Christmas Holiday: Resources for Celebrating
When the red and green lights and wreaths appear and the sounds of familiar carols echo in the streets,it’s time to celebrate the Christmas holiday again. This Christmas Holiday Web Guide presents the history of Christmas, illuminates how and why we celebrate certain customs, and reveals the best places to look for Christmas recipes, decorations and gift ideas. Whether you have a religious view of the holiday or simply enjoy the Christmas spirit, the resources below can help you make merry with your friends and family all through the season.
Expand All Guide SectionsThe History of Christmas
The history of Christmas predates the birth of Christ. In Scandinavia, the Norse ... read more »
Christmas Traditions
As the celebration evolved, many unique Christmas traditions came into practice. The sites below explain how some of the most widely observed Christmas customs came to be, both in America and abroad. Find out why Santa rides with reindeer, what’s behind that mistletoe kiss and what “Mumming” means in England.
Insights for Christmas Traditions
- If you want to learn about other holidays celebrated around the same time, visit the findingDulcinea Hanukkah Web Guide and Kwanzaa Web Guide.
- In 2003, PBS published a Christmas feature that examined the pagan origins of many Christmas traditions. Find out why and how Christmas switched from being a rowdy party to a family-oriented event.
Top Sites for Christmas Traditions
For an overview of American traditions …
The U.S. Department of State
has an article, “Americans Celebrate Christmas in Diverse Ways,” that explores how Americans have blended religious customs with new family traditions. Learn how the custom of gift giving became such an integral part of the American celebration and how it has created an entire “Christmas season.”
Christmas Traditions
outlines the history and legends of notable Christmas figures as well as typical Christmas customs. Look for biographical profiles and background information on how specific traditions were formed. Be aware of the promotional intent of this site, which seeks to attract tourists to historic St. Charles, Mo.
For traditions from other countries …
The History of Christmas
details Christmas customs in countries throughout the world. Also find a history of Christmas with links like “Before Christ,” “Nativity History” and “King Herod,” and a history of Santa Claus.
To learn about the Christmas tree ...
National Christmas Tree Association
has a comprehensive timeline of the Christmas tree tradition. Find out why Christmas trees were first decorated, how glass ornaments came about and when artificial trees first appeared. Look for helpful tree selection, care and recycling tips under “Trees” at the top of the page.
For the history of the Christmas stocking and how to make one …
Plumpstocking
explores the legend of the Christmas stocking. Links to external articles give more information on the major figures who made stockings a popular part of the Christmas tradition. Visit the homepage for ideas on stocking stuffers, like finding stuffers at the drug store, homemade stuffers and ideas submitted by site users.
SewingWeb.com
teaches you how to sew your own stocking. Materials are listed along with step-by-step photographs to walk you through the process.
Knitting Pattern Central
has links to lots of homemade stocking and ornament patterns. You’ll find detailed directions and pictures of each finished product.
For carols …
BBC
has video clips of Christmas carols sung at King’s College. Watch (and listen) to the choir sing “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” “Away in A Manger” and others. Follow the links on the upper right to read about the history and legends of “Silent Night,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and other popular carols.
An Online Christmas Songbook
offers links to more than 100 carols on its homepage. Click on each song for sheet music with lyrics.
The Hymns and Carols of Christmas
is an independently run site with an extensive archive of song lyrics from around the world. Although the site isn’t the most attractive, it might help you find that old Polish carol your grandmother used to hum while rolling pierogi dough.
Who knew?
YouTube
presents an animated rendition of Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol," directed by Richard Williams. This eerie cartoon depicts the nightmarish story of the old humbug Ebenezer Scrooge as he learns the value of the Christmas spirit. The video is divided into four parts: part one, part two, part three and part four.
Christmas Recipes
Nothing brings the family together like a busy kitchen. The smell of simmering spices and a hot ... read more »
Christmas Decorations and Crafts
Another great way to get into the holiday spirit is by decorating your home with Christmas ... read more »
Buying Christmas Supplies and Gifts
Although some people love holiday and Christmas shopping, others bristle at the thought of long ... read more »
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