The story of Martin Luther starting the tradition is a myth; the real story started 350 years later – and presents were popularised by savvy booksellers.
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Articles on Christmas traditions
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‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ is one of the most famous American poems. But who wrote it?
This evergreen plant has some tricky ways to get ahead, but it’s a valuable part of the ecosystem.
When British colonials came to Australia, they stuck to their winter Christmas traditions of roast meats and plum puddings. But over the centuries, Australians found their own ways to celebrate.
In Australia, between 1930 and 1950, women repeatedly stepped in to play the role of Santa. So the figure in the red suit could be gender neutral today.
The annual Dec. 5 tradition sees performers don blackface and afro wigs. But a growing number of Dutch citizens believe it’s time to wave goodbye to Black Pete.
We have an innate desire to be reminded of darkness and mortality during the festive season.
Mythical mistletoe can be traced back to Norse legends.
If you’re craving that freshly-cut tree smell, shop early and don’t be too choosy.
Two centuries on, this beautiful prayer for peace still brings people together around the world.
Both natural and artificial Christmas trees have environmental impacts, but they’re not major. What matters most is what happens to the trees after the holidays.
Being misty-eyed about a perfect Christmas past will do you little good.
The tradition of carol singing at Christmas appears to be going through a revival and it’s bringing communities together.
If you find yourself humming White Christmas this year don’t worry … you’re not alone – and the science of earworms suggests why.
A Christmas tree could be for life, not to be dumped after one festive season.
But they haven’t been without controversy.
Good Christian Men, Rejoice dates from the 14th century; O Come, All Ye Faithful may contain covert Jacobite symbolism and Silent Night is now UNESCO recognised.
Top contributors
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Honorary Professor, The University of Queensland
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Senior Lecturer in Music Psychology, Keele University
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Lecturer of Ethnomusicology and Music Management, University of Sheffield
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Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, The Open University
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Senior Lecturer in Music, The Open University
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Senior Lecturer in Plant-Parasite Interactions, Queen's University Belfast
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Birkbeck, University of London
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Professor Emeritus of Music, Griffith University
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Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Cultural Industries Management, University of East London
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Lecturer in Events and Tourism, Goldsmiths, University of London
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Senior Lecturer in English Literature, Cardiff Metropolitan University
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Lecturer in Studies in Western Religious Traditions, The University of Queensland
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Professor of Horticulture and Forestry, Michigan State University
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Associate Professor, Indiana University
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Honorary Adjunct Lecturer, University of New England
