Holidays

The Christmas songs you've been hearing your entire life came from medieval chants, church sermons, prayers and meditations. Get the lyrics, sheet music and histories of your favorite Christmas melodies.

By Gail Cohen & Gilbert DeBenedetti

Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Crachit, Tiny Tim -- everyone knows these names. Charles Dickens created an unforgettable world in 'A Christmas Carol.' Reacquaint yourself with one of the greatest Christmas stories ever written.

Whether your taste runs spooky or silly, if you're willing to get your hands dirty, a pumpkin can be the perfect canvas to express your Halloween style.

By Tracy V. Wilson

Halloween is just around the corner, so start planning now to throw a "killer" Halloween party. We'll take the stress out of planning by showing you Halloween themes that are so fun ... it's scary.

By Lynda Twardowski

Father's Day is an officially sanctioned event in the United States, falling on the third Sunday in June each year. Find some great gift ideas to make dad feel special this year.

By Marshall Brain

Are you bored with the commercialism of the Christmas holidays? Do you find tinsel distracting? Is there a large aluminum pole collecting dust in your crawlspace? If you answered yes to all of the above then Festivus is for you!

By Matt Hunt

The Menorah is a symbol of the Hanukkah holiday. The candles are lit on each day of the holiday. Where did this tradition start and what do the candles represent? Find out the answer in this article.

By Allison Klein

The holiday of Kwanzaa is a time to honor African traditions. It lasts seven days, uses seven symbols and sets forth seven ideals. How is it celebrated?

By Stephanie Watson

The national American holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. falls on the third Monday in January. Learn about the life and work of this legendary civil rights activist.

By Katherine Neer

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah celebrates a very special triumph over religious persecution, when the Jews were able to escape oppression at the hands of Antiochus, a Syrian king.

By Allison Klein

In Islam, Ramadan is the holiest time of the year. For a month, Muslims fast during daylight hours to show their devotion to Allah. Find out what Ramadan is all about.

By Allison Klein

Yom Kippur is marks the end of a 10-day period during which Jews seek forgiveness for their sins so they can make a fresh start. It's considered to be the holiest day of the Jewish year.

By Katherine Neer

Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish religion, celebrating the Jewish New Year and three other important themes.

By Julia Layton

Mother's Day is set aside in many countries as a day to honor our mothers and grandmothers. The origin of this day can be traced back much farther than you might think. Learn about the history of this special day.

Believe it or not, there's more to St. Patrick's Day than beer and gaudy green attire. How do the saint, the shamrocks and the famous Blarney Stone all come together?

By Melissa Russell-Ausley

Did you know that the word "mistletoe" comes from two Anglo-Saxon words meaning "dung" and "twig"? We'll tell you how and why humans decided to kiss under this unfortunately named shrub.

By Barbara Suszynski & Sam Abramson

It's time to unpack the ornaments, string up the popcorn, and yes -- untangle those lights. Plan on piling it all on a fresh Christmas tree? Learn about the different types and how to pick the perfect one.

By Katherine Neer

How did Halloween become the one day of the year when door-to-door begging for candy isn’t just allowed … it’s encouraged? Get a ghoulish glimpse into the surprising origins of everything from jack-o’-lanterns to trick-or-treating.

By Tom Harris

Americans typically view Labor Day as the official end of summer and a free day off from work. But have you ever stopped to think who was behind it? And why is it celebrated in early September?

By Kathryn Whitbourne

Learn all about the springtime celebration of Easter, from its origins to the (often wacky) worldwide variations in its observance.

By John Airey

It's a Scottish phrase sung all over the world on New Year's Eve, but what does it really mean?

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

When the clock struck midnight on December 31, 1999, Hawaii was one of the last places to celebrate the new year that year. Where was the first place to celebrate the new year that night? Find out in this article.

When did the Valentine's Day frenzy begin? Was there really a saint named "Valentine"? And why all the flowers and chocolate? Learn all about the origins and symbols of Valentine's Day.

By Kathryn Whitbourne

Have you ever been standing in your living room with a strand of Christmas lights that just won't work? We'll explain why this happens and how one bad bulb can spoil the whole bunch.

By Marshall Brain