Category Archives: Christmas

Balsam wreaths and visions of sugarplums had barely faded in the first weeks of 1939, but thoughts inside the Chicago headquarters of retail giant Montgomery Ward had already turned to the next Christmas 11 months away. The retailer had traditionally purchased … Continue reading →

Sinter Klaas Comes To New York St. Nicholas made his first inroads into American popular culture towards the end of the 18th century. In December 1773, and again in 1774, a New York newspaper reported that groups of Dutch families … Continue reading →

St. Nicholas was a Christian bishop who provided for the poor and sick, and is the basis for the popular character of Santa Claus. Born in Patara, a land that is part of present-day Turkey, circa 280, St. Nicholas was … Continue reading →