Big Questions
What Else Happened on the Fourth of July?
How important is the Fourth of July to Americans? Important enough that most people call it by its date rather than its name. July 4, 1776, marks the signing of [Continue reading…]
Holidays
Interesting Knowledge
Why the Poppy is a Symbol of Memorial Day
Every Memorial Day, bright red poppies seem to bloom everywhere—pinned to jackets, tucked into wreaths, and woven into ceremonies of remembrance. They’re such a familiar part of the holiday that [Continue reading…]
Interesting Knowledge
Understanding the Chinese Zodiac
Every winter, millions of people across Asia and throughout global Asian communities welcome Lunar New Year, a celebration filled with tradition, symbolism and renewal. For many Chinese families, the holiday [Continue reading…]
Interesting Stories
The Real History Behind the Fake Holiday Festivus
Seinfeld, a show about nothing, actually gave us something for the holidays: a new December tradition in which everyone can participate. On December 18, 1997, all of us were introduced [Continue reading…]
Big Questions
Why Did Oranges Become a Christmas Stocking Tradition?
When many people think of Christmas stockings, they picture small toys, candy, or trinkets tucked inside. Yet for generations, one of the most common surprises at the bottom has been [Continue reading…]
Big Questions
How Did Elves Become a Part of Christmas?
Elves may seem like supporting characters in the Christmas story, yet today they are everywhere. They star in movies, appear on sweaters, and even perch on shelves to keep watch. [Continue reading…]
Big Questions
Why Does Santa Claus Live at the North Pole?
Every December, children imagine Santa Claus preparing for his annual journey from the snowy North Pole, ready to deliver gifts across the globe. Movies, books, and TV specials have cemented [Continue reading…]
Interesting Knowledge
A Brief History of Eggnog
Eggnog is one of the most enduring holiday drinks, but its story stretches back centuries. The creamy, spiced beverage we know today began as something quite different in medieval England. [Continue reading…]
Interesting Stories
Hot Dr. Pepper: The Forgotten Christmas Tradition
When the chilly days of the 1960s rolled in, the Dr Pepper Company faced a challenge. Soda sales tended to dip in winter, as people reached for warm drinks instead [Continue reading…]
Interesting Stories
The Early Years of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Every year on Thanksgiving morning, while countless turkeys are roasting in the oven, over 3 million people bundle up and line the streets of New York to watch the annual [Continue reading…]