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 celebrated Yule from December 21 through January to honor the winter solstice. In Rome, Saturnalia honored Saturn, the god of agriculture, during the month of December. These holidays coincided with the winter solstice as a means of bringing light and joy into people’s lives during the darkest months of the year—as Christmas does today. Did you know that Jesus wasn’t born on December 25? Find out why the date was chosen and how Christmas customs developed using the sites below.
Insights for the History of Christmas
- Although the sites listed here have valuable cultural information, be mindful that sites maintained by religious groups may have missionary content.
- If you want to learn more about the history of Christmas, watch "Christmas Unwrapped," or read "The Origins of Christmas."
Top Sites for the History of Christmas
For an overview …
The History Channel
Web site presents “Christmas,” the story of the tradition and its origins, dating back to Norse and Roman traditions of Yule and Saturnalia, respectively. Learn how Christmas was celebrated in Europe, and how customs evolved in the New World.
BBC
BBC covers the stages of Christmas in its online exhibit, “Ten Ages of Christmas.” Although the site focuses on British history, many of the traditions that were established in Britain were influential in shaping how the holiday developed in the New World. Learn about the origins of the Christmas tree, Father Christmas, gift giving and more.
For a Christian perspective …
New Advent
offers this article within its Catholic Encyclopedia. This exhaustive overview of Christmas has links to many historical figures, dates, places and events. Read about the ancient celebration of Christmas around the world, the origins of the date and word, as well as the liturgy and customs of Christmas.
The Voice
promises “biblical and theological resources for growing Christians.” The site describes the history of Christmas, and its role today, with plenty of detail and a distinctly Christian perspective.
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 oven evoke memories of Christmases past, and remind us what is to come, be it roast beef, caramelized carrots, cranberry chutney, gingerbread cookies or hot toddies. If you’re looking for some new Christmas recipes to try this season, or ways to improve upon your favorite dishes, drinks, cookies and other desserts, the following sites will more than satisfy you.
Insights for Christmas Recipes
- If you’re cooking for someone with food allergies, visit the findingDulcinea Cooking Web Guide to find helpful ingredient substitutions, like using oatmeal instead of wheat when baking.
- Make a bookmark folder for your favorite Christmas recipes. This virtual recipe box will keep your holiday favorites together in one place.
Top Sites for Christmas Recipes
For menus and recipes …
Food Network
has an extensive section on Christmas that's full of menu ideas, holiday cocktails, dessert recipes and entertaining tips.
MarthaStewart.com
presents a variety of holiday dinners that use old favorites as the basis for innovative menus. Browse complete Christmas menus, or search for cookie and appetizer recipes.
All Recipes
hosts a Christmas feature with lots of twists on traditional favorites. View recipes by category, on the right, or dive into the daily recipe featured near the top of the page.
For the history of famous Christmas recipes …
The Food Timeline
presents a bit of history (and recipes) for classic Christmas favorites such as gingerbread, wassail and sugarplums. Take a look at Christmas menus in America throughout history. Stewed broth of mutton marrow bones, anyone?
Christmas Decorations and Crafts
Another great way to get into the holiday spirit is by decorating your home with Christmas decorations and crafts. Everyone appreciates thoughtful holiday details, and making crafts and decorations with your family is a great way to spend time with the people you love—even if the wreath turns out a little lopsided or the lights don’t hang quite right.
Insights for Christmas Decorations and Crafts
- Stay organized by making a holiday binder. Print the Christmas recipes and decoration articles you like, and keep them together for easy access, or maintain a bookmark folder of helpful links on your computer.
Top Sites for Christmas Decorations and Crafts
For decorating tips and ideas …
BHG.com
offers advice on how to make beautiful and affordable decorations, like centerpieces and Christmas cards. Visit “11 Tips for Prettier Christmas Trees” for easy ways to make your tree look stunning and original.
HGTV.com
lists room-by-room crafts that can make your home Christmas ready. Learn how to make wreaths, garlands, fireplace decorations, stockings and table settings. Pictures are included with step-by-step instructions and a list of necessary tools.
iVillage
gives advice on outdoor decorating for the holiday season. The site offers lots of photos to help you select the right plants and accessories to garnish your home in the winter months.
To decorate with the kids …
Kaboose
has lots of Christmas craft ideas geared toward kids. Each item is listed along with a picture of the finished work of art. You’ll get instructions, a list of necessary tools and insightful tips.
Buying Christmas Supplies and Gifts
Although some people love holiday and Christmas shopping, others bristle at the thought of long lines and crowded stores. If you don’t have time to make your own decorations, or want to do some basic shopping for Christmas supplies and gifts online, the sites below help you buy what you need from the comfort of your home.
Insights for Buying Christmas Supplies and Gifts
- For advice on how to give and give back, visit the findingDulcinea Holiday Shopping Web Guide and the “Charitable Gifts” section of the findingDulcinea Gift Giving Web Guide.
- Browse general shopping sites like eBay or a classifieds site like Craigslist to find unique supplies at good prices.
Top Sites for Buying Christmas Supplies and Gifts
Frontgate
sells Christmas decorations for the home and holiday-themed gifts for the family. You’ll find indoor and outdoor decorations, as well as ornaments, lights, stockings, tree skirts and more.
Overstock.com
offers products that manufacturers couldn’t sell through regular outlets. You’ll find lots of household items, holiday supplies and decorations, some with designer labels.
Target
has basic household supplies, including kitchenware and decorating products. Look for the holiday items you need, such as ornament hooks and outdoor lights.
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