Erin Wilson+FollowWhy December Felt Like Forever as a KidEver wonder why December used to feel like the longest month ever? Turns out, it’s all those classic Christmas traditions! From ripping open Advent calendars and decking out the tree to baking cookies and binging holiday movies, every little ritual stretched out the anticipation. Throw in some family chaos and giving back, and suddenly the holiday season felt endless—in the best way. Which tradition made your December feel the most magical? #Culture #ChristmasTraditions #HolidayNostalgia41Share
Traci Smith+FollowWhy 'Merry Christmas' Hits Different NowEver feel weird about saying 'Merry Christmas' instead of 'Happy Holidays'? Turns out, Hanukkah’s all about resisting blending in—and that’s a big clue. The article argues that generic greetings actually erase what makes each holiday special. Wishing someone a specific holiday, even if it’s not your own, is about seeing and celebrating their traditions. It’s not about agreeing with beliefs, but about real connection. Maybe it’s time to ditch the bland and go for the meaningful! #Culture #Hanukkah #MerryChristmas01Share
Lindsey Medina+FollowChristmas Traditions You Never KnewChristmas wasn’t always about Santa, trees, or even Dec. 25! Early Christians didn’t celebrate Jesus’s birthday, and Santa’s roots trace back to a real-life saint. Plus, in Japan, KFC is the go-to Christmas meal (seriously, you have to order months ahead). From wild medieval parties to today’s cozy family vibes, Christmas has totally transformed into a global celebration with some seriously quirky traditions. #Culture #ChristmasHistory #SantaClaus52Share
Zachary Vazquez+FollowSouth Boston rallies for Christmas dinnerNothing says community like South Boston’s annual Christmas Dinner at St. Monica’s, where neighbors come together to make sure no one misses out on a hot holiday meal. For over 30 years, the Kelley family and a team of volunteers have turned this tradition into a lifeline for thousands. Now, the torch is being carried on in honor of Frank Kelley and Msgr. McDonnell. Whether you can help with deliveries, set-up, or clean-up—or chip in a donation—every bit counts. Who’s joining in to keep this tradition alive and make the holidays brighter for everyone? #Culture #SouthBoston #ChristmasDinner00Share
Vickie Scott+FollowWhy We Call It ‘Christmas’—Not Yule!Ever wondered why we say ‘Christmas’ instead of ‘Yuletide’ or just ‘the holidays’? Turns out, ‘Christmas’ literally means ‘Christ’s Mass’—a church service celebrating Jesus’s birth. The word mashed together over centuries, pushing out the older, more pagan ‘Yule’ as Christianity took over in England. So next time you hear ‘Merry Christmas,’ you’re actually referencing a medieval church service! #Culture #ChristmasHistory #FunFacts211Share
Kevin Gregory+FollowSolstice Parties You’ll Want to CrashWho knew the longest night of the year could be this magical? From sunrise inside ancient tombs in Ireland to lantern-lit parades in Vancouver, people worldwide are making the winter solstice a reason to celebrate. Think sunrise rituals at Stonehenge, cozy citrus baths in Japan, and dumpling feasts in China. These traditions turn the darkest day into a global party, and honestly, it’s giving major FOMO. Would you travel for a solstice sunrise? #Culture #WinterSolstice #TravelGoals10Share
Michelle Taylor+FollowHanukkah’s Real Lesson Isn’t What You ThinkHanukkah isn’t just about gifts or universal messages—its roots are all about fighting to keep your culture alive when everyone else wants you to blend in. The Maccabees stood their ground for what made them unique, and that’s a vibe we could all use right now. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to be proud of your traditions and stand up for what makes your community special. That’s the Hanukkah energy we need! #Culture #Hanukkah #Tradition00Share
Vincent Silva+FollowHoliday Magic or Holiday Burnout?Ever feel like you’re drowning in holiday to-dos while everyone else just shows up for the fun? Turns out, the emotional labor behind all that holiday magic is real—and it’s mostly women carrying the load. From endless card-sending drama to making sure everyone’s happy, it’s a lot. Experts say it’s okay to drop a ball or two and stop chasing perfection. Maybe this year, we can all chill a little and let others step up! #Culture #HolidayStress #EmotionalLabor00Share
Vincent Silva+FollowIrish Christmas Traditions You Never KnewThink you know all the Christmas traditions? Wait till you hear how the Irish do it! Midnight mass turns into a huge social event, and people literally dive into the freezing sea on Christmas morning. There’s a candle in the window for lost loved ones, biscuits you can’t eat out of order, and even horse races on St. Stephen’s Day. Honestly, some of these are way more fun than what we do here. Who’s up for a Christmas swim next year? #Culture #IrishChristmas #HolidayTraditions10Share
nhayes+FollowChristmas Facts You Won’t Believe!Ready for some wild Christmas trivia? Canadians dropped $78M on real trees in 2015, and over a billion Christmas cards get sent every year. Americans spend $634M on holiday candy, and even pets get $5B in gifts! Retailers use sneaky tricks like slow music and “limited time” deals to get us to spend more. Oh, and candy canes? 1.76 billion are made each year! Christmas is big business, and honestly, some of these stats are mind-blowing. #Culture #ChristmasFacts #HolidayShopping21Share
