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Outdoor Christmas Tree

How Do Christmas Trees Grow?

While most of us think about Christmas trees only in December, for farmers who grow cut-your-own...
Eagle Pumpkin

How to Carve a Pumpkin

When it comes to pumpkin carving, “Farmer Mike” Valladao is an expert. He shares his tips, tricks, ...
Star of Bethlehem

The Star of Bethlehem

Was the Star of Bethlehem a real celestial body or a miraculous vision? Astronomer Bob Berman...
Fall Trees

Fall Leaves: Why Do Leaves Change Color?

Ever wonder why leaves change color? Did you know that fall’s vivid colors are actually hidden...
snowy tree cricket HGW

Where the Wild Things Are: November

November the first. You’ve unmothballed your winter sweaters and laid in a supply of hand-warmers....
care-for-christmas-poinsettia

History of the Poinsettia

Where does the poinsettia come from? Where was this traditional Christmas plant discovered? Are...
Christmas Wreath

The Story Behind Your Christmas Wreath

This time of year there are Christmas wreaths everywhere from doors and fences to lampposts and...
Christmas Ornament

Christmas Day 2019

Christmas occurs on a Wednesday this year. Discover why we celebrate Christmas Day on December 25...
Christmas Firsts

Christmas Firsts: The Origins of Christmas Traditions in America

When did the first Christmas card, Christmas tree, and department store Santa Claus appear in...
Boxing Day Gift

Boxing Day 2019: What is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26! Why is it called Boxing Day? And what, if anything, does...
Friday the 13th Cat

Why is Friday the 13th Unlucky? | Origin of Friday the 13th

The next Friday the 13th is December 13, 2019!  Why is this day often associated with bad luck?...
Full Cold Moon - OFA

Full Moon for December 2019

December’s full Moon rises on Wednesday, December 11, into Thursday, December 12, 2019. Plus, this...
Wolf and the Moon at Winter

Monthly Horoscope for December 2019

Check your Horoscope for December 2019! Every month, Almanac astrologer Celeste Longacre provides...
Snowflake

How to Make Paper Snowflakes

Turn your home into a winter wonderland with paper snowflakes! Perfect for a snow day, this easy...
Saint Nicholas

St. Nicholas Day 2019

Was Saint Nicholas a real person? Is he the true Santa Claus and Father Christmas? Find out about...
Mercury-retrograde

Mercury Retrograde Dates for 2020

Mercury’s retrograde motion will start again on February 17, 2020! According to the age-old...
Holly Leaves

December Birth Flowers

December’s flowers may be very different from each other—one being a bulb and the other an...
Snowball Cookies

Christmas Cookie Recipes for Kids

Want to get the kids involved this holiday season? Try making these easy Christmas cookie recipes ...
Christmas Setting

The Month of December 2019: Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore

What’s happening in December 2019? This month brings with it snow (for many), family, feasts, and...
Chanukah

Hanukkah 2019

Hanukkah begins on Sunday, December 22, at sundown. Learn about Hanukkah history, customs, and a...
Squash Autumn Foods

The Thanksgiving Meal Is Packed With Vitamins

When you think of Thanksgiving, what foods come to mind? Turkey? Sweet potatoes? Cranberries?...
Turkey Hash

Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes

For us, leftovers are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. Here are quick and easy leftovers...
Christmas Tree Decorated

How to Care for a Christmas Tree

Learn how to choose the perfect Christmas tree—and keep your tree healthy from the beginning. Right...
how-to-make-orange-pomanders

How to Make Pomander Balls

Here’s how to make pomander balls, which are simply oranges pierced by cloves. As the fruit dries,...
Full Homemade Thanksgiving Dinner

Best Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

Few feasts are so steeped in tradition as Thanksgiving! We’ve updated our Thanksgiving Dinner...
Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Unusual Squash and Gourds for the Thanksgiving Displays

Colorful squash and gourds are signs of Thanksgiving to me—harking back to the Pilgrims—and the...
When is Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day 2019

In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November—this year, on...
Cranberry chutney with brie cheese appetizer

Best Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

What do you serve before Thanksgiving dinner? Here are some Thanksgiving appetizer recipe ideas—...
Apple Crumb Pie for Thanksgiving

Best Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, a traditional pie is a sure bet for us. But which pie? Here...
When is First Day of Winter?

Winter Solstice 2019: The First Day of Winter

Winter officially begins with the Winter Solstice on Saturday, December 21, 2019. This is the...
Veteran With Flag

Veterans Day 2019

Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11. This year, the 11th day of the 11th month is a...
Full Beaver Moon - OFA

Full Moon for November 2019

November’s Full Beaver Moon rises on Tuesday, November 12! Learn when to spot it in your area and...
Turkey in Snow

2019 Thanksgiving Forecast: Gobbled Up by Rain and Snow?

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, two things are on the mind: turkey and travel! For the latter,...
Viking Shield

The History of Shaving and Beards

Can you imagine plucking facial hair? When (and why) do men shave beards? Interestingly, shaving...
Astrology

Monthly Horoscope for November 2019

Here’s your Horoscope for November 2019. Every month, Almanac astrologer Celeste Longacre provides...
daylight-saving-time-clock

Daylight Saving Time 2019: When Does the Time Change?

Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 3, at 2 A.M., so prepare Saturday evening to “fall...
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter 360

When Do the Seasons Start in 2019-2020?

When do the four seasons—winter, spring, summer, and fall—start? Here are your equinox and solstice...
Scarecrows

4 Last-Minute Halloween Decorations for Gardeners

Halloween is almost here! You’ve got the candy for trick-or-treaters ready to go. But, as you...
Full Moon on Halloween

Halloween Moon | What's the Moon Phase This Halloween?

Ever noticed that Halloween pictures always show a full Moon? But how often does the full Moon...
Fall Road

Indian Summer: What, Why, and When?

In the fall, it seems that almost any warm day is referred to by most people as “Indian summer.” ...
Halloween Pumpkin

Quarter Days and Cross-Quarter Days

Halloween has ancient origins. For the Celts, it was a cross-quarter day called Samhain (“summer’s...
Voting Ballot Box

Why Do We Vote on a Tuesday?

Ever wondered why Americans vote on a Tuesday? The practice goes back to a time when Tuesday was ...

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