Holidays and Special Occasions

December 27, 2022

Day 27: What Are Kids Saying About Kwanzaa?

“Kugichagulia!” said Parker Johnson, 5, of Pasadena, Calif., giggling as he pronounced the Swahili word three times in rapid succession. One of the seven principles of […]
December 26, 2022

The ‘Tripledemic’ Has Brought Back Peak-Covid Fears and Social Tensions

In early December, at least one party at Art Basel in Miami featured a sight not seen in some time: bowls of nuts on a bar, […]
December 26, 2022

Boxing Day Is the Holiday America Needs to Adopt Right Now

I remember once trying, as a Canadian, to explain Boxing Day to an American friend. “A day off on the 26th?” she asked, bewildered. “Why do […]
December 21, 2022

Pomegranates Brighten the Darkest Night of the Year

When I was in college, every winter break my mom would welcome me home with a Tupperware full of anar, or pomegranates in Farsi. I’d plop […]
December 19, 2022

Day 19: A Bird Watcher Looks Back on Christmases Past

On Dec. 19, 2019, I led my last Clemson, S.C., Christmas Bird Count. For almost 30 years, I’d been the compiler, the person responsible for organizing […]
December 16, 2022

A Strawberry-Shaped Bag and the Season’s Other Most Joyful Accessories

Ahead of the holidays, a roundup of singular pieces suffused with festive spirit. From a trompe l’oeil paint can to a handbag with wheels, the standout […]
December 16, 2022

Danny Pudi’s Favorite ‘Community’ Christmas Special

’Tis the season for holiday celebrations, which also means, on TV, ’tis the season for holiday specials. At this time of year, writers take a break […]
December 15, 2022

Day 15: Finding Christmas Joy in ‘The Nutcracker’

For about a decade now, seeing “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” at New York City Ballet has been the enchanting kickoff of the Christmas season for my […]
December 13, 2022

How Wrapping Paper is Creating the Perfect Gift This Holiday Season

Gift wrap can be an easy way to dress up a present — and, in some cases, create less waste. Melanie Boschaert has one goal for […]
December 12, 2022

Day 12: Robert Frost’s Classic Poem and What You Might Have Missed

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy EveningBy Robert Frost Whose woods these are I think I know.His house is in the village though;He will not see […]