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Christmas

Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus, has evolved into a worldwide religious and secular celebration, incorporating many pre-Christian and pagan traditions into the festivities.

History of Christmas

History of Christmas

Christmas greeting card showing dinner foods as virtues circa 1880.

How Christmas Was Celebrated in the Middle Ages

A 1915 chromolithograph illustration of Santa Claus holding toys and blowing on a trumpet.

Santa Claus

HISTORY: Christmas Trees

History of Christmas Trees

HISTORY: Christmas Traditions Around the World

Christmas Traditions Worldwide

Videos

Did you know Christmas wasn't always celebrated on December 25th? Get the whole story behind the holiday.
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The War on Christmas

Lyndon and Ladybird Johnson celebrate Christmas morning at the White House in 1968.
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White House Christmas

Today's Christmas celebrations combine secular and religious traditions.
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Christmas Becomes a Holiday

The modern image of Santa Claus has been refined again and again.
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Santa Claus

The baking of gingerbread houses has long been a Christmas tradition, and some are truly architectural wonders.
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Gingerbread House

In this video, learn about the history of Santa Claus and his real-life inspiration, St. Nicholas.
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Origins of Santa Claus