First Lady Michelle Obama officially unveiled the White House Christmas decorations yesterday (12/02)

Remarks by The First Lady at Holiday Press Preview

(more…)

Did You Know?
Facts, Figures &
Folklore about Chanukah
the Jewish Festival of Lights
Dec 03 : 08 days till Chanukah

Did you know that Chanukah is a holiday that celebrates national and religious freedom?

The story of Chanukah dates back more than 2,000 years ago, when the Jewish people of Judaea were being ruled by a brutal Greek king named Antiochus. The Jewish people rose up against the king, restoring their Temple, removing the Greek idols and returning to the practice of their monotheistic faith.

Did you know that giving gifts is not a tradition historically associated with Chanukah?

Again, the proximity to Christmas has rubbed off on Chanukah celebrations — commercially speaking, at least.

Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. It also commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for 8 days. Jewish people mark this eight-day holiday by lighting the menorah, an eight-branched candelabra, and eating foods fried in oil such as potato latkes and jelly donuts. Join us for a new Did You Know? each day as we count down to Chanukah.

Chanukah, Hanukkah, Hanaka — no matter how you spell it — the fun begins at sundown on Friday December 11th.

Signup for our Did You Know? Holiday Countdown emails or follow us on Twitter – twitter.com/holidaysnet (@holidaysnet)

Cookie Cutter Week
Celebrating the arrival of the holiday baking season, as well as those that collect cookie cutters.

photo credit: via flickr

A Holiday Video Countdown to Christmas

"Merry Christmas Darling – Karen Carpenter"

December 03, 2009 : 22 Days Till Christmas

You can check out a new holiday video each day right here or check out our Advent Calendar each day.

link: Advent Calendar on the Net