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Mental Floss

CHRISTMAS

Merry and bright Christmas lights.

15 Festive Facts About Christmas Lights

From Thomas Edison’s ingenious marketing strategy to Carson Williams’ viral “Wizards of Winter” display, here are some facts about fairy lights to keep you warm throughout the season.

Liz Loerke

Hermey the Elf and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer from the Rankin/Bass television special.

Why Is Rudolph the Red-Nosed ‘Reindeer’ Actually a White-Tailed Deer?

Since the character's inception, Rudolph has more closely resembled a white-tailed deer than the reindeer that live near the North Pole.

Michele Debczak

Start searching!

Can You Spot Santa’s Hidden Presents in This Holiday Brainteaser?

This puzzle should satisfy your urge to snoop for presents until the holidays arrive.

Michele Debczak



Not all Christmas songs are beloved.

7 Christmas Songs Banned in the Past

The debate about banning “Baby It’s Cold Outside” rages on, but it’s not the only problematic Christmas carol to land on the do-not-play list.

Ellen Gutoskey


Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy ...

Talk is Sheep: Behind the Christmas Eve Myth That Animals Speak at Midnight

The Christmas legend that animals gain the power of speech on Christmas Eve has roots all the way back in the manger.

Maureen Monahan


Which one would you wear?

Smash Knit: How Ugly Christmas Sweaters Took the Holiday Season by Storm

How did we get from one ugly Christmas sweater party in Vancouver to … here? It’s quite a yarn.

Ellen Gutoskey


dolgachov/iStock via Getty Images

The Reason So Many Movies Open on Christmas Day

Christmas is one of the most profitable times of the year for film studios, who count on people desperate to get away from their families for a couple of hours.

Jake Rossen
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