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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.
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10 Unusual Global Christmas Traditions: Goats, Krampus, Pooping Logs and More
Snow falls from the sky, shops sell their Christmas wares, and the sweet fragrance of gingerbread houses fill the air—'tis the season! In the United States, there are plenty of Christmas traditions around to keep everyone happy. Gift giving, holiday meals and ornament-covered trees are in abundance everywhere.
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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 the right to give that person a Christmas kiss.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Racist ‘Elmo’ Gets Dragged Off By NYC Cops
Everyone loves Elmo, right? He’s cute, fury and extremely affable. Elmo is a one fantastic Muppet, unless you happen to be talking about the nasty Elmo impersonator in New York City who, until recently, had been hurling racial abuses at pedestrians and other fellow Elmo impersonators.
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10 Strange Ice Cream Flavors For Summer
When the weather gets warmer, and you head out into the sun, you’re bound to eat a whole lot of ice cream. Of course, you could choose from the traditional flavors, like vanilla, chocolate, pistachio and rocky road. But why not try something a little different?