Holiday Guides
Traditions, recipes, decorating ideas, history, and everything that makes an American Christmas magical
Christmas wasn't always an American institution. The Puritans banned it; Congress met on December 25th until 1870. The holiday's transformation into America's most celebrated day is a fascinating story of immigration, commerce, literature, and culture — from Clement Clarke Moore and Charles Dickens to Clement Studebaker and Coca-Cola's Santa.
Read Full HistoryHow a German immigrant custom became the centerpiece of the American Christmas — from Prince Albert's famous Windsor Castle tree to 25 million trees sold annually in the US today.
Sugar cookies with royal icing, snickerdoodles, gingerbread, and pfeffernusse — the holiday cookies that every American household should master before December 25th.
The modern Santa is an American invention — shaped by Clement Clarke Moore, Thomas Nast, Haddon Sundblom, and commercial culture. Here's the real history of how Santa got his red suit, his workshop, and his reindeer.
From Florida's beach-themed Christmas to New England's colonial lanterns, American Christmas decoration styles vary fascinatingly by region. Plus: the most impressive outdoor light displays and how to create your own.
Roast turkey or prime rib? Green bean casserole or Brussels sprouts? This guide walks through the classic American Christmas dinner, with recipes and a timeline to keep everything hot and ready at the same time.
White Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman — the most beloved American Christmas songs have remarkable stories. Many were written by Jewish songwriters in mid-20th-century New York. Here's why.
Americans spend $1,000+ per household on Christmas gifts. Our budget calculator helps you plan effectively — and we share gift ideas organized by age, interest, and budget so you can shop smart this season.
Christmas in 1920 looked nothing like Christmas in 1970, which looks nothing like Christmas today. We trace the evolution of the American Christmas — from modest Depression-era celebrations to postwar consumer boom to today's hybrid digital-physical holiday.
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