Carl Pettit
A Look at How the Rest of the World Celebrates Christmas
Christmas traditions around the world can be quite different from what we’re used to at home.
5 Scary, Creepy and Unsettling Things About Christmas
Christmas is the time of giving and families, but it also has a darker side.
The 5 Best Santa Clauses on Film
Santa Claus, who without a doubt really does exist, doesn’t have time to make a personal appearance in every Hollywood movie about Christmas ever made. Instead, he relies on a number of talented actors to portray him on the silver screen.
5 Fun and Unusual Ways to Decorate Your Christmas Tree
Globes and angels and stars are fine, but for the folks who like to be a little more imaginative with their Christmas-tree decorations—whether from boredom or budget—we’ve come up with a list of five unusual ways to help get the creative wheels in your noggin spinning:
The Economics of Christmas — How Much Americans Spend on Presents, Cards, Travel and More
Christmas means toys, food, holiday cards, laughter, singing, family squabbles and lot of sweets stuffed inside your belly. The festive season also means a ton of money will be spent on those near and dear to us—and with so many sales going on, maybe just a bit on yourself as well.
The 6 Best Sleigh Rides You’ll Ever Take
“Come on! It’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.”
Those famous words, from the song ‘Sleigh Bells Ringing,’ signal the arrival of lots of snow in the colder regions of the planet—and tons of winter fun. What better way to enjoy the crisp air, and the cold outdoors, than by taking a “cool” sleigh ride?
10 Incredible Christmas Records: Tallest Tree, Most Expensive Ornament, Biggest Present and More
Christmas is a time for brotherly love, family, friends, good food and presents. It’s also a time, apparently, for setting some pretty astonishing—and often downright wacky—holiday records.
What Is a Garland and Why Do We Use It at Christmas?
Christmastime means garlands, garlands all over the place. When you see them hanging about shopping malls and your neighbors’ houses, you know the holiday season has arrived. As widespread as these decorative wreaths of flowers, leaves and twigs are, most people don’t really know why they’re associated with Christmas.
When Did Mrs. Claus Get Introduced?
Santa Claus, that jolly fellow who races across the sky in his reindeer-pulled sleigh on Christmas Eve after judging who has been naughty or nice, needs no introduction. But his wife is another matter.
What Is the Origin of Santa Claus?
The Santa Claus the world knows—the “Coca Cola” Santa Claus decked out in red and white—is synonymous with Christmas, flying red-nosed reindeer, a big jolly laugh, and lots and lots of presents. Tales of old Saint Nick have spread across the planet and worked their way into numerous cultures. But do you know how the story of the fat man in the red suit first got started?
Why Do Candy Canes Look Like That?
Candy canes have been around for hundreds of years, but they haven't always had that easily identifiable hooked shape. They also weren't red at all.
Why Do People Kiss Under the Mistletoe?
Some people complain about the over-commercialization of the holiday season and how the need to buy and buy has drained all the charm out of Christmastime. Well, it’s not totally gone. Eager children still get wonderful toys, families still come together for great meals, and there’s always the off chance you’ll spot someone you like very much standing beneath the mistletoe, which means you have th
What’s the Real Story Behind the History of the Microwave Oven? [VIDEO]
The microwave oven is a wonderful time saver. When you want to defrost a chicken, warm up a bowl of soup, pop some popcorn or cook an instant burrito, you can’t beat microwave technology.
Who invented Sunglasses? The Answer May Surprise You
When you’re out in the bright sun, and you want to have some fun without squinting for hours on end, you need a pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes.
What’s The Real Story Behind The Expression ‘The Real McCoy?’
When you’re faced with the real McCoy, you’re dealing with the real thing. It isn’t a copy or near likeness. It’s the honest-to-goodness genuine article.
It doesn’t mater if you’re talking about a valuable coin, a leather sofa, a bottle of whiskey or a living person.
10 Amazing Whitewater Rafting Trips in North America
North America is an incredible place, with wonderful landscapes full of remarkable rivers. You can hit the rapids full on, crashing through walls of water, or else take a more leisurely float down a long stretch of river, which will let you gaze upon some truly stunning scenery.
10 Everyday Foods That Are Surprisingly Healthy
People are always trying to eat healthier or lose weight. The media sends out a constant onslaught of new information about what you should and shouldn’t eat.
What’s the Real Story Behind the Phrase ‘Frog in Your Throat?’
When someone tells you that you have a frog in your throat, that person is letting you know that you sound terrible. Your voice is raspy and dry, and you’re probably having a hard time speaking.
So, is there some magical tale about how this expression came about?
The Real Story Behind the Phrase ‘Lame Duck’
When you think of the phrase ‘lame duck,’ you might picture a poor duck walking around with a plaster cast on one of its legs, or webbed feat. While that’s a striking image, it isn’t the right one.
10 American Olympic Heroes Who Became Legends
With the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games coming up soon, we thought we’d take a glimpse at some of the American superstars who have claimed Olympic glory in the past.