Christmas

World News

PHOTOS: In Romania, Santa Steps In To Help Fight Stigma Of Down Syndrome

1:17pm December 24, 2015

by Camila Domonoske

Children with Down syndrome often face prejudice in Romania, where there are few services available for them, the AP reports. One group held a Christmas event last week to try to shift attitudes.

In addition to the dancing devils, there's Old Man Beggar, who also parades around on Christmas. At right is a Liberian version of Santa.

Liberia's Dancing Christmas Devils Could Give Krampus A Lesson In Niceness

8:33pm December 23, 2015

by Max Bankole Jarrett

They tower on stilts, they're draped in hay, they dance like crazy and demand a holiday tip. But don't worry — they're really nice!

'Twas The Night Before Christmas, 2016 Presidential Politics Version

1:30pm December 23, 2015

by Ron Elving

In senior Washington editor Ron Elving's re-imagined poem, the clatter is on the news — over polls showing "who's now the greatest."

A Victorian family gathers to stir pudding in a Christmas card illustration from the 1870s. The Victorian era put a premium on hospitality, which may have helped create the tradition of leaving out treats for a visiting Santa.

How Did Santa Get Hooked On Cookies And Milk?

4:20pm December 22, 2015

by Kylie Mohr

Turns out the tradition of leaving cookies and milk for Santa hasn't left much of a trail of crumbs to trace through history. But it might start with the early cookies of 13th-century Europe.

When Mary asked Helen what she wants for Christmas, Helen said: "All I ask is to be in good spirits and in good health so I can come and show myself off when we have the party."

When Mom Has Alzheimer's, A Stranger Comes For Christmas

5:10pm December 21, 2015

by Vanessa Rancaño

The holidays can be difficult for families dealing with Alzheimer's, especially if the person with the disease is the one who used to be the heart and soul of Christmas.

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"Figgy pudding" is a traditional Christmas dessert that normally contains no figs — and isn't what Americans usually mean by "pudding."

Arts

'Oh, Bring Us Some ... ' Wait. What Is Figgy Pudding?

3:39pm December 21, 2015

by NPR Staff

It doesn't usually feature figs, and it isn't what Americans think of as a pudding. Want to try it for yourself? Be prepared for 30 minutes of prep, eight hours of cooking — and four weeks of aging.

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While the days of sharing mixed tapes and audio cassettes may be long gone, exchanging playlists doesn't have to be.

Economy

Need A Last-Minute Gift? Don't Want To Buy Stuff? All Tech Has Ideas

10:56am December 21, 2015

Sometimes, they say, the best things in life aren't things. In that spirit, we've come up with a few ideas of last-minute presents for your plugged-in friends and family that don't involve shopping.

A trade card from the 1880s depicts a Santa Claus figure in a bird-themed sleigh pulled by reindeer as they are about the land on a rooftop to deliver presents from the huge sack of gifts.

Books

Twain's 'Letter From Santa Claus,' A Gift For All Ages

8:04am December 19, 2015

by Scott Simon

In 1875, Mark Twain wrote a letter to his 3-year-old daughter from Santa Claus. NPR's Scott Simon reflects on a father's love for his daughter at Christmas time.

Shoppers in Freeport, Maine, pass by store windows advertising Black Friday deals after the stores opened their doors at midnight.

Shoppers This Year May Need The Nudge Of Cold Air And Gift Cards

2:47pm December 16, 2015

by Charles Lane

It's been warmer than usual around the country and hardly feels like gift-giving season. Some economists say December sales will be fine after Christmas when consumers shop for sales with gift cards.

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The world's largest stocking — stitched together from handmade blankets — was confirmed by Guinness World Records this week.

1,600-Pound Stocking Knitted With Care In Hopes A World Record Soon Would Be There

7:26pm December 10, 2015

by Camila Domonoske

Since Veterans Day 2014, more than 1,100 crafters have been making blankets and sending them to a yarn company. The result: a record-setting patchwork stocking, and a donation for military charities.