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.
Featured Overview
Featured Overview
In this video, learn about the history of Santa Claus and his real-life inspiration, St. Nicholas.
2:19m watch
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Featured Overview
Featured Overview
In this video, learn about the history of Santa Claus and his real-life inspiration, St. Nicholas.
2:19m watch
Start Here
Start Here
Learn why we decorate trees, swap cookies and hide pickles and elves, among other traditions.
In medieval times, Christmas celebrations carried on for multiple raucous days and nights.
Many celebrate the Nativity—and the New Year—in festive, sometimes whimsical, ways.
Americans adjusted amid the war, and found different, often leaner ways to mark the holidays.
History of Christmas Trees
History of Christmas Trees
History of Christmas Trees
From millions of homes worldwide to the White House, the Christmas tree is a tradition that owes its popularity in part to a popular British queen.
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Explore All Related Topics
Explore All Related Topics
From Star Wars action figures to the iPhone, every decade has had a "must have" Christmas gift.
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How one misplaced phone call led to the military keeping close tabs on Santa and his reindeer.
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Today's Christmas celebrations combine secular and religious traditions.
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The celebration of Christmas as we know it today stems from the traditions of several different cultures.
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In this video, learn about the history of Santa Claus and his real-life inspiration, St. Nicholas.
2:19m watch
From millions of homes worldwide to the White House, the Christmas tree is a tradition that owes its popularity in part to a popular British queen.
2:28m watch
In some parts of Europe, people still celebrate Christmas customs based on long-standing folk legends.
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Find out why Christmas is celebrated on December 25.
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Get the facts on the tradition of Christmas carols, and find out how "Jingle Bells" came about.
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Though Christmas happens once a year, candy canes are manufactured all year long.
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