Christmas Archives - Page 2 of 4
December 9th, 2021
How does ritual bloodletting and sacrifice turn into eating honey baked ham? What does snogging under the mistletoe have to do with Jesus’s birth? This is the story of how Yule merged with Christmas.
Mr. and Mr. Claus? Gay Santa Ad Sparks Controversy
December 3rd, 2021
A Norwegian ad showing Santa falling in love with and kissing a man is being both celebrated and maligned in equal parts, with some say it's adorably wholesome, and others say it's wildly inappropriate. Which is it?
Even During Pandemic, the War on Christmas Continues
December 18th, 2020
We're all familiar with the War on Christmas, but this year it's receiving a very 2020 twist: COVID-19. The international pandemic is opening up a whole new front on everyone's favorite seasonal skirmish.
Here Comes Santa Claus: An Exclusive Interview With Our Most Famous Minister
December 16th, 2020
Santa Claus is an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church, and even performs weddings in the classic Santa outfit! We reached out to ask what life is like as Mr. Claus, and how things are different in 2020.
The Great Christmas Standoff: Jesus vs. Santa
December 14th, 2020
Christmas used to be a holiday solely focused on the celebration of the birth of Christ. But Jesus has been supplanted by a new figure: Santa Claus. Many religious parents struggle with how to handle this reality.
The Untold Story of How Christians Almost Killed Santa
December 9th, 2020
Millions of children across the world are eagerly anticipating Santa's visit later this month. But during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, reformers sought to abolish jolly old Saint Nick entirely.
Caged Jesus: Church Nativity Scene Sets Off Fiery Debate
December 12th, 2019
A controversial nativity scene at a California church, featuring baby Jesus behind bars separated from his parents, has sparked a larger debate about immigration and Christian values. See what critics are saying.
Christian Neighbor Attempts to Slay "Christmas Dragons"
December 21st, 2018
A Louisiana woman has been putting up dragons around Christmas time for years now, but one Christian neighbor decided enough was enough - leaving an angry letter on her doorstep demanding the dragons be taken down.
Could Magic Mushrooms Explain the Story of Santa Claus?
December 21st, 2018
Where does the objectively strange story of a man in a red and white suit who travels with flying reindeer come from? One popular theory involves Siberian shamans bearing particularly special gifts: magic mushrooms.
Satanic Temple Erects Holiday Monument at Illinois Capitol
December 13th, 2018
Move over, Christmas tree and Menorah. It’s time to make room for Satan. The Satanic Temple has earned a spot in the Illinois Capitol rotunda holiday display, where it has erected a 4 1/2-foot-tall sculpture depicting its own religious message.
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