Debuting on December 18, 1892, how did a ballet become a perennial Christmas favorite? Blog: https://billpetro.com/history-of-the-nutcracker #Nutcracker #Christmas #Tchaikovsky

The definitive answer to the contested question, using ancient history, linguistic legerdemain, modern science, political insight, and contemporary film criticism. Blog: https://billpetro.com/die-hard-a-christmas-movie #DieHard #Christmas #Satire

Were there natural astronomical phenomena at the time of the Nativity, or was the Bethlehem Star supernatural? Blog: https://billpetro.com/history-of-christmas-star #Christmas #Star #BethlehemStar

Who is St. Lucy and how does Sweden's December 13th Luciadagen relate to Sicily? Blog: https://billpetro.com/history-of-santa-lucia #Christmas #StLucy #Luciadagen

The history of the "Christmas flower" from its origin in Mexico to its popularity in the US. Blog: https://billpetro.com/history-of-poinsettia #Christmas #Poinsettia #ChristmasFlower

How did this Ukrainian folk song become such a popular American Christmas carol? Blog: https://billpetro.com/history-of-carol-of-the-bells #Christmas #Carols #CarolOfTheBells

What are its Greco-Roman, Norse, and Christian traditional roots of Mistletoe. Blog: https://billpetro.com/history-of-mistletoe #Christmas #Mistletoe #Norse

How a holiday TV favorite almost didn't get made over half a century ago, and why it's so enduring. Blog: https://billpetro.com/history-of-a-charlie-brown-christmas/ #Christmas #CharlieBrown

How has the use of the Christmas Tree changed through the centuries, from its pagan, Medieval, Renaissance, English, and American use. Blog: https://billpetro.com/history-of-christmas-tree/ #Christmas #ChristmasTree

What was the early origin of the creche, where did the word come from, how did it develop over time, and why do we celebrate the Nativity scene as we do? Blog: https://billpetro.com/history-of-creche/ #Christmas #Creche #Manger