Decorating for winter celebrations is an ancient tradition. The contemporary American version of the tradition comes in many forms.
An article by Rachel Jones digs into the work of photographer Jesse Rieser, who "has spent nearly a decade mining the exultant spasm of American Christmas decorations, and the messages they telegraph about their surrounding communities."
Rieser has collected photos from 18 states for a project titled "Christmas in America: Happy Birthday, Jesus."
The article shares a mix of those photos, from Santa playing pool to Jesus checking text messages. Then there are incredibly ornate interior decorations.
Meanwhile, the text of the article traces the tradition of decorating for Christmas back to pagan celebrations like Saturnalia in Early Rome and even further back to Ancient Egypt.
FULL STORY: See the electric and eclectic ways Americans decorate for Christmas
Where to Find the World's Largest Christmas Light Show
Australia probably isn't the first place that comes to mind when thinking of sleigh rides, reindeer, and winter wonderlands. But according to Guinness World Records, no place can beat one couple's Canberra home for holiday revelry.
Colombia's Carbon Neutral Christmas Wonderland
Medellín's spectacular holiday lights display draws thousands of tourists to Colombia's second-largest city every year. Few visitors are likely to realize that the energy intensive displays are carbon neutral.
Holiday Travel Rebounds, Changes Shape
The number of Americans traveling for the winter holidays is expected to come close to pre-pandemic levels, while remote work is leading to more diverse travel schedules.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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