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Holidays
Everyone loves a good holiday, no matter whether you're commemorating a special occasion or just looking for a day out of the office. Read about important holidays in these articles.
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Before Halloween, There Was Samhain
This centuries-old Pagan holiday isn't necessarily scary. But those who celebrate are honoring the dead, believing their spirits have easy access to the world of the living during Samhain.
Goodbye Columbus — Hello Indigenous Peoples Day
More states are replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. What's prompted the switch and how you do celebrate it?
Bastille Day: The French Holiday Celebrating Peace and Revolution
The July 14 holiday celebrated by the French is way more complicated than the term "Bastille Day" might suggest.
There's a Pooping Man in the Catalan Nativity Scene
The typical manger scene features Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and an assortment of animals. But in Catalonia, Spain, there is one more character: a figure with his pants down taking a poop. But why?
10 Ways to Liven Up Your White Elephant Gift Exchange
White elephant. Mean Santa. Yankee swap. These are the holiday parties we live for. But if it feels like yours is getting a bit tired, we've got 10 rules to liven it up this year.
5 Wild and Wacky Takes on the Advent Calendar
These Advent calendars give new meaning to the phrase "countdown to Christmas." Plus, where did the Advent calendar come from? And what are some of the more unusual takes on it?
Ultimate Guide to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Although there will be no crowds of onlookers this year, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade still marches on. Find out more about the beloved holiday tradition.
5 Fun Facts About the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City may be an iconic symbol of the holidays, but how well do you know this tree-dition?
10 Lively Facts About the Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead is not a Mexican version of Halloween. It's a celebration of life — both here and beyond — when the souls of the departed come home for feasting and fun. Here's how it started.
Flying on Halloween? You Can Wear a Costume!
When your broomstick just won't do, and you're forced to fly the "friendly skies," at least you can feel safe knowing you can still show up dressed to kill.
Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights
This fall festival is about food, faith, lights and gifts. But please don't call it an Indian Hanukkah.
Messy Legacy of Columbus Threatens Columbus Day Holiday
As more states are swapping Columbus Day celebrations for Indigenous Peoples' Day observances, does Columbus Day still have any relevancy?
14 Fantastic Facts About the Fourth of July
Which three presidents died on July 4? What's the Horribles Parade? And, should America be celebrating on July 2 instead?
Memorial Day in the U.S. Means Way More Than Barbecue
Today Americans mostly celebrate it as the start of summer. But the annual May holiday has a significant history that's worthy of acknowledgment.
How Cinco de Mayo Works
The Cinco de Mayo holiday is far more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico. Why is that and what does it celebrate?
How Do They Determine What Date Easter Will Occur On?
The Easter holiday is on a different date each year. But how is the date determined? Answer: Look to the moon.
How Did 4/20 Become the Stoner's Holiday?
Nope, it's not the police code for marijuana possession. It has a way cooler origin story.
Why Is April 1 a Day to Celebrate Foolishness?
Why is April 1 a day to celebrate foolishness and play pranks on each other? How did this tradition begin?
How Mardi Gras Works
Mardi Gras turns New Orleans into a hotbed of fun and reveling. This might make the festival's religious ties rather hard to imagine. So did how Mardi Gras get started?
Billions Celebrate Lantern Festival Across China
The annual festival of lights signifies the end of Chinese New Year and the beginning of spring.
Forget Thanksgiving! Lunar New Year Sees World's Largest Annual Migration
This mass migration totally dwarfs Thanksgiving travel in the United States.
Get Out the Haggis, It's Burns Night!
This beloved holiday celebrates the poet Robert Burns and is full of whisky, readings and fat juicy haggis.
The Cozy Icelandic Christmas Tradition You'll Want to Steal
On Christmas Eve, Icelandic families traditionally settle down to a cozy night of exchanging gifts of books and reading. It's all part of jólabókaflóð or the Christmas Book Flood.
Santa Claus' 'Workshop Budget' Will Blow Your Mind
We tallied up how much dough it costs the big guy to give every kid in the world toys. And it's way more than we expected.
How Santa's Sleigh Works
Our theory on St. Nick's sweet ride: It's rustic on the outside and state-of-the-art on the inside. Learn more about the advanced technology we think runs Santa's sleigh (and those reindeer).
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