The phenomenon of Santa Claus can be traced back to ancient times. Originating with traditions associated with the Greek bishop St. Nicholas and pagan figures of Northern Europe, the idea of ‘Father Christmas’ emerged at some point in the later Middle Ages. He in turn was processed and repackaged by American marketing firms in the 19th century into the figure we know today as … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2018
AMERICA’S BEST SANTA SITES
Santa Claus is, for all intents and purposes, the definitive tradition of the Christmas season, with the exception of the celebration of the Nativity of course. This is especially true in the United States, where Santa Claus and everything related has become a holiday institution of unequaled stature. Borrowed from the European traditions of St. Nicholas and Father Christmas, … [Read more...]
AMERICA’S BEST HANUKKAH DESTINATIONS
Of the list of preeminent Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover rank as the most important. However, it is Hanukkah that is arguably the most festive event of the Jewish calendar. Celebrating the victory of the Maccabean revolt over the Seleucids and the liberation of Jerusalem and the Temple in 165 BC, Hanukkah is the most visible of Jewish holidays, at … [Read more...]