Creepy Things About Popular Christmas Traditions And Characters
While Christmas is a wonderful time of year, customs that Americans think of as completely normal and commonplace have weird, dark, or even gross origins.
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You're lost. Like the missing section of the Nixon tapes, this page has vanished from history, but maybe you were looking for one of these:
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What Elvis' Last Christmas Was Like
Elvis Presley died suddenly in August of 1977. By his last Christmas when he was 41, his health was in peril. Here's what Elvis' last Christmas was like.
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Why Americans Say Merry Christmas
A difference between the American English and British English comes in how we wish each other well during the nativity season.
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What Medieval Christmas Was Really Like
Medieval Christmas might seem like it would be totally different than modern Christmas, but there are some surprising similarities and enduring traditions.
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What Christmas With Elvis Presley Was Really Like
Elvis Presley was known for his love of Christmas, and those close to him knew this very well. Here's what the holiday was like at his home.
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Why Ukrainians Decorate Christmas Trees With Spider Webs
Cultures all around the world have unique ways of celebrating certain holidays. Here is why Ukrainians add webs and spiders to their Christmas trees each year.
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The History Of The National Christmas Tree Explained
For a century, the National Christmas Tree has been an institution in the USA's holiday celebration.
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The Only Christmas Broadcast Queen Elizabeth Ever Missed
Queen Elizabeth II's annual Christmas broadcasts were a staple of the holiday season. However, there is one particular broadcast that she missed. Here's why.
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The Time That Christmas Was Banned In Massachusetts
Christmas comes but once a year, unless you were living in Massachusetts Colony in the 1600s, when it wasn't allowed in any way, shape, or form. Why?
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How The Nazi Ideology Ruined And Reshaped Christmas
The Nazis who had a major problem with Christmas but banning it altogether just wasn't going to work. Here's how the Nazi ideology ruined and reshaped Christmas
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The Real Reason We Put Ornaments On The Christmas Tree
Some credit Martin Luther with Christmas tree ornamentation. Others date it back to ancient Egypt, or Rome. Whatever the roots, it's a widespread custom today.
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The Real Reason We Celebrate Christmas On December 25
Why do we do what we do when we do it? Dates can be set in history, or randomly assigned. What's the story of December 25 and its association with Christmas?
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This Is How Christmas Looked 100 Years Ago
While there was plenty of merrymaking to be had, not all aspects of Christmas in the 1920s were quite so festive. This is how Christmas looked 100 years ago.
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How KFC Became Japan's Hallmark Christmas Food
Everybody's got their own holiday traditions, but a nationwide craze in Japan may surprise those of us who take KFC for granted.
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The Tragic Real-Life Story Of Bloody Christmas
The first convictions for the use of excessive force in LAPD history occurred in 1952. This is the tragic real-life story of Bloody Christmas.
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Here's Why Red And Green Are The Colors Of Christmas
If you asked nearly anybody about Christmas colors, they'd undoubtedly say "green and red." But how did those two colors become so synonymous with the holiday?
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This Welsh Christmas Tradition Is Truly Chilling
Alert readers know that Christmas isn't the only holiday festival this time of year, nor are its traditions the only cultural celebrations around the globe.
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The 12 Days Of Christmas Explained
The English Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" originated in France and was published in 1780 without any music. So what does it mean?
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What Christmas Was Like In The Victorian Era
While many of the traditions observed now did get their start during the Victorian era, celebrations on both sides of the pond were, well, a bit weird at first.
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The History Of Ugly Christmas Sweaters Explained
Christmas is a time of symbolism -- trees, lights, Santa, even specific food choices. There are also those wearing certifiably ugly Christmas sweaters. Why?
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The Story Behind Blue Christmas And How It Became A Hit Song
The song "Blue Christmas" is a Christmas classic that was largely popularized by Elvis Presley. But the track has a long history before his take.
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Strange Christmas Traditions That Were Considered Normal 100 Years Ago
While modern Christmas traditions are nearly universal thanks to pop culture, they used to be very different. If you look back at the 19th and early 20th centuries, you'll see unexpected holiday celebrations. Here are some strange Christmas traditions that were considered normal 100 years ago.
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The Reason New England Once Banned Christmas
The founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, who left England because of persecution, thought little of Christmas and opened their shops on December 25.
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Did Jean Shepherd Write A Christmas Story Based On His Life?
But how much Jean Shepherd is actually in Ralphie's character? Were the stories in "A Christmas Story" based on Shepherd's own life? Let's take a look.
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How Christmas Is Really Celebrated By The Amish
When it comes to celebrating the biggest religious, cultural, and retail holiday in America -- Christmas -- the Amish are all about it.
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The Worst Christmas Shortages In History
Christmas will never be immune to buzz-killing shortages. These are the worst Christmas shortages in history.
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The Lyrics To Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Were Originally Much Darker
You might not know it, but the lyrics to "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" were originally much darker. Here's what they originally said.
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What We Know About The Earliest Christmas Celebrations
Many early Christmas traditions came from older holidays. This is what we know about the earliest Christmas celebrations, and where they came from.
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Unique Ways People Celebrate Christmas In Japan
The U.S. has quite a few Yuletide customs, but there are many other traditions around the world. These are some unique ways people celebrate Christmas in Japan.
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Essential Facts About White Christmas, The Bestselling Song Of All Time
While there's no doubt you well-know Irving Berlin's "White Christmas," it's possible you're less familiar with the song's backstory, its records and legacy.
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