235 Items Tagged

Christmas

Ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg are so-called warm spices and the quintessential flavors of winter holidays.

How Ginger, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg Became Winter Spices

These tropical "warm spices," which flavor many Christmas cookies and other holiday favorites, are mainstays of traditional medicine.

Serina DeSalvio December 18, 2023

7 Places Dedicated to the Story of Santa Claus

From a school for Santas to the post offices that manage the man in red's mail.

Jonathan Carey December 15, 2023

Published in the January 4, 1957, edition of <em>Collier's</em> magazine, "Christmas Party" was a murder mystery novella written by Rex Stout where oddball detective Nero Wolfe has to figure out who killed an esteemed furniture designer.

How Christmas Murder Mysteries Became a U.K. Holiday Tradition

In these Christmas tales, Santa has a very low survival rate.

Eleanor Davis December 15, 2023

Looming over the people he visits, clacking his jaws and dancing wildly, Turoń may look terrifiying, but he just wants to deliver blessings.

Meet Turoń, Poland's Dancing Bull-Beast of Winter

The ancient tradition of Turoń bestowing blessings has faded but, like the creature itself, it may be resurrected.

Emma Cieslik December 15, 2023

A bowl of cinnamon-topped Risengrød.

9 Festive Holiday Treats and Where to Find Them

Tree cakes and gingerbreads and brioche baby Jesuses, oh my!

Diana Hubbell December 14, 2023

Nicknamed the "Christmas Tree Boat," the evergreen-laden <em>Rouse Simmons</em> disappeared beneath Lake Michigan waters in November 1912.

The ‘Christmas Tree Boat’ Shipwreck That Devastated 1912 Chicagoans

Marine archaeologists are beginning to understand what really happened to Captain Santa's ill-fated ship.

Jonathan Feakins December 13, 2023

Turtle doves are two of the many birdy gifts bestowed by a true love during "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

Where Did the 12 Days of Christmas Come From?

The answer is the Moon.

Rebecca Boyle December 13, 2023

Torches are made from trees that were sick, dying, or were felled during winter storms.

The Italian Town That Welcomes Winter With a Procession of Fire

Every December, thousands of torches transform Agnone into the fire capital of the world.

Asia London Palomba December 13, 2023

Véronique and Anaëlle Fontanel hold their Hello Kitty set of fèves.

The Weird, Wonderful World of Collecting French Cake Figurines

Porcelain or plastic, Harry Potter or copulating couple, fèves come in all shapes and sizes.

Emily Monaco December 8, 2023

The Wonderful World of Christmas Trees

From a particularly festive smokestack to a tannenbaum made out of tumbleweeds.

Jonathan Carey December 8, 2023

We've all seen traditional glass orbs on Christmas trees. But have you ever noticed a Santa centaur or floating alien head?

Unusual Christmas Ornaments Make the Holidays Weird and Wonderful

From a homemade Harry Potter garden gnome to a vintage scary clown ornament, readers share their favorites.

Sarah Durn December 5, 2023

Traditional wooden nutcrackers await the finishing touches at the Füchtner family workshop in Germany, where the iconic style is said to have originated.

The Family Behind the First Traditional Nutcracker Is Still Making Them

Wilhelm Füchtner's iconic 1870s design began a legacy that continues in the same small workshop in Germany's Ore Mountains.

Carole Rosenblat December 5, 2023

Nativity Scenes Celebrate Diverse Christmas Culture Around the World

Featuring devils, yurts, and Yule Lads, traditional crèche sets can tell unique stories about their communities.

Kayla Harris and Neomi De Anda December 4, 2023

7 Real-Life Locations From Christmas Movies

From an iconic leg lamp to an antique escalator in a New York department store.

Jonathan Carey December 1, 2023

A bronze statue of a cow with blanket and flower garland around her neck

Sherborn, Massachusetts

Emily the Cow Statue

Dedicated to a local cow who escaped a slaughterhouse and became an international symbol of peace.

9 Hidden Wonders in the Heart of Kansas City

Explore the secret side of Kansas City with a trip to these local gems.

Sponsored By Visit KC

Seattle, Washington

Nutcracker House

Old 'Nutcracker' sculptures from 'Where the Wild Things Are' author found new life as a seasonal attraction.

One of the Lomen brothers, standing amongst the family reindeer.

The Rise and Fall of Alaska's 'Reindeer King'

Carl J. Lomen used legal loopholes and Santa Claus to build his meat business.

Kirstin Fawcett December 23, 2022