanukkah Became “Jewish Christmas”
For most of the Jewish world, Hanukkah is a minor holiday. What happened in America?
What Poinsettias Have to do with U.S.-Mexico Relations
Poinsettias were named for the first US diplomat to Mexico. The flower was more successful than he was. How it went from Aztec dye to Christmas decoration.
What Santa Claus Looks Like
Where does the figure of Santa Claus come from? Turns out the answer is not "the North Pole." And he's not just about Christianity, either.
Why We Give Children Toys for Christmas
Giving children toys for Christmas first became a thing in early nineteenth century England.
Mele Kalikimaka! How To Say “Merry Christmas” In Hawaiian
Translating "Merry Christmas" into Hawaiian offers insight into the language's modest inventory of consonants.
Christmas, Inc.: A Brief History of the Holiday Card
Americans still purchase approximately 1.6 billion holiday cards a year. What about this old-fashioned tradition appeals to so many?
The Class Perceptions of Christmas Decorations in Great Britain
In the U.K., Christmas decorations are often associated with the lower-class, and such visibility has been scorned and criticized.
What Christmas Meant to the Nazis
The Nazi regime used Christmas to foster among the German people a sense of national unity and pride.
