Holiday Customs From Around the World and Local Lights
The article surveys Christmas traditions from the Netherlands Italy and Scandinavia to Puerto Rico and Spain noting varied gift dates and gift givers from St Nicholas Befana and the wise men It also describes German roots of many customs and regional foods In Albuquerque New Mexico luminarias light up streets and homes with paper bags and candles forming a citywide glow.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Italy
Befana
Scandinavian Countries
Puerto Rico
Spain
Bethlehem
Albuquerque
N. M
Greens Forbidden at Christmas by Church Edicts
The article notes that until around 565 A D church authorities forbade the use of evergreens for Christmas decorations, reflecting early religious restrictions on festive plant decorations.
Christmas Cards Began in England in 1860s
The article notes Christmas cards started in England in the 1860s and became a newer tradition for sending holiday greetings. It mentions the phrase Merry Christmas and describes the evolving custom of extending greetings to friends.
Princeton Football Coach Woorow Wilson in 1890
A historical note identifies Woorow Wilson serving as Princeton University football coach in 1890. The brief records the coaching role and year without additional context.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Woorow Wilson
Princeton
Christmas Greeting Cards Catching Public Fancy
A compare and discuss piece notes that saying Merry Christmas in card form became popular quickly. It mentions a newspaper edition issuing a large Me Christmas card with merchants offering greetings and appreciation to customers and friends.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Santa
Netherlands
St. Nicholas
Germany
Nuremberg
Frauenkirche
Austria
Quebec
Bolte
Farmers Savings Bank
Frederika, Iowa
O’brien
Thomas O’brien
England
Warner Electric
Ken
Janice
Henry
Rudy
Harry
Richard
Erv
Dale
Karl - Vie
Jack
Bob
Buhr
Lawrence
Ewald
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!