Worldwide Christmas Traditions

Everyone who loves Christmas literature should read The Polar Express!

It's hard to separate children and Christmas, and when it comes to children's Christmas literature, The Polar Express captures that fusion perfectly. Author Chris Van Allsburg is known for his imaginative storytelling and rich illustrations (he also penned such imaginative classics as The Mysteries of Harris Burdick and Jumanji), and his talent shines through every page of this beautiful story.

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The Thanksgiving Controversy

Of all the things Thanksgiving can be, who'd have thought it was controversial? Yes, something as wholesome as this traditional American holiday has controversy all around. What's the hullabaloo all about? Seems some have differing opinions on who really started Thanksgiving and what it was all about...

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Has Christmas Become Too Commercialized?

Sometime during the last 2,000 years Christmas became a very commercialized holiday. The face of Christmas has changed. Christmas used to be a more festive and warm holiday. Nowadays, Christmas is highly commercialized. What ever happened to the days when children received just a gift or two? Currently, most children have grand expectations of receiving a tree full of gifts. With all the hustle and bustle, the spirit of the Christmas season has been lost.

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Is Xmas a New Abbreviation for the Word Christmas?

Many people abbreviate Christmas by writing "Xmas." However, some people consider using an abbreviated form of Christmas to be offensive. These two conflicting viewpoints can be resolved when we learn more about the history of using Xmas as an abbreviation for Christmas.

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Learn About the Customs that Preceded Christmas

Christmas is approaching, but it is very likely that the day Christians celebrate as Christ’s birth was not the date of his actual birth at all. Christmas is an integral celebration of Christianity, but it seems that it occurs during December for reasons that many people aren’t aware of. So why is Christmas celebrated in December? You might be surprised when you learn the answer.

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The Truth about the Dangers of Poinsettias

Are poinsettias really dangerous? You've no doubt heard the rumors that poinsettias are deadly when ingested. Those with pets and children are constantly warned not to buy poinsettias during the holiday season. With Christmas quickly approaching, you might be wondering if there any truths to the myth and whether or not you should keep the plant in your home this holiday season.

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Generation to generation – a Christmas story that will never be forgotten

A Christmas story is something that brings families together on the holidays. A Christmas story can be fun, cheerful and based on legendary traditions, or it can be truly enlightening.

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Twas the night before Christmas and other famous tales

'Twas the night before Christmas is a classic poem that was originally titled "A Visit from St. Nicholas".

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Christmas theme decorations with a touch of American pride

Christmas theme decorations are not uncommon at all. While some homes are decorated with a variety of colors and various different items, many are adorned with Christmas theme decorations.

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11 classic favorites for Christmas music

Christmas music is prevalent to the holiday spirit. Christmas music ranges from classical hymns and Christmas carols to humorous sing-alongs to suit any taste in music. Many big stars do remakes of classic Christmas songs giving them a new twist for a new generation.

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A growing tradition is Christmas in July

Christmas in July is a wonderful tradition that is growing in popularity.

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A Christmas party with a Mexican theme is a wonderful tradition

A Christmas party with a Mexican theme can be a lot of fun and whether or not your family has a Mexican heritage, it can be a memorable family tradition.

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How Christmas history has evolved over the years

Christmas history is rich in tradition derived from a variety of cultures.

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Christmas holiday decor with an English appeal

Christmas holiday decor is influenced by many factors including cultural customs and religious practices. Sometimes Christmas holiday decor is selected just because it is beautiful and sometimes to complement the standard decorating theme in a home.

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The possibilities are endless with Christmas decorations online

Buying Christmas decorations online is an up and coming tradition with limitless possibilities. There are numerous, worldwide distributors of Christmas decorations online.

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5 fun Christmas costumes children love to make

Christmas costumes can add fun and fantasy to Christmas celebrations. Can you think of a Christmas tradition that is any more fun than having a family, church or school play acted out by children adorned in hand-made Christmas costumes?

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Traditional Christmas decorations

Christmas decorations vary from culture to culture, but there are some traditional Christmas decorations and customs that are common to many cultures.

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The origin of traditional Christmas ornaments

Christmas ornaments are used to decorate Christmas trees all over the world.

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Who celebrates Christmas and holidays like Christmas?

Christmas is primarily a Christian holiday, although some people who aren’t Christians celebrate Christmas anyway simply because they enjoy the spirit of the season, the fellowship and the family traditions that arise from the celebration.

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