Christmas
A Brief History of the Letter 'X,' From Algebra to X-Mas to Elon Musk
A math historian explores how "x" came to stand in for an unknown quantity
What Nativity Scenes Tell Us About the Evolution of Christianity
From ancient mosaics to Saint Francis of Assisi, depictions of Jesus's birth reflect the changing conventions of the world's largest religion
A Brief History of Christmas Markets
Now a global phenomenon, the holiday tradition traces its roots to medieval Europe
Iceland's Christmas Book Flood Is a Force of Nature
The nation’s seasonal publishing and gifting tradition nourishes its unique literary culture
You Can Now Buy Ralphie Parker's House From 'A Christmas Story'
For years, fans of the 1983 classic movie have been flocking to the home and museum in Cleveland
'Do You Hear What I Hear?' Conjures Images of Peace Everywhere—and Nuclear Annihilation
Composed at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the classic Christmas song contains another message—one of unity
When Humane Societies Threw Christmas Parties for Horses
Held across the U.S. in the early 20th century, the events sought to raise awareness for poor living conditions and offer the animals a holiday respite
What 'It's a Wonderful Life' Teaches Us About American History
The Christmas classic, released 75 years ago, conveys many messages beyond having faith in one another
Irma Thomas' Rendition of 'O Holy Night' Is a Marvel From Beginning to End
Soulful Christmas music is an obsession for Bill Adler, so he interviewed the singer of one of his favorite songs
The Little-Known Recording of Louis Armstrong Reciting 'The Night Before Christmas'
Shortly before he died, the jazz legend offered his own rendition of the classic holiday poem
You Can Eat Your Christmas Tree. Here's How to Do It
Turn your once-ornamented tree into something scrumptious
Christmas Wasn't Always the Kid-Friendly Gift Extravaganza We Know Today
How a once-raucous holiday became a time of childlike wonder and beribboned consumerism
The Biology of Mistletoe
Best known as a holiday trimming, the parasitic plant is a botanical luminary in its own right
A Taste of the German Christmas Market at Home
Normally. the German-speaking lands of Central Europe would be bustling filled with food, drink, good cheer, and other longstanding traditional activities
Christmas Across Indian Country, During the Pandemic and Before
This extraordinary year, we asked how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting people’s families and communities
This Holiday Season, Travel With Your Nose
The scents that you find most comforting can help you feel like you're on the road, even when you're not
A Brief History of Jamaican Jerk
It's more than just a seasoning or a flavor. Jerk is a whole culture worthy of celebrating, especially at Christmastime
Why NORAD Tracks Santa Claus
How did a misdialed phone number lead to a holiday tradition.
Why Scientists Find Snowflakes Cool
Mineralogists study snowflakes to learn more about how water in its solid phase behaves
Top Ten Favorite Holiday Movies as Seen in American Art
What is cozier than watching old holiday movies on a chilly winter’s night? Pairing them up with favorite artworks from SAAM's collection, that’s what
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