holidays

Melania Trump receives official White House Christmas tree

By Associated Press

A horse-drawn carriage delivered the tree to the front door of the White House on Monday as members of a military band played Christmas music.

WATCH: Trump speaks at ‘Salute to America’ for Fourth of July

By Yasmeen Alamiri

The Fourth of July festivities on Thursday will center on an evening address by President Donald Trump, who has said that the event is meant to pay homage to the U.S. military…

PHOTOS: How the world is welcoming 2019

By Associated Press

Revelers around the globe are bidding farewell Monday to a year filled with challenges to many of the world's most basic institutions, including politics, trade, alliances and religion.

Why are more and more Americans buying fake Christmas trees?

By Courtney Vinopal

For many, it all comes down to cost.

12 gifts of poetry for everyone on your list

By Lora Strum

Poets and literary editors share a timeless present -- one that never shrinks, breaks or runs out of battery life.

How to grow the perfect Christmas Tree (it’s harder than you think)

By Vicky Stein

Shapely evergreens don’t just grow straight out of the ground in top condition. Success in festive tree farming is a moving target.

7 easy ways to give back this holiday season

By Larisa Epatko

As the holidays approach, we look at some simple ways to contribute to charitable efforts in your community and bring others a little cheer.

Don’t assume that every student had a fun or warm holiday break

By Kirsten Perry

For many students and their families, the holidays can be a time of high anxiety and stress. Read these tips from the 2018 School Counselor of the Year on how teachers can help students transition back to school.

The best gift ever, according to 13 writers, musicians and podcasters

By Elizabeth Flock, Anne Azzi Davenport

Jonathan Franzen, Renee Fleming, Ken Burns and others share the best gift they've ever received.

Column: This Black Friday, do something different. Get outdoors

By Richard Coolidge

This year on Black Friday, take your dog for a walk, go on a hike, explore a beach, get out on the water, play a board game, spend time with those who matter.