Q&A: The History of the Christmas Celebration

Since the mid-fourth century, Western Christians have celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25 to honor the birth date of Jesus Christ. The date is not supported by Biblical evidence, however, and the true origins of the celebration may lie in secular festivals centered around the winter solstice.

On Oct. 6, 1927, “The Jazz Singer” debuted; it was the first full-length film to feature the voices of its actors.

On Aug. 17, 1908, Cohl released the cartoon “Fantasmagorie,” which amazed viewers and instituted a new form of art.

Nationwide, more boys than girls seem to be struggling with reading. Here are five tips from teachers, librarians, authors and literacy strategists to encourage boys to read.

The revitalization of “Alice in Wonderland” shows the enduring appeal of certain fairy tales, and spotlights modern reincarnations and uses in the classroom.

Economic and environmental concerns have combined to generate more interest in having a green Christmas this year, and experts have plenty of sustainability advice.

PBS will air a new adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank on Holocaust Remembrance Day, and provides extensive classroom resources to accompany the film. 

When the cameras stop rolling, sometimes fame can evaporate quickly, or leave a person with more problems than they had before.

With many "Extreme Makeover" homeowners struggling financially, the show has responded by scaling back to better fit the current economic climate.

A documentary revealing Japan's annual dolphin slaughter wins an Oscar for Best Documentary, drawing further attention to a practice both traditional and disturbing.

A new TV series follows celebrities as they trace their family histories, and could prompt greater interest in genealogy and DNA technologies among Americans, including students.

A new HBO film tells the story of Temple Grandin, an uncommonly determined autistic woman whose impact on agricultural techniques defied what experts expected from her life.

Salinger died Wednesday of natural causes in his home in Cornish, N.H., where he had lived for the past 50 years, removed from the public eye.

Spain’s proposed ban on late night beauty ads coincides with fashion industry trends touting healthier, more realistic images of women.

The new MTV series debuts tonight, signifying a new direction for the network and an example of Gen Y’s socially conscious leanings.

Many consider Newbery Medal-winning books to be a “gold standard” for quality children’s literature. This year’s selection has met the expectations of many critics that last year questioned whether the award had lost its value.

Disney is being praised for featuring a black princess in the new animated film “The Princess and the Frog,” but some critics say the setting and characters reinforce stereotypes.

"Everybody’s Fine” is a new Robert De Niro film that highlights the joys and challenges of train travel, particularly during the holiday season.