Old World Christmas

The Story Behind In many Native American cultures the fox is thought to be wise, due to its cunning nature. It is also considered a trickster for the same reason. Foxes are adaptable and...

The Story Behind Birds are symbols of happiness and joy, and so they are regarded as a necessity on the Christmas Tree. Glassblowers often kept wild birds during the winter months since the sound of...

The Story Behind Santa works very hard and has a really big job. Every once in a while, however, he likes to take a vacation. Since the North Pole is cold and snowy most of the year, what could be...

Flutes appeared in every culture and exist in many forms today as folk instruments. In Western culture, the flute has evolved into the metal, keyed instrument we know today. The concert flute is a...

The Story Behind For centuries, firefighters have used helmets to protect their heads while risking their lives to extinguish flames. While the shape and materials have changed throughout the time,...

The Story Behind What could be better than that childhood favorite a shiny, bright red Fire Truck! Toymakers often turned real-life items into toys for children, so they could learn as they played. A...

The Story Behind Birds are symbols of happiness and joy, so they are regarded as a necessity on the Christmas tree. Glassblowers often kept wild birds during the winter months since the sound of the...

The Story Behind This helpful gadget was invented over 100 years ago, initially to help Italian factory workers take shorter coffee breaks. Today, we enjoy our espresso as a single shot, or mixed...

The Story Behind This beautiful glass ornament was carefully mouth-blown into a finely crafted mold. Then a hot solution of liquid silver was poured inside. Finally, the ornament was delicately...

The Story Behind Beavers have thick fur, webbed feet, and flat tails making them good swimmers and well adapted to their semiaquatic lives. They are peaceful, sociable, and incredibly industrious...

The Story Behind A dumbbell is a type of free weight used to build muscular strength and endurance. The term dumbbell comes to us from England in the 1700s when a poet described it as similar to an...

The Story Behind Drosselmeyer s Nutcrackers has a small hole on its underside designed to borrow a standard bulb from your Christmas tree to light up the cottage. Upon lighting your cottage, you will...

The Story Behind Deviled eggs are a popular appetizer during holidays. The dish dates back to Ancient Rome when it was served as a first course for the wealthy. Countries around the world serve...

The Story Behind Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that brings families and friends together to pray and remember the loved ones who have passed away and to help support the...

The Story Behind Dachshunds, also known as wiener dogs due to their long build and short legs, were bred for below ground work. They are affectionate, clever and courageous with a lively disposition...

A trip on a Cruise Ship offers a vacation where the voyage and the ship's amenities are a large part of the experience. Organized like a floating resort, a Cruise Ship offers fabulous food,...

The Story Behind Dating as far back as 221 BC, in the Qin dynasty, people have been using compasses to help find their way. Originally the Chinese used a lodestone compass to tell fortunes, and later...

The Story Behind For centuries, coffee has been a favorite beverage around the world. In today's fast-paced culture, "coffee-to-go" has become increasingly popular. Now to the delight of coffee...

The Story Behind For centuries, coffee has been a favorite beverage around the world. In diners and restaurants coffee is served from coffee pots to caffeinate and energize its drinker. The coffee...

The Story Behind A coach s influence does not stop when the game ends. Coaches shape character and integrity for life by teaching athletes how to manage emotions, perseverance, resilience and...