National Geographic | THE COMPASS

National Geographic

THE COMPASS

Discover the lesser-known origins of cherished holiday traditions, including the revolt that started Hanukkah, how Kwanzaa caught on in the 80s, and why we celebrate Christmas with edible logs and treat-filled calendars. Plus, find out how Jesus' parents got together and test your Christmas tree knowledge with a fun quiz.

Happy Holidays from National Geographic!

A small chapel decorated for the season of Advent.

PHOTOGRAPH BY PETER GERCKE. PICTURE ALLIANCE/GETTY

What is Advent—and why do we mark it with treat-filled calendars?

The holiday, which gets its name from the Latin word for arrival, serves as a countdown to Christmas when Christians honor the birth of Jesus Christ.

A fresh Yule log on a holiday table

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT ABBOTT SENGSTACKE, GETTY IMAGES

Kwanzaa celebrates African-American heritage. Here’s how it came to be—and what it means today.

Since its founding in 1966, the weeklong holiday has been observed with candle lighting ceremonies, feasts, and reflections on past struggles and future hopes.

IT'S KWANZAA TIME

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A Global Wine Adventure:
From grape to glass.

From Italy’s sunny southern terrains to California’s diverse microclimates, dive deep into some of the world’s most renowned wine regions. Discover 12 critically acclaimed wines and save $130.

GOOD READS

1.

Why historians disagree about the origins of Boxing Day

2.

These masked singers continue an Irish Christmas tradition

3.

Everything you wanted to know about Christmas traditions

Why yule log has become a Christmas favorite

Also known as a bûche de Noël, this festive favorite was inspired by a centuries-old Christmas tradition and popularized by the pâtissiers of Paris.

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just in time for Christmas.

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An illustration depicting the birth of Jesus Christ

PAINTING VIA ART IMAGES, GETTY IMAGES

How did Jesus' parents become a couple? Here’s what biblical scholars say.

The story of Jesus' birth is oft told, but Mary and Joseph's unconventional courtship can also be found in the history of ancient Palestine.

STORIES WORTH TELLING

An illustration of an elegantly decorated Christmas Tree

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK THIESSEN

One of these facts about Christmas trees isn't real. Can you figure out which one? Click to see if you're right.

A. Canada is believed to be the home of the first Christmas tree.
B. In Greece, people once decorated Christmas boats rather than trees.
C. Pooping logs are a tradition for children in Catalonia.

CLICK FOR THE ANSWER

10 dazzling holiday light displays around the world

These seasonal displays brighten cities, salute time-honored traditions, and infuse busy corridors with holiday cheer.

Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest’s Sagamiko Illumillion is an interactive festival of lights, just an hour outside of Tokyo.

PHOTOGRAPH BY YONATAN SINDEL, FLASH90/REDUX

How an ancient revolt sparked the Festival of Lights

Celebrated over eight days and nights, Hanukkah commemorates a people’s uprising and holy miracle from more than 2,000 years ago.

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

WHAT WILL WE EXPLORE NEXT?

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