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Santa Slays: When 'Silent Night, Deadly Night' Caused a Public Panic
'Silent Night, Deadly Night,' 1984's killer Santa slasher, led some psychologists to worry kids might develop panic disorders and even regress in their toilet training.
HOLIDAYS
What Does “Bah, Humbug!” Actually Mean?
The meaning of ‘Bah, humbug!’ is a little more layered than what people normally attribute to Ebenezer Scrooge of ‘A Christmas Carol.’
20 Merry Monikers for Santa and Santa-Like Figures Around the World
Whether he’s coming to town, doublechecking his list, or kissing your mom, that rotund, rosy-cheeked gift bearer is probably Santa Claus to you. But around the world, he goes by many different names.
The Complicated, Controversial History of "Baby, It's Cold Outside"
Each December, "Baby, It’s Cold Outside"—a ’40s-era American standard that some modern listeners hear as a depiction of sexual misconduct—invites a barrage of controversies, radio bans, and think pieces.
10 Misconceptions About Holidays
'Tis the season to bust some myths about our favorite holiday celebrations, from the origins of the Hanukkah dreidel to Jesus's real birthday.
15 Facts About 'The Muppet Christmas Carol'
'Tis the season to be jolly, joyous, and watch 'The Muppet Christmas Carol'—the first Muppet movie made without Jim Henson.
Traveling By Plane This Holiday Season? Don’t Wrap Your Gifts Ahead of Time
TSA agents don’t want to open wrapped presents that go through security, but they will if they have to.
The Pagan Origins of Christmas Ham
The tradition of eating ham on Christmas dates back to Nordic animal sacrifices.
Why Does Santa Claus Say “Ho Ho Ho”?
No word on how Santa feels about the Jolly Green Giant’s appropriation of his trademark phrase.
Thomas Nast, the Political Cartoonist Who Illustrated Santa Claus
Thomas Nast’s illustrations of Santa for ‘Harper’s Weekly’ shaped the Father Christmas we know today.
7 Holiday Plants That Are Toxic to Pets
Traditional Christmas plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe can be dangerous for pets.
7 Classic Christmas Commercials Guaranteed to Fuel Your Holiday Nostalgia
Hershey's Kisses’s “Christmas Bells” is one of the longest-running Christmas commercials.
Can You Find the Frying Pan Hidden by the Holiday Mess?
To prepare yourself for the mess you’ll find after making ham, latkes, or figgy pudding, check out this holiday hidden-image puzzle.
10 Surprising Facts About Wham!’s "Last Christmas"
Over the course of his illustrious career, George Michael gave the world many gifts. One that keeps on giving is “Last Christmas,” the 1984 holiday classic by Wham!, Michael's pop duo with Andrew Ridgeley.
How Long Does It Take to Grow a Christmas Tree?
Your tree has lived a whole other life before being attacked by your cat.
The Origins of 13 Christmas Words
From worthless trinkets to misnamed chickens, here are the histories and etymologies of 13 Christmassy words.
20 Disturbing Vintage Holiday Cards
Ever since the Victorians invented the Christmas card, people have gotten creative—and a bit bizarre—with their holiday greetings.
Simple Tricks for Safely Tying a Christmas Tree to Your Car
Before taking your annual trip to the Christmas tree farm, make a game plan for getting your tree home safely.
What’s the Difference Between a Gift and a Present?
Those brightly wrapped packages we exchange around the holidays and other special occasions: Sometimes we call them gifts, other times presents. Is there a difference?
Looking to Chop Down a Fresh Christmas Tree This Year? This Map Can Help Locate the Nearest Tree Farm
The best Christmas tree farm near you is whichever one also has sleigh rides and a petting zoo.
8 Helpful Tips for Keeping Pets Out of Christmas Trees
Having pets doesn’t mean sacrificing the well-being of your Christmas tree. There are easy measures you can take to keep your Christmas tree pet-proof.
A Brief History of Creepy Victorian Christmas Cards
’Tis the season for Victorian Christmas cards featuring dead robins and murdered frogs.
Buyers Beware: These Are the Holiday Gifts No One Really Wants
Grab one of these and you run the risk of someone throwing it right in the garbage.
6 Ways to Use Leftover Pumpkin Pie Filling
Here are a few delicious ideas for using up extra pumpkin pie filling left over from your holiday baking.