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Why Do We Use Ice in Drinks?

The history of chilled drinks goes back to antiquity. But it was the innovative “frozen...

Donald Trump Most Admired Man in 2020 Gallup Poll

In addition to public figures named, 11% of Americans identified a relative or friend as...

Sorry, There Were No Animals in the Bible’s Nativity Scene

Animals are commonly found in creche sets, but surprisingly, not in the Bible.

What History Really Tells Us About the Birth of Jesus

Those nativity plays in which your adorable children wear tinsel and angel wings bear little...

The Borrowed Customs and Traditions of Christmas Celebrations

While Christmas is ostensibly a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus, many of the...

The Origins of Christmas Decorations: Decking the Halls of History

The idea of hanging up decorations in the middle of winter is older than Christmas...

The History of Candy Canes and Why They Taste So Cool

Candy canes were once white sticks of sugar. Now candy canes are striped and come...

Why the Puritans Cracked Down on Celebrating Christmas

When the alleged “War on Christmas” heats up, remember the Puritans first discouraged Yuletide festivities...

Gift-Giving Taboos That Aren’t as Bad as You Think

Behavioral science research shows that gifts that may seem “taboo” to givers might actually be...

How Advertising Shaped Thanksgiving as We Know It

Although few appreciate it, advertisers have shaped the Thanksgiving meal as much as family tradition.

Batmen and Unicorns: Inside the Original Moon Hoax

The Great Moon Hoax refers to six articles in the New York Sun headlined “Great...

When Christmas Was Cancelled: A Lesson from History

The prospect of a Christmas without large-scale celebrations is preying on people's minds.