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10 Incredible Christmas Records: Tallest Tree, Most Expensive Ornament, Biggest Present and More
Christmas is a time for brotherly love, family, friends, good food and presents. It’s also a time, apparently, for setting some pretty astonishing—and often downright wacky—holiday records.
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10 Unusual Global Christmas Traditions: Goats, Krampus, Pooping Logs and More
Snow falls from the sky, shops sell their Christmas wares, and the sweet fragrance of gingerbread houses fill the air—'tis the season! In the United States, there are plenty of Christmas traditions around to keep everyone happy. Gift giving, holiday meals and ornament-covered trees are in abundance everywhere.
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What Is a Garland and Why Do We Use It at Christmas?
Christmastime means garlands, garlands all over the place. When you see them hanging about shopping malls and your neighbors’ houses, you know the holiday season has arrived. As widespread as these decorative wreaths of flowers, leaves and twigs are, most people don’t really know why they’re associated with Christmas.
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When Did Mrs. Claus Get Introduced?
Santa Claus, that jolly fellow who races across the sky in his reindeer-pulled sleigh on Christmas Eve after judging who has been naughty or nice, needs no introduction. But his wife is another matter.
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What Is the Origin of Santa Claus?
The Santa Claus the world knows—the “Coca Cola” Santa Claus decked out in red and white—is synonymous with Christmas, flying red-nosed reindeer, a big jolly laugh, and lots and lots of presents. Tales of old Saint Nick have spread across the planet and worked their way into numerous cultures. But do you know how the story of the fat man in the red suit first got started?
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Why Do Candy Canes Look Like That?
Candy canes have been around for hundreds of years, but they haven't always had that easily identifiable hooked shape. They also weren't red at all.
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Why Do People Kiss Under the Mistletoe?
Some people complain about the over-commercialization of the holiday season and how the need to buy and buy has drained all the charm out of Christmastime. Well, it’s not totally gone. Eager children still get wonderful toys, families still come together for great meals, and there’s always the off chance you’ll spot someone you like very much standing beneath the mistletoe, which means you have the right to give that person a Christmas kiss.
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What’s the Real Story Behind the History of the Microwave Oven? [VIDEO]
The microwave oven is a wonderful time saver. When you want to defrost a chicken, warm up a bowl of soup, pop some popcorn or cook an instant burrito, you can’t beat microwave technology.
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10 of the Coolest Road Trips in North America
The open road offers up a lot of possibilities. You’ve got adventure, new and strange destinations, gorgeous scenery, and the opportunity to escape the humdrums of your normal life, plus all of the interesting characters you’ll meet along the way. All you have to do is decide on a route, get into the car and drive.
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Who invented Sunglasses? The Answer May Surprise You
When you’re out in the bright sun, and you want to have some fun without squinting for hours on end, you need a pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes.
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What’s The Real Story Behind The Expression ‘The Real McCoy?’
When you’re faced with the real McCoy, you’re dealing with the real thing. It isn’t a copy or near likeness. It’s the honest-to-goodness genuine article.
It doesn’t mater if you’re talking about a valuable coin, a leather sofa, a bottle of whiskey or a living person.
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The 10 Wildest Roller Coasters on Earth
If vertigo isn’t an issue for you, and you have no problem keeping your lunch down while hurtling through space, then you just might be a roller coaster fan.