Nation Dec 25 How the character and traditions of Santa Claus evolved over centuries By Stephanie Sy, Mary Fecteau
Nation Dec 24 Watch 7:27 Why Christmas carols endure as popular music changes From “Silent Night” to “Jingle Bells,” Christmas carols are some of the most familiar songs of the season, and some of the oldest. Stephanie Sy explores why most popular music changes with time, but many of these old tunes have… By Stephanie Sy, Sarah Clune Hartman, Jenna Bloom, Mary Fecteau
Arts Dec 24 Watch 3:32 'Joy to the World' performed by U.S. armed forces musicians We continue with a News Hour holiday tradition in which we ask members of the armed forces to record a holiday song. For Christmas Eve, we bring you "Joy to the World." This video was produced by the Pentagon's Defense… By Dan Sagalyn, Seth Pajak
Nation Dec 24 WATCH: Trump takes part in NORAD Santa Tracker calls The tradition started in 1955 when NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command, was on the lookout for any sign of a possible nuclear attack from the then-Soviet Union. NORAD says a child mistakenly called the combat operations center and… By Colleen Slevin, Associated Press
Nation Dec 24 Californians warned to reconsider driving through treacherous Christmas storms Millions of people are expected to travel across the state. They will likely meet hazardous, if not impossible, traveling conditions as several atmospheric rivers were forecast to make their way through the state, the National Weather Service warned. By Trân Nguyễn, Associated Press
Dec 24 Thousands flock to Bethlehem to revive Christmas spirit after 2 years of war in Gaza By Melanie Lidman, Associated Press The giant Christmas tree that was absent during the Israel-Hamas war returned on Wednesday, overlooking a parade of scouts playing songs on bagpipes. Continue reading
Dec 21 Watch 3:22 A look at Christmas festivities and traditions around the world By John Yang, Lorna Baldwin From twinkling Christmas markets across Europe to vibrant displays of poinsettia in Mexico City, the Christmas spirit takes many forms. John Yang takes a look at how Christians around the world are celebrating the season. Continue watching
Dec 12 When is Hanukkah? What to know about how it's celebrated By Peter Smith, Associated Press On eight consecutive nightfalls, Jews gather with family and friends to light one additional candle in the menorah. Continue reading
Dec 12 Consumers aren't having a very merry holiday season, AP-NORC poll finds By Josh Boak, Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Associated Press Roughly half of Americans say it’s harder than usual to afford the things they want to give as holiday gifts, and similar numbers are delaying big purchases or cutting back on nonessential purchases more than they would normally. Continue reading
Dec 01 WATCH: First and second ladies pack holiday care packages for service members By Associated Press First lady Melania Trump praised the spouses for carrying “the weight of family life” while their husbands or wives are away from home serving the country. Continue reading