Holidays

Find out why we celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, when the holiday became popular in America, and from where the traditions of Santa Claus and the Christmas tree are derived.

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.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was instituted after the Civil War to honor war veterans, and was eventually made into a day of remembrance for all who died in service to their country. Today, the holiday is part of the three-day weekend signaling the beginning of summer.

Use these five Web sites to fully understand the significance of Easter, including Lent and Holy Week, and find fun tips for celebrating Easter with kids. The most basic and obscure of Easter facts will be revealed, along with historical context of this fascinating holiday.

Do your parents still have the clay bowl you made for them in second grade? In many homes, it’s the simple, handmade gifts that are most appreciated. Parents aren’t the only ones that appreciate a gift made by hand. Visit the sites below to find ideas for gifts that you can make especially for the ones you love.

Bethlehem is an intriguing destination any time of year, but especially during the Christmas season. The city’s historic churches and squares enchant visitors, while its ancient architecture and meandering footpaths lend a truly old-world atmosphere. Learn about Bethlehem’s most revered spots, and get insight into modern life in Bethlehem.

The world is full of super moms who do extraordinary things for their kids every day, often without recognition or fanfare. In celebration of super moms everywhere, we take a look at five women who made headlines by taking motherhood to new heights.

Mother’s Day originated in 1907 in the United States when Anna Jarvis created a day to honor mothers. Learn how the day has evolved over the years, how mothers are celebrated around the world and how you can honor your mom this Mother’s Day.

Mayday! Sunday, May 9, is Mother’s Day! Repeat: Sunday is Mother’s Day! Even if the holiday completely slipped your mind, there are plenty of gifts you can whip up for your mom at the last minute. Many of them even provide the illusion that you’ve prepared in advance, but all of them are guaranteed to show you care.

Cinco de Mayo—May 5—is a festive, lively Mexican celebration that has become increasingly popular in the United States. These six sites summarize the history of the holiday, highlight some contemporary celebrations and make suggestions as to how and where to enjoy Cinco de Mayo.

When you were a child, you might have given your mom some handpicked flowers and a homemade card for Mother’s Day. Guess what? That’s probably just the sort of thing she’d like to get again this year.

Amazing Christmas trees, brilliant light displays and lovely holiday decorations attract attention from scores of people across the country because of their beauty, and sometimes because of their excess. FindingDulcinea has located some of the most notable.

Have the incessant buzz of Christmas music and twinkling lights made you want to hit the eggnog? Find solace with these cinematic gems, sure to have you saying “Bah, humbug!” with glee.

During these difficult economic times, it’s tempting to forgo tipping. But it’s important to reward the people that provide valuable services year-round. Fortunately, there are a number of Web sites that help clarify the purpose and process of tipping at the holidays.

St. Patrick’s Day is beloved by Irish-Americans, but the celebrations go beyond New York City and Boston. In Central New York, Syracuse hosts a festive annual parade and even has a stoplight that pays homage to the city’s Irish heritage. Discover the famed Tipperary Hill and learn how Irish immigrants made their way to Syracuse with the Web sites below.

St. Patrick’s Day is a lively holiday, steeped in traditions that go way beyond green beer and leprechauns. The following five sites offer resources to teach you about the holiday and how to embrace it through recipes, decorations, parades and even traveling to Ireland.

Countless love stories in literature have inspired real-life romance. In this article find links to e-books, book club guides and other resources for exploring some of the most romantic tales in literature, including Jane Austen's "Emma," "The Odyssey" and "Captain Corelli's Mandolin."

Romantic movies can captivate everyone, from weepy women to tough guys. Today, we take a look at the most memorable romantic movies, lists made by some venerable film organizations and multimedia to engage your softer side—or just make you laugh.

Famous couples, like Lancelot and Guinevere or Tsar Nicholas II and Alexandra, have a way of charming us into believing in the power of love. Below are resources about memorable couples in myth, popular fiction and history.

Get inspiration on the Web to find your crush or significant other a Valentine's Day gift that will mean something special—or, at the very least, sound, smell or taste good!