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Star of Bethlehem

The Star of Bethlehem

Was the Star of Bethlehem a real celestial body or a miraculous vision? Astronomer Bob Berman...
Outdoor Christmas Tree

Keeping Your Christmas Tree Fresh

While most of us think about Christmas trees only in December, for growers of cut-your-own trees,...
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....
Gourds and Squash at Thanksgiving

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...
care-for-christmas-poinsettia

History of the Poinsettia

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

How to Carve a Pumpkin

When it comes to pumpkin carving, the idea is to have fun. We’ve got tips on carving the best...
Cats and Holiday Plants

Holiday Plants That Are Harmful to Cats and Dogs

We have two new kittens at our house—Fred and Ginger—and they seem to be doubly curious about...
Best Days to Fish

Fishing Calendar for 2019

When is the best time to go fishing? See our best fishing days in the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s 2019 ...
Birth Month Flowers-primary image-1920x1280px Pixabay

Birth Month Flowers and Their Meanings

What is your birth month flower? Consult this list of all the monthly birth flowers to find out!...
Winter Country Scene

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

Welcome to January! Start the new year by learning about this month’s important holidays, seasonal ...
New Year Celebrations

New Year's Day 2019

New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1, marking the start of the year in the Gregorian calendar...
Boxing Day Gift

Boxing Day 2018: What is Boxing Day?

What is Boxing Day? Why is it called Boxing Day? And what, if anything, does boxing have to do with...
Snowdrop Flowers

January Birth Flowers

In the dark month of January, nothing lifts the spirits quite like ebullient, colorful flowers....
Christmas Ornament

Christmas Day 2018

What is the real meaning of Christmas? Enjoy our Everything Christmas page with Christmas dates,...
Classic Deviled Eggs

Christmas Appetizer Recipes

Ho, ho, ho! Here are 12 of our favorite Christmas appetizer recipes. Whether it’s classic deviled...
Fireworks

New Year's Traditions From Around the World

Many New Year’s traditions that we take for granted actually date back to ancient times. This year...
Hoppin' John With Rice and Pork

Hoppin’ John: Good Luck Food at New Year

Welcome in the New Year with Hoppin’ John, a traditional New Year’s Day dish, and luck will follow...
Sagittarius Zodiac Sign

Sagittarius Zodiac Sign

Happy Birthday, Sagittarius! The ninth astrological sign, Sagittarius is symbolized by the Archer....
Christmas Traditions Trees

Christmas Facts and Trivia

Why is Christmas Day on December 25? Where did the phrase “Jiminy Christmas” come from? What about...
When is First Day of Winter?

Winter Solstice 2018: The First Day of Winter

Winter officially begins with the Winter Solstice on Friday, December 21, 2018. This is the...
Holly December birth flower 1837x1920px Pixabay

December Birth Flowers

December’s flowers may be very different from each other, one being a bulb and the other an...
Holly Bushes

Growing Holly Bushes: Popular Varieties

It’s red berry time and with bunches of fresh holly leaves and berries or branches of winterberries...
Grilled Foods

When Is Labor Day 2019?

When is Labor Day 2019? Why do we observe Labor Day? Learn about the history of this holiday—and...
When is Election Day?

When is Election Day 2019?

In the United States, the next Election Day will occur on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Which states...
American Flags

When is Veterans Day 2019?

Veterans Day always falls on November 11. Learn the true meaning of Veterans Day and its important ...
saint-nicholas

St. Nicholas Day 2018

Was Saint Nicholas a real person? Actually, he was! Find out about the history of St. Nicholas (and...
daylight-saving-time-clock

When Is Daylight Saving Time in 2019?

When does Daylight Saving Time 2019 begin and when does DST end? Find dates here—as well as the...
Mercury-retrograde

Mercury Retrograde Dates 2018–2019

Mercury retrograde ends on December 6! Learn what Mercury retrograde is, how it can affect your...
Columbus Day and Exploration

Columbus Day 2019

Columbus Day 2019 occurs on the second Monday in October. What exactly do we celebrate on Columbus...
When is Thanksgiving

When is Thanksgiving Day 2019?

When is Thanksgiving Day 2019? What do we celebrate this all-important feast day? Enjoy a brief...
Full Cold Moon - OFA

Full Moon for December 2018

The Full Moon for December 2018 rises on the 22nd—very near the winter solstice this year! It will...
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter 360

When Do the Seasons Start in 2018–2019?

When do the seasons—winter, spring, summer, and fall—start? Here are your equinox and solstice...
Mistletoe Meaning and Lore | Why We Kiss Beneath It

Why Do We Kiss Under the Mistletoe?

Of all the plants used as Christmas decorations, none has as long and interesting a history as...
Full Beaver Moon - OFA

Full Moon for November 2019

Here’s all you need to know about the full Moon for November—also, called the Full Beaver Moon....
Snowball Cookies

Christmas Cookie Recipes for Kids

Try one of these easy Christmas cookie recipes for kids—or adults! These recipes are easy to bake ...
Turquoise-December birthstone-primary 2048x1449px-tim evanson, wikimedia credit

December Birthstone: Color and Meaning

The December birthstone, turquoise, is regarded as a love charm. It is also a symbol of good...
Snowflake

How to Make Paper Snowflakes

Here are simple instructions on how to make paper snowflakes to decorate your wintery wonderland...
Thanksgiving Recipes

Best Thanksgiving Recipes

Few feasts are so steeped in tradition as Thanksgiving! We’ve collected our (mostly) traditional ...
Pilgrims

Weather on the First Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving travel always makes weather a big concern, so I thought it might be fun to write about...
Fruit Cake Food Gift

Homemade Holiday Food Gift Ideas

Put your hands and handiwork into your gifts. Make holiday food gifts from the kitchen—from buttery...
Christmas Setting

The Month of December 2018: Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore

Welcome to December! This month brings with it snow (for many), family, feasts, and fun, but...

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