クリスマス：休日の伝統と贈り物

Christmas: Holiday Traditions and Gifts | HISTORY Christmas Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus, has evolved into a worldwide religious and secular celebration, incorporating many pre-Christian and pagan traditions into the festivities. Featured Overview The Origins of Santa Claus In this video, learn about the history of Santa Claus and his real-life inspiration, St. Nicholas. 2:19m watch Illustration by Eduardo Ramón Trejo. Photos from Getty Images. Featured Overview The Origins of Santa Claus In this video, learn about the history of Santa Claus and his real-life inspiration, St. Nicholas. 2:19m watch Start Here How 25 Christmas Traditions Got Their Start Learn why we decorate trees, swap cookies and hide pickles and elves, among other traditions. How Christmas Was Celebrated in the Middle Ages In medieval times, Christmas celebrations carried on for multiple raucous days and nights. 7 Latin American Holiday Traditions Many celebrate the Nativity—and the New Year—in festive, sometimes whimsical, ways. How Americans Celebrated the Holidays During World War II Americans adjusted amid the war, and found different, often leaner ways to mark the holidays. Lunar New Year The Chinese New Year The 15-day-long Chinese New Year celebration originated from an ancient Chinese legend of the monster Nian. 3:31m watch Explore All Related Topics All Articles Videos Christmas History of Christmas Christmas, celebrated annually on December 25, is both a sacred religious holiday as well as a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. Christmas Why the Military Tracks Santa The U.S. Air Force tracks Santa each year—a tradition born from a child’s misdialed call to the Continental Air Defense Command. 1:00m watch 100 Years of Christmas Tree Trends in Photos See popular Christmas tree decorating fads dating back to 1920s. What Is the Christian Holiday of Epiphany? The holiday, also called Three Kings Day, concludes the 12 days of Christmas. Advertisement History of Christmas Trees Christmas trees are a German-born tradition with ancient roots. How 25 Christmas Traditions Got Their Start Learn why we decorate trees, swap cookies and hide pickles and elves, among other traditions. 10 Holiday Toys Through the Decades Here are the most-wanted holiday toys of the past century. Meet Krampus, the Christmas Devil Who Punishes Naughty Children The Alpine legend is the original bad Santa. Advertisement Advertisement 8 Things You Might Not Know About ‘Jingle Bells’ From its rebellious composer to one out-of-this-world rendition, learn surprising facts about one of the most popular holiday melodies. How Christmas Was Celebrated in the Middle Ages In medieval times, Christmas celebrations carried on for multiple raucous days and nights. Who Was St. Nicholas? Behind the jolly, red-suited Santa of today lies a monk who lived in the third century. Santa Claus Santa Claus—otherwise known as St. Nicholas or Kris Kringle—has a long history steeped in Christmas traditions. Advertisement How Shopping Mall Santas Got Their Start Department stores and malls realized early on how live Santa impersonators could help attract shoppers during the holiday season. Who Invented Candy Canes? One theory claims the iconic holiday candy was created in Germany to appease fidgety choirboys. Who Invented Electric Christmas Tree Lights? Edward Hibberd Johnson added flash and color to Christmas trees when he introduced electric lights in 1882. The Wrong Number That Launched the Santa Tracker How an accidental call to NORAD's top-secret military hotline led to a Christmas tradition. Load more Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HISTORY Education HISTORY Vault™ HISTORY Apps HISTORY2™ HISTORY en Español® Military HISTORY® Newsletter Sign Up Share Your Opinions FAQ / Contact Us Advertise with Us A+E Factual Studios™ A+E Studios® Employment Opportunities Accessibility Support TV Parental Guidelines Advertise with Us A+E Factual Studios™ A+E Studios® Employment Opportunities Accessibility Support TV Parental Guidelines © 2026, A&E Television Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Copyright Policy Cookie Notice Ad Choices Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement