Holidays

Christmas is often considered a Christian holiday, and Jehovah's Witness is considered a branch of Christianity, but do Jehovah's Witnesses celebrate Christmas?

By Lena Thaywick

The story of Black Peter (Zwarte Piet) is one of the most debated traditions in Dutch society today.

By Lena Thaywick

After catching a holiday-themed anime episode, you may wonder, does Japan celebrate Christmas? While Christmas isn't a national holiday in Japan, the country embraces the season with a unique blend of festive cheer, romantic traditions, and commercial flair.

By Lena Thaywick

The Krampus legend isn't your typical Christmas tale. This half-goat, half-demon figure from Alpine folklore puts a chilling spin on the holiday season.

By Lena Thaywick

Every October, kids across America fill their pillowcases and pumpkin buckets with sweets. The most popular Halloween candy isn’t always what you'd expect: Some classics dominate every year, while others quietly rise in the ranks thanks to changing tastes and regional favorites.

By Lena Thaywick

Looking for a chilling way to spend your fall nights? Whether you're into psychological horror or full-contact frights, the best haunted houses in Ohio deliver big scares and bigger thrills.

By Lena Thaywick

When most people hear the word "Thanksgiving," they picture a late-November feast with turkey, pumpkin pie and maybe a football game on TV. But in Canada, Canadian Thanksgiving happens on the second Monday in October and brings its own unique history and traditions.

By Lena Thaywick

Want to test your courage this Halloween? The best haunted houses in Illinois crank the fear up to 11. These aren’t just jump-scare shacks with fog machines. They’re full-blown, professionally produced nightmares that draw thousands of thrill seekers every fall.

By Lena Thaywick

Bursting with color, music, and joy, Holi is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu tradition. But what is Holi exactly?

By Lena Thaywick

When we think about St. Patrick's Day, spiritual meaning isn't always the first thing to come to mind. We often celebrate with parades, green attire and festive gatherings — but at its core, it is a deeply spiritual holiday revolving around faith and devotion.

By Yara Simón

Christmas traditions are like snowflakes: No two are the same, and some are downright bizarre. Sure, Santa Claus squeezing down chimneys is strange enough, but the world is full of other weird Christmas traditions that make reindeer games look tame.

By Desiree Bowie

Several Christmas markets in large cities will bring about a sense of wonder this holiday season. However, if you're in the mood to step into a true winter wonderland, maybe plan to visit one of the many smaller markets in Europe for a quieter, peaceful slice of joy.

By Mitch Ryan

The holiday season is a time for hanging lights, sipping warm beverages and doing anything to stay cozy as the winter months bring that biting chill to your doorstep. One magical tradition to maintain cheer and battle seasonal depression is setting up a classic Christmas tree for all to see.

By Mitch Ryan

Follow these tips to ensure your pumpkin carvings last to the end of the month so you don't have saggy jack-o'-lanterns on Halloween night.

By Matt Kasson

The poinsettia's flame-red leaves are a staple in holiday decorations. But how did a plant indigenous to tropical climates end up on mantels in North America?

By Sam Abramson

Discover the beauty of poinsettias this Christmas season. Elevate your festive décor with vibrant colors and timeless elegance. The perfect holiday touch!

By Sam Abramson

Grab your BFFs, girls. Galentine's Day is coming and we're celebrating like Leslie Knope!

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Love bubble wrap? There's a holiday for that. And just about everything else. But who's creating them and why?

By Carrie Dennis

Every December 23rd in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico, radishes come to life, as carvers compete for cash and bragging rights in this veggie-style Christmas tradition.

By Jennifer Walker-Journey

The 1800s saw the birth of many of the Christmas customs, from Santa Claus to lights, that we know and love today.

By Kate Morgan

The resolutely bipartisan White House Christmas ornament has been an annual tradition since 1981 and is a big fundraiser too.

By Alia Hoyt

Perhaps no country on Earth loves Christmas more than the Philippines. Residents there celebrate the holiday for four months solid. Here's why.

By Laurie L. Dove

Welcome to McKamey Manor, where you must sign a 40-page waiver, pass a background check and take a physical to enter. Thousands are on the waiting list.

By Kate Morgan

In 1957, a woman named Frances Kipps Spencer invented "Chrismons" to decorate her church's sanctuary and to remind parishioners of the true meaning behind the Christian celebration of Christmas.

By Carrie Tatro

Step aside, St. Nick. Butt out, Rudolph. In this special Yuletide quiz, we're saluting another beloved member of the Christmas character pantheon: the one and only Missus Claus.

By Mark Mancini