CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
Christmas Eve Was the Place to Be
Jim Sepe remembers teenage Christmases, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, and family celebrations his high school friends wanted to share.
Read the Story →Stories From Christmas Past & Present
Christmas traditions connect generations. From visiting Santa at the department store to leaving cookies by the fireplace, discover the stories behind the traditions that make Christmas magical.
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
When Santa Arrived, Christmas Began
Jim Sepe remembers a big Italian family, Thanksgiving mornings in the Northeast, and the Christmas traditions that still feel like home.
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CHRISTMAS HISTORY
The History of Sitting on Santa's Lap
How did sitting on Santa's lap become one of Christmas's most familiar traditions? Discover the story behind the classic Santa photo.
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CHRISTMAS HISTORY
How Department Store Santas Became a Christmas Tradition
Long before the modern shopping mall, department stores helped turn a visit with Santa into an annual family Christmas tradition.
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CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Why Do We Leave Cookies and Milk for Santa?
Millions of children leave Santa a late-night snack on Christmas Eve. Here's how this sweet holiday tradition became part of Christmas.
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CHRISTMAS NOSTALGIA
The History of the Family Christmas Card
From Victorian greetings to family photographs arriving in the mailbox, Christmas cards have been connecting friends and families for generations.
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CHRISTMAS NOSTALGIA
Christmas Traditions From the 1940s and 1950s
Aluminum trees, handwritten Christmas cards, department store windows and family gatherings — a nostalgic look at Christmas in mid-century America.
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CHRISTMAS PHOTOS
Tips for Taking a Great Christmas Family Photo
A few simple choices involving lighting, clothing, composition, and expressions can make your Christmas family photo much more memorable.
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Ready for Your Own Picture With Santa?
Turn your favorite photo into a magical Christmas picture with Santa.
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