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Christmas

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Kalle Anka, or Donald Duck, is a big part of Sweden’s culture. Here’s how a 1958 made-for-TV special made its way into tradition.

So much of how we celebrate Christmas comes from the Victorian era, but it might be for the best that some of these traditions were left in the past.
Meagan Bojarski|
Take a trip down dessert history lane with these tasty holiday recipes.
Jenny Cohen|
Following a gluten-free diet is important for many people, but following that diet isn't always that simple. Don't overlook these sneaky sources of gluten this holiday season.
Alexandria Ingham|
You’ve heard of these food items in classic Christmas songs, but do you have any idea what they are?
Michael La Corte|
Such was the success of 'A Christmas Carol' that the four festive stories Dickens published after it—some overlooked classics, others critical flops and missteps—have since largely become eclipsed by their better-known predecessor.
Paul Anthony Jones|
While Disneyland puts on a spectacle with its holiday festivities now, its first Christmas was less extravagant thanks to financial uncertainty and conflicting ideas.
Meagan Bojarski|
The family photos people now send in the mail are much less creepy than the Christmas cards of yore.
Kerry Wolfe|
It’s no doubt one of the most popular holiday movies to watch each year—but how well do you know it?
Natalie Zamora|
Whether it’s a fun, festive tradition or an extremely annoying event to avoid is up for debate.
Paul Anthony Jones|
Thomas Nast’s illustrations of Santa for ‘Harper’s Weekly’ shaped the Father Christmas we know today.
Jane Alexander|
The history of Christmas carp and how to prepare it in European countries such as Poland and Slovakia.
Paul Anthony Jones|
Chocolate is chocolate, isn’t it? If so, then why does the chocolate you find in many Advent calendars taste so weird?
Mental Floss UK|
It’s time to revisit some of the Disney holiday classics we grew up with. How well do you remember these movies?
Natalie Zamora|
Travel to Connecticut this winter to check out these festival film locations.
Tim Brinkhof|
While there are safe ways to decorate your car during the holidays, beware of these mistakes.
Sam Hindman|
There’s more to it than chocolate-filled calendars.
Suzanne Raga|
You won’t be able to avoid these festive decorations on a drive in the wintertime.
Sam Hindman|
These traditional Swedish toys are much more than a classic holiday gift or travel souvenir.
Jane Alexander|
No cable Christmas movie marathon would be complete without Hershey's Kisses’s “Christmas Bells” commercial.
Kerry Wolfe|
A quiz to see if you really know about the man in the red suit spreading Christmas cheer.
Chelsea Thatcher|

More From the Holidays Section

Whether you're a holiday fanatic who wants even more reason to celebrate the month or a Scrooge with a burning desire to buck tradition, we've got plenty of offbeat observances to put on your December calendar.
mentalfloss .com|
Want to spend the holidays like you’re in a heartwarming movie? Check out these towns.
Sam Hindman|
Some of these rare Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments sell for over $1,000 online.
Paul Anthony Jones|
The surprising origins of some of the most recognizable holiday songs.
Paul Anthony Jones|
If you’re looking to wow a crowd with fun, obscure facts and tidbits about all things Christmas, we have you covered—and we’ve also sprinkled in a handful of holiday quizzes so you can test your knowledge, too.
Kerry Wolfe|
A marathon of these truly bizarre Rankin/Bass holiday specials would make for quite the festive fever dream.
Michele Debczak|
The history of why people started using popcorn as Christmas tree decor.
Paul Anthony Jones|
The start of the holiday shopping season looks a little different than it used to.
Ethan Trex|
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