Christmas Blog
Fresh Christmas content every day — from gift ideas to recipes to holiday traditions.
Why Christmas Food Tastes Like Christmas
Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and ginger are not seasonal plants — none of them grow anywhere near a northern winter. The reason they taste like December runs through pharmacology, the spice trade, and a war over a nutmeg island.
Why Is Christmas on December 25?
The Gospels give no date, and the first record of a December 25 celebration comes three centuries late. The two serious theories about how Christmas got its day — and why 'it's just repackaged paganism' doesn't hold up.
The Strange Stories Behind Five Christmas Carols
A broken organ that probably wasn't broken, a tune its composer said must never carry sacred words, and a Christmas classic written for Thanksgiving — the real history of the carols everyone knows.
The Science of Keeping a Christmas Tree Alive
A cut tree is a column of plumbing that seals itself within hours. What actually keeps a Christmas tree fresh — and why aspirin, sugar, bleach and vodka do nothing.
How the Christmas Tree Conquered the World
Two Baltic cities still argue over the first one. The real story of the Christmas tree runs through medieval mystery plays, a doctored royal portrait, and an Edison colleague's publicity stunt.
The Real History of Santa Claus
How a fourth-century bishop from the coast of modern Turkey became Santa Claus — via Dutch New York, an 1823 poem, a Civil War cartoonist, and one stubborn Coca-Cola myth.
How to Host the Perfect Christmas Party
A working plan for hosting a Christmas party people actually enjoy — the four-week countdown, how much food and drink to buy, and the mistakes that quietly ruin an otherwise good evening.
How to Wrap Christmas Presents Like a Pro
The technique department-store wrappers actually use — how much paper to cut, why your corners collapse, and how to wrap the awkward shapes that defeat most people.
Why Do We Kiss Under the Mistletoe?
A parasitic plant that kills trees somehow became Christmas's licence to kiss. The real story runs through Norse myth, druid ritual, Georgian servants' halls, and a Charles Dickens novel.
The 15 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes You Need to Bake in 2026
From classic gingerbread to creative new twists, these are the 15 best Christmas cookie recipes to bake this holiday season. Easy recipes for every skill level.
The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 2026: Best Gifts for Everyone on Your List
Our editors pick the absolute best Christmas gifts for 2026. Curated recommendations for every recipient, budget, and interest — from stocking stuffers to luxury splurges.
The 20 Best Christmas Movies to Stream in 2026
The definitive ranking of the best Christmas movies available to stream in 2026. From timeless classics to new favorites, find your next holiday movie night pick.
25 Fascinating Christmas Traditions From Around the World
From Japan's KFC Christmas dinner to Iceland's 13 Yule Lads, discover the most unique and beautiful Christmas traditions celebrated in countries around the globe.