MAIN Holidays Christmas Christmas Traditions & History

Trace the origins of the holiday with some of the best illustrated histories online - from the history of the Christmas tree and the origins of Santa Claus - to centuries-old festive winter traditions still observed in countries around the world...

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Catholic Encyclopedia: Christmas - Detailed and scholarly exposition on keeping the Western world's biggest holiday holy.

St. Nicholas: Discovering The Truth About Santa Claus - Great eye candy sweetens an excellent mix of lore and history plus facts about worldwide traditions, kids' games and stories, together with background on the Michigan-based St. Nicholas Center.

Diorama Bethlehem - Go on a virtual tour of the world's largest creche, or Christmas crib, in Einsidein, Switzerland.

History Channel - Christmas - As only the History Channel can do it, with a great, illustrated narrative on the origins of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, world traditions and more.

Christmas History - With select links to online articles, essays personal stories, online exhibits and e-texts, from ChristmasPast.info.

Christmas History - 11 easily digestible, illustrated chapters on the background of the holiday including the origins of 'Xmas', Christmas tree traditions, carols and more, plus an online sing-a-long for The Twelve Days of Christmas.

also see -> Christmas in the U.S. & Around the World

Christmas Attractions | Christmas Chocolate

Christmas Cookie Recipes | Christmas Party Ideas

Christmas Recipes | Christmas Trees

Epiphany | Las Posadas | Santa Claus