In 1931, the Coca-Cola Company commissioned Chicago illustrator Haddon Sundblom to develop the image of a human-like Santa Claus, based on the positive public response to a magazine advertisement for Coca-Cola depicting such a character that appeared in late 1930. Prior to Sundblom's first rendition in 1931, people envisioned Santa Claus as leprechaun-like, or as a queer mixture of a gnome and a bishop. Over the next third of a century, Sundblom's Santa would be embraced by the public worldwide, and become a holiday tradition.

For hundreds of millions of people around the world, Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year! But have you ever wondered where all of those traditions like Santa and Rudolf come from? Find out!

On Christmas Eve, children want answers to the age-old question about Santa Claus."When is he coming?" The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will answer this and many other questions on its comprehensive, six-language Santa tracking website at www.noradsanta.org. All site material, including the live tracking event, will be available in English, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian and Brazilian Portuguese. Children may also call (719) 474-3980 for a personal Santa update from U.S. and Canadian NORAD Personnel. Click here to see where Santa is right now.

To help celebrate the holiday season, and say "Thank You" to our customers and friends, we are pleased present a page of photographs ofChristmas Trees in the Nation's Capitol, and four traditional Christmas classics as well as links to Chanukah and Kwansaa holiday sites.

As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Given the profound significance Kwanzaa has for African Americans and indeed, the world African community, it is imperative that an authoritative source and site be made available to give an accurate and expansive account of its origins, concepts, values, symbols and practice...Read More