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More Than a Toy: How the Hess Holiday Truck Became a Christmas Tradition

August 2, 2026Chris LaFontaine

Every Christmas season has its rituals. Some families bake cookies. Others decorate trees while holiday music fills the room. But for generations of Americans, especially across the Northeast, one significant […]

Christmas in July: Why the holiday spirit is heating up this summer

July 1, 2026July 13, 2026Chris LaFontaine2 Comments

The calendar may read July, but for millions of Christmas enthusiasts, it feels a lot more like December. Across North America and around the globe, Christmas trees (artificial) are going […]

Silver threads: The story of Christmas tree tinsel through the ages

June 19, 2026Chris LaFontaine

Tinsel, or that shiny stuff we used to hang on trees better known as icicles, has a long history that stretches back far beyond the modern-day Christmas tree. Its earliest […]

The 2026 Hallmark Keepsake Dream Book is here!

May 18, 2026May 18, 2026Chris LaFontaine

For Christmas collectors, ornament season now begins long before the first strand of lights is untangled from the attic. With the release of the 2026 Hallmark Keepsake Dream Book, holiday […]

How Thomas Nast invented our vision of Santa Claus

December 31, 2025March 3, 2026Chris LaFontaine

When people think about Santa Claus, more often than not, they’ll credit Coca Cola for inventing the iconic gift giver we know and love today. But it was illustrator Thomas […]

A Charlie Brown Christmas turns 60!

December 12, 2025December 15, 2025Chris LaFontaine

It’s been six decades since we first caught sight of it and in 2025, this one little Christmas tree is still standing strong. This year marks the 60th anniversary of A […]

The Big Christmas interview with HipChristmas.com’s Randy Anthony!

November 14, 2025November 15, 2025Chris LaFontaine2 Comments

Randy Anthony has led an immersive musical life. As a musician, former record store owner, and the creator of the music website Randy’s Rodeo, he’s found multiple outlets for his […]

Bumbles, misfit toys, and holiday cheer: Celebrating Rankin/Bass

September 22, 2025Chris LaFontaine

Tinsel, stop-motion, and a dash of holiday magic can all be found in the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials, which have been lighting up TV screens and hearts for decades. From the […]

The 2025 Hallmark Keepsake ornaments have arrived!

May 30, 2025May 30, 2025Chris LaFontaine

For Hallmark Keepsake ornament collectors, it’s the beginning of the best time of the year. The 2025 Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments have arrived! This year’s collection is as vast as always […]

The Big Christmas Interview with the Christmas Cousins, Part 2!

April 14, 2025Chris LaFontaine4 Comments

For those who’ve been following the Christmas journey of the Christmas Cousins via their festive and entertaining podcast, you’ve experienced a number of holiday firsts from Christmas newbie Cousin Seth, […]