One of the best parts of Christmas is the music. The songs you hear at this time of year that instantly recall your childhood and make you all sentimental and mushy.

You might be surprised to learn, however, that some of the most popular Christmas songs were written by those who didn’t celebrate this holiday. We can thank Jewish songwriters for such classics as “White Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow,” and “Silver Bells.”

• My Favorite Holiday Tradition: Stuffed Reindeer and Fishing Rods - My favorite holiday tradition is actually brand-new this year - at least it is for my family. We too
• On Dasher, On Blitzen… - Reindeer - a domesticated variety of caribou - have been kept in herds for nearly 2,000 years by nat
• It’s Fun to Know: Christmas Tree Facts - Christmas tree lots have sprouted up around the holidays since 1850 (though not, until recently, in
• Why Xmas = Christmas - Some folks believe that the use of “Xmas” in place of “Christmas” is disrespectful - or even a delib
• Are You Allergic to Christmas Trees? - Ah, the joys of trimming the Christmas tree: hanging decorations, untangling strings of lights, spri
• Make 2009 Your Best Year Ever - Resolution #2: “Touch” Your Customers - I have a single sign posted in my office, taped to the wall next to my desk. On it are only two word
• How to Find the Jingle Bell Spirit - I used to gripe about the “inconvenience” of the holiday season. Too often, I felt that my work goal