Blog Posts by Subject: Holidays and Customs

Nine New Christmas Classics for Kids

Nothing can ever replace Frosty or the Grinch, or that mouse that isn't stirring. But plenty of talented authors and illustrators have been hard at work creating new characters and stories, so we've picked out a few new Christmas picture books published in the last few years for your holiday consideration.

Kids' Books To Celebrate Both Hanukkah & Christmas

Families who celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah might find something that hits home in these picture books about interfaith families, combining different kinds of traditions, and, yes, sentient potato pancakes.

Cozy Chanukah Picture Books

Many readers might know a few old standbys, but more recently published books about the Festival of Lights go beyond the standard dreidel-based fare. We have stories about Yiddish-speaking chickens, Braille dreidels, immigrants stranded at sea, families who fry up dosas instead of latkes, and more.

Cozy Christmas Reads

Here's a list of books filled with Christmas miracles, opposites attracting, lovers reuniting, families reconciling, happily ever afters, mysteries being solved and villains being vanquished—plus lots of snow and holiday merriment!

Discovering the Forgotten History of Mother's Day with NYPL's Electronic Resources

Sunday is Mother's Day—a day of flowers, cards and brunches. How did this special day to celebrate all mothers actually begin?

Podcast #143: Neil Gaiman Reads "A Christmas Carol" (Rebroadcast)

Neil Gaiman reads from the only surviving "prompt" copy of the book, that is, Dickens's own annotated version used for live readings.

Your October Playlist : 8 Recommendations

In the weeks leading up to Halloween we watch scary movies and we read scary stories but are we listening to enough scary music? No, probably not! Here are some suggestions to get you in the spooky spirit.

Work It: A Labor Day Quiz

Do you know why we get a Monday vacation day? Find out just how well you know this American holiday with our Labor Day quiz.

Cinco de Mayo Books for Children

Commemorating a Mexican victory over French forces in 1862 with a celebration of Mexican cuisine, culture, and music.

Passover Resources, from the Rose Family Seder Books to the Seder Plate

From the beautiful Rose Family Seder Books to preparing a seder plate, the Library has something for everyone.

The Leap Day Bachelor List of 1888

The editors of the newspaper decided that women could make better use of their quadrennial opportunity if they had a better lay of the marriageable land. So, the newspaper published an annotated list of eligible Chicago bachelors.

Expand Your Search for Love with Columbia Granger's World of Poetry

The trouble with a narrowly defined search for love is you might not find exactly what you are looking for. Today, fall hopelessly in love with Columbia Granger's World of Poetry.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Library Books and Events

While each culture, country and religion honors the holiday with unique customs and traditions, the Lunar New Year generally is a special time for people to gather for family reunions, wear new clothes, feast on special foods, visit temples/churches, and celebrate with music and dancing.

Let's Toast

The holiday festivities have us wondering... what is a toast? How do you toast someone?

Readings for New Year's Resolutions

The Library is a great place to find information to help you start off the New Year on the right foot.

Podcast #41: Neil Gaiman Reads "A Christmas Carol"

Neil Gaiman reads from the only surviving "prompt" copy of the book, that is, Dickens's own annotated version used for live readings.

Celebrate the Holidays With the Schomburg

Schomburg Communications Pre-Professional Alicia Perez recently uncovered holiday treasures from our ample collections. Here, she shares a few of her favorites.

Santa's New York Roots

How was the iconic image of Santa born? Several New Yorkers inspired the personality, appearance, and traditions of this holiday favorite.

Check Out These Spuds! Eight 'Potatoes' for Hanukkah

What would Hanukkah be without potato pancakes?

One for Each Night: Chanukah Books for Every Age

It's Chanukah already?! Get in the mood for latkes and candles with this Chanukah sampler of eight books—one for each night, and for dreidel-players of all ages.