Holidays

Money for admission? Check. Willing companion to hold onto during your visit? Check. Second set of pants in case yours are scared off? Check. You're now ready to enter a haunted house.

By Cristen Conger

Holly adorns houses all over the world during the holiday season, but why do we decorate with it? Find out why its crimson berries are so closely associated with the holidays.

By Elizabeth Abbess

There's no doubt that commercialism runs rampant during Christmas. So is the word "Xmas" just another casualty of the modern advertising age? Or does the X in Xmas have its roots in Christianity after all?

By Sam Abramson

Have you ever caught yourself singing the "Twelve Days of Christmas" and wondered what geese, doves and milk maids have to do with the holiday?

By Sam Abramson

A pack of razors, chocolate-covered truffles and a harmonica -- these are just a few of the random items you might find in a Christmas stocking. Sure, these festive stockings are ideal for stuffing with pint-size presents, but why do we do it?

By John Fuller

The yule log has long been an important symbol of winter. It was an important part of the Winter Solstice for Vikings, and in more modern times, a staple of holiday gatherings. Learn more about the yule log.

By Sam Abramson

You might wondering how a fat jolly fellow like Santa can squeeze down a small hole like a chimney. Science to the rescue!

By John Fuller

File: Claus, Santa. Residence: the North Pole. Known aliases: Sinterklaas, St. Nick, Father Time and Sandy Claws. No matter what you call him, Santa Claus is one formidable being.

By John Fuller

Christmas caroling is an age-old tradition. But how did it start? And why won't some carolers go until they get their figgy pudding? Learn about this peculiar but endearing holiday practice.

By Sam Abramson

For some, an ideal Christmas is one where a blanket of white snow covers the ground. Irving Berlin wrote about it and Bing Crosby crooned about it. But why is a white Christmas the best Christmas?

By John Fuller

Christmas is celebrated by hundreds of millions of people around the world each year. But what do presents, three wise men and Jesus have to do with each other anyway?

By Sarah Dowdey

Underappreciated and overworked elves put in a pretty astounding amount of labor during the holidays. Then there are the other duties they must fulfill, like tending to diva reindeer like Rudolph. So do elves thrive on stress, and do they ever get disgruntled?

By John Fuller

Imagine having to deliver toys (and coal) to children all over the world - in just one night. How does the big guy do it?

By John Fuller

He's been called a diva, a hero and a misfit. He's Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. And his ruby-red honker has long been celebrated for guiding Santa and his sleigh through the night. But how does he do it?

By John Fuller

Today, many associate the holiday less with pilgrims and American Indians and more with football and turkey. What's the real story of Thanksgivig Day?

By Allison Klein

Wonderful Weirdos Day was created by citizens of Austin, Texas to celebrate personality quirks on September 9. Read more about Wonderful Weirdos Day.

By John Fuller

Americans celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence every year on July 4 with picnics and fireworks. Learn the story behind Independence Day in the United States and how its traditions came about.

By Marshall Brain

'Tis the season to enjoy your favorite Christmas carols. Watch a new generation of children explore the Christmas songs you remember like Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Test your Christmas trivia knowledge in the areas of songs, movies, traditions and more. Uncover amazing facts as you test your Christmas trivia knowledge.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

No need to spend big when you can make creative kids' Halloween costumes with just a few supplies. Some of these costumes can be made with materials that you may already have in your home. Use our no-sew steps for fun, unique kid costumes.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Telling a scary story is a great way to share in the fun of being scared silly. Ignite your kids' imaginations with these Halloween stories. Discover dozens of old and new favorites in this article.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Yo-yos can be traced back at least 2,500 years -- it's a toy with phenomenal staying power. On June 6, yo-yo fans everywhere can "walk the dog" to commemorate the birthday of Donald Duncan, credited with making yo-yos popular in the United States.

By Jonathan Strickland

Get creative with your next kids' Halloween party with our many party ideas. Your guests will love the results. Check out this article for spooky themes, goodie bag ideas, and awesome homemade invitations.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Forget candy corn. Nothing says fall quite like freshly roasted pumpkin seeds. They're super simple to make and you can give them a sweet or salty kick.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Whether it's for Halloween festivities or everyday fun, kids love scary stories. These stories are a great way to introduce kids to the fun of being scared. Browse this collection of read-aloud scary stories for children.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.