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History of Christmas

The Christmas celebrated today is a mix of old and new traditions.

Santa Claus

Santa Claus

A look at the history of Santa Claus and his real-life inspiration, St. Nicholas.

Christmas Tress

Christmas Trees

From your house to the White House, the Christmas tree has its own history.

Christmas History

 Christmas Ornaments

Christmas has had a long and varied history. It has been celebrated for centuries by different people, at different times, and in many different ways.

» Explore the real story of Christmas

Christmas Trees

Did you know Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska?

» Grow your knowledge

History of Santa

The legend of Santa can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas.

»Get to know more about Santa Claus

Christmas Facts

 Christmas Tree farm

Christmas wasn't declared a federal holiday until 1870.

» Get more facts

World Traditions

 Pope Christmas Blessing

See how Christmas is celebrated around the world.

» Tour the globe

Christmas Truce of 1914

 soldiers in WWI trench

On the first Christmas of WWI the fighting ceased for a day.

» Find out what happened

The Ninth Reindeer

 reindeer

How old is Rudolph? Learn the real story behind Santa's famous ninth reindeer.

» Follow the red nose

Saturnalia

 saturnalia rome

This ancient Roman holiday was a precursor to Christmas.

» Discover the similarities

Christmas Reinvented

 christmas reinvented

Many modern traditions beacame popular in the 1800s.

» See how Christmas was reinvented

A Christmas Carol

 A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ famous story reflected and influenced changing ideas about Christmas.

»Don’t be a Scrooge

Tree Trivia

 Christmas Tree Farm

There are over 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the United States.

»Check out more tree trivia

History of Toys

Do you know why we call it a "teddy" bear?

» Find out why

Toy Shop Game

 toy shop game

Build toys in the workshop!

» Make toys here

Holiday Store

 holiday store

Check out the Holiday Gift Guide!

» Shop now

More Holidays

 more holidays

There's a history behind every holiday.

» More holiday history

HISTORY CHANNEL TODAY

Santa Claus on Biography.Com

Learn about the evolution of Santa Claus on Biography.Com!

History of Toys

Learn all about the History of Toys!

The History Channel Traveler: Romantic Christmas in Salzburg

Experience history at its source!
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The History of Christmas DVD

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Christmas DVD Collection

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