When it comes to Christmas traditions, you would have a hard time finding anything more memorable — or dangerous to your health — than the Guatemalan custom of the Dance of the […]
Guatemala Celebrates Christmas with a Bang
To Mass We Go — Get Your Skates
Going to Grandma’s house in a one-horse open sleigh might be your ideal means of Christmas travel, but for residents of Caracas, Venezuela, the tradition is for the entire city to roller-skate to […]
Why is THAT in the Nativity Scene?!
When you view a nativity scene, there are certain elements you expect to be present. No nativity scene can be complete without baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Animals, angels, shepherds, and wise […]
Caterpillars Roasting on an Open Fire
If fruitcake, Christmas cookies, or candy canes aren’t your thing, you might consider trying the South African holiday tradition. Locals celebrate Christmas with a hearty plate of deep-fried caterpillars of the Emperor […]
“счастливого Рождества” or “Merry Christmas” — What Day To Say It?
If you live in Russia or Ukraine, you probably celebrate Christmas on January 7, due to the different calendar kept by the Orthodox Church.
The Rising Costs of Partridges in Pear Trees
If you want to bless your true love during the 12 days of Christmas next year, you may want to save up your pennies, starting now. According to the latest study, the […]
How Much Do You Know About Christmas?
Now that Christmas is behind us for one more year, it is time to see just how much of the holiday traditions you know. Consider these Christmas fun facts: What’s so special […]
Have a Finger-Lickin’ Good Christmas!
While visions of sugar plums may dance in the heads of children in most of the world on Christmas Eve, in Japan the dreams are more likely to be filled with images […]
The Christmas Truce of 1914
On Christmas Eve, 1914, many German and British troops sang Christmas carols to each other across the lines, and at certain points the Allied soldiers even heard brass bands joining the Germans […]
Have Yourself a Jewish Little Christmas
Many of the most popular Christmas songs were written by Jewish songwriters: “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells […]
Making a List of Who is Naughty, Nice, and Who Will Be Eaten
Not content with just one Santa Claus, Iceland has thirteen of them. Known as “Jolasveinar” or “Yule Lads,” they are the sons of the trolls Gryla and Leppaludi, who would eat children […]
And THAT is a Symbol of Kissing?
Mistletoe (Viscum album) is from the Anglo-Saxon word misteltan, which means “little dung twig” because the plant spreads through bird droppings. source
Commonplace Fun Facts 