Holidays

The holiday season in Russia holds a rich blend of faith, folklore, and festivity. Russian Christmas traditions reflect the deep roots of Orthodox Christian customs, folk beliefs, and even Soviet-era influences.

By Lena Thaywick

Ever wonder where the jolly man in the red suit came from? The origins of Santa Claus are a mix of myth, history, and marketing, all rooted in an ancient saint and reshaped by centuries of Christmas customs and commercial imagination.

By Lena Thaywick

When you say "Merry Christmas," you're tapping into a holiday with roots deeper than a pine tree's. The origins of Christmas stretch across centuries, cultures, and calendars, blending Christian beliefs with ancient customs to form one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world.

By Lena Thaywick

When people celebrate Christmas today, they’re often following customs that long predate Christianity. Many pagan Christmas traditions evolved from ancient winter solstice festivals, adapted by early Christians as they spread their faith through Europe.

By Lena Thaywick

In Argentina, Christmas comes at the height of summer. That flips many traditional winter holiday expectations on their head.

By Lena Thaywick

According to legend, whoever finds the hidden pickle on the tree gets an extra present or good luck for the next year. But is this festive scavenger hunt really an age-old German custom, or just a clever way to sell more glass ornaments?

By Lena Thaywick

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