Christmas

Abilene Christian University
Government Documents

Nativity scene photographed by Theodor Horydczak Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Theodor Horydczak Collection, [reproduction no. LC-H8-CT-C04-001 DLC] credit info| Large image

Christmas tree at U.S. consulate in Hamburg, Germany

History and Background

An American Christmas Decade by Decade

See how Christmas trees and their decorations have changed by viewing pictures of trees each decade from 1840 to 2000.

 

Apollo 8 Christmas Eve Broadcast

The first manned mission to the moon was in orbit on December 24, 1968. What thoughts did the sight of the planet evoke in these men? What text did they choose to read aloud in their message back to the Earth? Read here for the answer.

Celebrate! Holidays in the U.S.A. -- Christmas Day

An introductory survey of the historical and social background of American holiday traditions. Good general overview of U.S. traditions.

Legends of Christmas

You know about trees and candy canes, but what about the Christmas pickle and the holiday spider? And what does "a partridge in a pear tree" mean? Read about familiar and not-so-familiar traditions here.

Today in History: December 25

Photos, diary entries, and remembrances from Christmas present and past from the American Memory Project.

 

Christmas Around the World

Christmas trees, holiday food, and traditions from 20 countries visited by U.S. President Herbert Hoover during his lifetime.

Christmas at the White House

Photos and text of how various presidents and first ladies have decorated the White House during Christmas.

 

The White House Tree

Since 1889, the White House has placed a decorated tree in the building in honor of the Christmas season. See how various trees have looked over the years, watch the president light the national Christmas tree, and enjoy other photo essays.

 

Songs and Stories

Santa Claus hides in your phonograph

Cute story from the 1920s celebrating the art of recorded sound in a Christmas tale.

 

U.S. Air Force Holiday Music
Traditional choral and instrumental music

World Music - Vintage Recordings

Santa Claus hides in your phonograph		Greek
Santa Claus hides in your phonograph		Spanish, recorded 1939
Santa Claus hides in your phonograph		Hungarian, recorded 1939
Si me dan pasteles an aguinaldo [If you give me pasteles ...]		Spanish, recorded 1939
Pastorak orven deznek [The Shepherds are rejoicing]		Hungarian, recorded 1939
Santa Claus hides in your phonograph		Slavik, 1939

 

 

Novelty Songs

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas | lyrics| listen|
          original recording by 10-year old Gayla Peevey

 

The Restroom Door Said, "Gentlemen" |

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Just for Fun 

Interplanetary Christmas:  An Exclusive Interview with Santa Claus

How will Santa expand his rounds to outer space? Read the this interview with St. Nick to find out, and also to learn something about the solar system, too.

Santa Tracker from NASA
Santa Tracker from NORAD

Follow Santa's progress on Christmas Eve as he makes his preparations.

 

Will We Have a White Christmas?

Find out the probability of snow on Christmas in your area with these weather maps from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.