Christmas
This Holiday Season, Make Merry in a Museum
From heavenly light shows to diabolical dollhouses, the Smithsonian’s winter exhibitions offer something for everyone
A Plea to Resurrect the Christmas Tradition of Telling Ghost Stories
Though the practice is now more associated with Halloween, spooking out your family is well within the Christmas spirit
Christmas at the Smithsonian's Dolls' House Includes All the Trimmings—in Miniature
It's 'Deck the Halls' with Christmas cheer at the beloved Victorian-style dollhouse at the National Museum of American History
What Happens to All Those Letters Sent to Santa?
Believe it or not, most get answered
Catch a Rare Viewing of Robert Frost's Cheery, Dreary, Dark Christmas Cards
The poet’s annual Christmas cards, made in compilation with printer Joe Blumenthal, were not necessarily traditional, but they were always beautiful
The Un-Christmassy Origin of Gingerbread Houses
This tradition dates back to the story of Hansel and Gretel
Is This St. Nicolas' Pelvis Bone?
Oxford researchers have determined that a bone fragment purportedly from St. Nicholas comes from the same century in which he died
Colombia Begins the Christmas Season With These Beautiful Light Displays
Día de las Velitas is celebrated on the day before the celebration of the Immaculate Conception
The Creator of Sherlock Holmes Was, Like Many Victorians, Fascinated by Mormons
The first story featuring iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, 'A Study in Scarlet,' was published on this day in 1887—and set in Mormon Utah
Who Really Wrote "Merry Christmas, Baby"
The co-author of a classic holiday song still can’t catch a break
Turkey Claims It's Found Saint Nicholas' Crypt
Archaeologists say the body was not stolen by crusaders in the 11th century and is still located below a church in Demre
Why the Japanese Eat Cake For Christmas
A tradition beginning in war and ending in cake
Why Do People Tell Ghost Stories on Christmas?
Christmas ghost stories are a tradition going back much farther than "A Christmas Carol"
Can Science Produce a Longer Lasting Christmas Tree?
LED Christmas lights make the needles hold on longer, and other discoveries from the world’s only Christmas tree research center
Someday, Maybe We’ll Have Hanukkah in July
Hanukkah and Christmas fall on the same day this year because not everyone follows the same calendar
Where Does Santa Live? The North Pole Isn't Always the Answer
Santa Claus is usually good news for tourism—but more than one place lays claim to his legend
How the Crusades Helped Create Your Gingerbread Latte
Spices have been shaping cuisine for thousands of years, especially around the Christmas season
The Patents Behind Christmas Sugar Confections
The popularity of candy canes and ribbon candy has a lot to do with 20th-century machines that sped up production
The Nazis Fought the Original War on Christmas
As they rose to power, party leaders sought to redefine the holiday to suit their own political needs
Why Charles Dickens Wrote 'A Christmas Carol'
The beloved story sold 6,000 copies in its first week in print and 15,000 in its first year
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