Get ready to sleigh the season! In this holly jolly journey through time, explore the festive feasts, colorful customs, and heartwarming tales that make Christmas the most magical time of the year. Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? How did a third-century Turkish monk become the Santa Claus we know today? Why did elves get involved? And what's the deal with fruitcake? Discover all this and more in the surprising—and surprisingly old—origins of cherished holiday customs, from ancient pagan winter solstice celebrations to religious rituals to ugly sweater parties and Elf on the Shelf. Plus, unwrap the magic of Christmas traditions from around the world!
Jingle All the Way Back in Time • Winter celebrations have spanned millennia. Here are a few key moments in Christmas’s long history.
Christmas Past • ANCIENT HOLIDAY TRADITIONS FROM THE STONE AGE TO THE 19TH CENTURY
Before Christmas Was Christmas • From Saturnalia to Jesus: Yule be surprised by the intriguing origins of early winter solstice celebrations from 10,000 BC to 499 AD.
Medieval Merriment • Early European Christmas festivities (500 to 1500 AD) were more like Mardi Gras than family-friendly celebrations.
Christmas in the Colonies • During the 15th and 17th centuries, Christmas was outlawed in some regions, but festive favorites like plum pudding and mince pies thrived.
Christmas gets a Glow-Up • Many traditions thought of as modern actually started in the Victorian Era (1837 to 1901), including the shifting focus to the family, Santa Claus, Christmas cards, tree decorating, and roast turkey.
Festive Treats • A CULINARY TOUR OF CENTURIES-OLD CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Reclaiming Fruitcake • From an ancient Roman energy bar to one of Christmas’s reliable jokes, this is the holiday’s most notorious dessert—and yet can be one of its most delicious.
A Century of Sweet • From simple maple candies to elaborate flambés, special desserts have been a holiday staple for more than a hundred years.
Eggnog • There’s no denying the adaptability of this indulgent, custardy beverage.
The Spice Is Right • From ancient Roman traditions to Medieval English farmers singing to their trees, the origins of mulled holiday beverages are worth celebrating.
Meat and Greet • Discover the juicy story behind the holiday ham tradition, plus the surprising histories of Christmas turkey, goose, and…peacock.
Cane You Believe It? • Candy canes are synonymous with Christmas itself. Unwrap the sweet history of a holiday icon.
Baking a Difference • The history of holiday cookies involves a medieval spice renaissance, eight-legged Norse horses, and an English queen’s favorite courtiers.
Deck the Halls • THE FASCINATING TRANSFORMATION OF CHRISTMAS DECOR THROUGH THE AGES
Christmas Trees • From their humble beginnings in sun worship to their popularization by British royals, the history of the holiday tree goes back farther than you might realize.
What a Pickle • A marketing gimmick in the late 1800s became a fun holiday decorating tradition and family game.
Sweet Architecture • Gingerbread houses have evolved from a children’s fairy tale to a cherished holiday tradition, spreading joy and creativity with every delicious detail.
Spreading the Cheer • Learn the heartwarming story of Christmas cards—then make your own with these creative designs.
Bright Ideas • From the warm glow of candles on Victorian trees to the electrifying neighborhood displays today, Christmas lights have a rich ongoing history.
That’s a Wrap • Dating back to ancient China, decorative gift papers gained popularity in the 20th century.
TOP IT OFF • These festive...