178 Items Tagged

Christmas

The Menster Christmas Cookie Gravestone

A mother’s sweet tradition lives on with this unique memorial.

Groningen, Netherlands

World's Largest Christmas Bauble

Every winter, this former planetarium is transformed into a massive, brightly-lit Christmas ornament.

Meet the Sweet Sea Monster of Portuguese Christmas

Lampreia de ovos comes loaded with sugar, eggs, and the long history of glorifying a most peculiar parasite.

Dania Rodrigues December 16, 2022

Columbus, Texas

Santa Claus Museum

An entire home filled with over 3,000 pieces of Santa memorabilia in glass cases, walls, on Christmas trees, and even in the bathroom.

charles dickens

Drink Like Dickens With the Author's Punch Recipe

With flair and fire, he turned mixology into a performance.

Sam O'Brien December 21, 2021

military history

The Wild and Weird History of Eggnog

The cozy cocktail has fueled prison parties and West Point riots.

Sam O'Brien December 21, 2021

Remembering When Mrs. Claus Cracked the North Pole's Glass Ceiling

In the 19th century, the character embodied debates about women’s rights—and occasionally got a sleigh ride of her own.

Maura Ives December 20, 2021

15 of the Most Unusual Gifts Ever Given

And you can visit these lasting expressions of gratitude.

Jonathan Carey December 17, 2021

The Healing History of Appalachian Christmas Sweets

Cakes and cookies baked during the holiday were thought to have special powers.

Sara Mellas December 16, 2021

How to Turn Your Christmas Tree Into Cocktails

Cooking with evergreens has a long history.

Julia Georgallis December 14, 2021

A Brief History of Germany’s Favorite Flaming Punch

How a fiery bowl of booze became a Christmas classic.

Sam O'Brien December 13, 2021

Our Favorite Gadgets, Cookbooks, and Snacks for the Holidays

A very Gastro Obscura gift guide.

Anne Ewbank November 29, 2021

Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

Corning Glass Bulb Flag

This unique creation was made by the largest manufacturer of Christmas bulbs in 1946 to honor those returning from World War II.

Medford, Massachusetts

Site of 'Jingle Bells' Composition

The classic Christmas carol was written at this Massachusetts tavern in 1850.

The Satisfaction of Mathematically Efficient Christmas Cookies

If only there were a cookie-cutter solution.

Isaac Schultz December 23, 2020

The Australian Town That Turns Trash Into Christmas Trees

Lismore's festive trees are made out of glorious garbage.

Vivienne Pearson December 23, 2020

Why Filipino Christians Greet the December Dawn With Purple Rice

Puto bumbong is a sweet, post-mass breakfast during Simbang Gabi.

Pam Casis December 22, 2020

In Wisconsin, Christmas Calls for Raw Meat on Rye

Despite health warnings, the region's cannibal sandwiches remain popular.

Amiee Maxwell December 22, 2020