History Happens Every Day
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December 2026 Artwork
Inspiration
Merry Christmas Grandma by American artist Norman Rockwell was originally published as a Saturday Evening Post cover in 1948. The illustration depicts a bustling scene of gift-laden relatives arriving at Grandma's house, and is a classic example of Rockwell's ability to portray an idealized, yet relatable, blend of sentiment, storytelling, and Americana.
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​Homage
Merry Christmas Gryla depicts some of our favorite mythological holiday figures stopping by to extend Yuletide greetings to Icelandic troll mother Gryla. Coming through the door (clockwise left to right) are Yule Goat, Krampus, Yule Cat, Yule Lads Window Peeper, Spoon Licker, Stubby and, on the floor, Tió de Nadal. Gryla is descending down the stairs, probably having just had a word with some naughty children. Art by David Hueso.
December 2026 Videos
December 1st
Final Japanese guerilla holdouts surrender on Saipan, 1945
December 7th
US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit decides One Package case, 1936
December 10th
Mary Anning discovers the first complete Plesiosaurus, 1823
December 12th
USS Panay attacked by Japanese aircraft, 1937
December 18th
General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr's birthday, 1912
December 25th
Plum Pudding Riot rocks Canterbury, 1647
December 26th
The Christmas Truce ends in most sectors, 1914
December 31st
British repulse Continental Army in the Battle of Quebec, 1775