Carl Pettit
A Look at How the Rest of the World Celebrates Christmas
Christmas traditions around the world can be quite different from what we’re used to at home.
The Economics of Christmas — How Much Americans Spend on Presents, Cards, Travel and More
Christmas means toys, food, holiday cards, laughter, singing, family squabbles and lot of sweets stuffed inside your belly. The festive season also means a ton of money will be spent on those near and dear to us—and with so many sales going on, maybe just a bit on yourself as well.
10 Unusual Global Christmas Traditions: Goats, Krampus, Pooping Logs and More
Snow falls from the sky, shops sell their Christmas wares, and the sweet fragrance of gingerbread houses fill the air—'tis the season! In the United States, there are plenty of Christmas traditions around to keep everyone happy. Gift giving, holiday meals and ornament-covered trees are in abundance everywhere.
What Is a Garland and Why Do We Use It at Christmas?
Christmastime means garlands, garlands all over the place. When you see them hanging about shopping malls and your neighbors’ houses, you know the holiday season has arrived. As widespread as these decorative wreaths of flowers, leaves and twigs are, most people don’t really know why they’re associated with Christmas.
Why Do People Kiss Under the Mistletoe?
Some people complain about the over-commercialization of the holiday season and how the need to buy and buy has drained all the charm out of Christmastime. Well, it’s not totally gone. Eager children still get wonderful toys, families still come together for great meals, and there’s always the off chance you’ll spot someone you like very much standing beneath the mistletoe, which means you have th
The 10 Wildest Roller Coasters on Earth
If vertigo isn’t an issue for you, and you have no problem keeping your lunch down while hurtling through space, then you just might be a roller coaster fan.
Boy Had Toy Lodged Up Nose for Three Years
Little kids like to stick things inside their mouths, ears and noses. From toy soldiers and toy cars, to carrot sticks, pencils, crayons and more, some curious toddler somewhere has jammed it down his gullet or into his nose.
16-Year-Old New Yorker Wins ‘Fastest Texter’ Second Year Running
Maybe you thought your thumbs were fast, and you could pop out text messages at remarkable speeds. Well, perhaps you should think again. A 16-year-old New Yorker was just awarded the top prize for the second year in a row at the LG US National Texting Competition.
The Real Story Behind Throwing Rice at Weddings
When a newly married couple exits a church, a synagogue, a courthouse or wherever they’ve just tied the knot, people often shower them with rice (not the sticky kind, of course). Most of us have seen this in the movies or in real life.
If you’re wondering how this grain-throwing tradition came about, don’t fret. We’re going to tell you.