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The New York Public Library's Most Checked-Out Books of 2021

When the New York Public Library reopened its branches this year, these were the books people checked out.

A still from George Albert Smith's Santa Clause (1898).

Behold George Albert Smith's Santa Clause—the World's First Christmas Movie

Nearly a century before there was 'Home Alone,' there was George Albert Smith's 'Santa Clause,' the world's first Christmas movie, which you can still watch online.

Without Ed Lowe, we might not be so friendly with cats.

Ed Lowe, the Inventor Behind Kitty Litter

With kitty litter, Ed Lowe changed how cats and humans bonded. But not everyone understood the idea: One woman tried feeding it to her cat.

The 20 Best Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in the U.S.

The world-class ski resorts on this list are just as fun for young beginners as they are for experienced adults.

Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, and Rik Mayall perform the Band Aid's "Do They Know it's Christmas?" in London.

Christmas Number One: Behind the Battle To Have the UK's Top Song On Christmas Day

If you’ve ever seen 'Love Actually,' you know that for a musician, being at the top of the UK charts on Christmas Day is a coveted place to be.

10 Brilliant Life-Hack Products That You Can Get for Under $20 on Amazon

From Conair fabric shavers to reusable dryer balls, these 10 clever life-hack products under $20 can save you so much time and money.

How to Hang Christmas Lights on Your Tree

If you’ve wondered what, exactly, is the best way to hang Christmas lights on your tree this year, we have you covered.

This Australian Bird Can Mimic the Sounds of Cameras, Chainsaws, and Car Alarms

The talented lyrebird can mimic almost any sound it's exposed to, including those of cameras, chainsaws, and car alarms.

Barack Obama Shares His 13 Favorite Books of 2021

From heart-wrenching memoirs to socially conscious fiction, the list of Barack Obama's favorite books from the past year will definitely add more titles to your TBR pile.

This kid might be slaying the hill, but he's not sleighing it.

Sleigh vs. Sled: What's the Difference?

You might call anything you use to shoot down a snow-covered hill a sled, but there are some things that separate the two. Like reindeer.

20 Unsung Heroes from History

History may be written by the victors, but it’s high time some of history’s quieter contributors got the attention they deserve.

And the Award for Most Hated Holiday Gift Goes To…

There are no one-size-fits-all Christmas gifts that everyone on your list is guaranteed to love, but there are some universally hated items you should try to avoid.

The Strange Literary Puzzle Only Four People Have Ever Solved

If you spend time scrolling TikTok, you've probably come across videos about the 1934 book 'Cain's Jawbone,' literary puzzle so difficult only four people have ever figured it out.

When Keanu Reeves Described the Plot of The Matrix to Unimpressed Teens

'The Matrix' is so deeply embedded in pop culture that some younger viewers may be underwhelmed by the premise, as evidenced by a story shared by Keanu Reeves.

Eumillipes persephone has legs and knows how to use them.

It's Official: With 1306 Legs, This Millipede Has the Most of Any Animal

Found 200 feet below ground in Australia, 'Eumillipes persephone' has 1306 legs to scamper around with.

As Seen On TikTok: Finish Your Christmas Shopping With These Products That Went Viral In 2021

From Seasum leggings to Barsys smart coasters, these 12 TikTok products went viral in 2021 and could make great gifts for your loved ones.

Salvador Dalí used sleep to his creative benefit, and so can you.

This Napping Technique Used by Salvador Dalí and Thomas Edison Might Be Ideal for Creativity, According to Science

The method involves falling asleep only fleetingly, at which point your brain might be better prepared to tackle a creative problem. (Like a surrealist painting.)

How to Make Eggnog from Scratch

Whether you prefer to liquor up your 'nog or keep it non-alcoholic, you can make your eggnog from scratch with this recipe.

A Christmas Carol wasn't the only spooky holiday ghost story to come out of Victorian England.

In Victorian England, Ghost Stories Were a Beloved Christmas Tradition

"It is a genial, festive season, and we love to muse upon graves, and dead bodies, and murders, and blood."

The Last Full Moon of 2021 Is Coming This Weekend—Here’s What To Know About the Cold Moon

Here's what you should know about 2021's full cold moon, include the meaning of the name and the best time to see it.

You can get paid to skip the cheesecake this Christmas.

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Wants to Give You $20 for Not Serving Cheesecake for the Holidays

America is in the midst of a cream cheese shortage, and Philadelphia Cream Cheese is incentivizing people to make anything but cheesecake this Christmas.

Chimpanzees hang out in Gombe National Park.

9 Amazing Facts About Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees share about 98 percent of their genes with humans, but you wouldn't want to invite this side of the family over for dinner.

Decorate your Christmas tree in a flash with these ideas.

How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree in a Hurry

Surprise guests coming over? Here's how to decorate your Christmas tree and spread some holiday cheer in a hurry.

Making paper snowflakes is a fun, easy DIY activity.

How to Make Paper Snowflakes in 6 Easy Steps

Making your own paper snowflakes to hang around the house during the holidays is a fun, accessible activity for all ages.

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