The first tradition of Christmas is anticipating it. Nowhere is the countdown to Christmas more prolific than right here on MMC.

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Sam Smith Has a Merry Little Christmas

At 138 days in the Countdown to Christmas we take a listen today to crooner Sam Smith -- we still call them that, right? Crooners? -- well, he's crooning here and doing it well in a popular video from last December: It is funny how a…
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Christmas Chickens

Today is Saturday, August 8th and that means there remains just 139 days until Christmas. The countdown reveals not only urgency in preparing for Christmas but also purpose: we're about 20 weeks away! What is needed is something to help…
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Jingle Bells Day

On this day in 1893 the world lost James Pierpoint, composer of the most recognizable song of Christmas, Jingle Bells. The date of his death -- August 5th -- marks just 142 remaining days until Christmas. While Jingle Bells, like its best…
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Clement Clarke Moore Day

Today is July 15th and there are only 163 days left until Christmas. Today marks the 236th birthday of Clement Clarke Moore, author of "A Visit from St. Nicholas" or, as it is better known, Twas the Night Before Christmas. Moore doesn't get…
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Sleigh Ride Day

On this date in 1946 American composer Leroy Anderson penned the holiday favorite, Sleigh Ride. Though long associated with Christmas and played each holiday season as a classic Sleigh Ride was never officially a Christmas song. But given its…
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I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas Day

On this summer day in 1953 Gayla Peevey recorded one of the biggest novelty hits of Christmas, I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. We declared today to be I Want a Hippopotamus Day of Christmas, with just 169 days remaining until Christmas.…
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Leon Day

Today is a day long anticipated by those who countdown to Christmas: it's Leon Day. Leon Day marks the exact half way mark to Christmas. It's all down hill from here. Why is it called Leon Day? Leon is Noel spelled backwards. The…
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We Need a Little Christmas

Today is the 24th of May and there remains only 215 days in our countdown to Christmas. On this date of May 24th in 1966 the Broadway musical Mame made it’s debut starring Angela Lansbury in the title role, bringing the song (and many…
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Mr. Krueger’s Christmas Day

Today is May 22nd, 2015 and there are only 217 days until Christmas. This week has been an epic celebration in the countdown to Christmas. It kicked off with Frank Capra's birthday and featured as well the birthday of James Stewart. On…
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Frank Capra Day

Today is Monday, May 18th and there are only 221 days left until Christmas. It is also Frank Capra Day. Who is Frank Capra? Born on this day in Italy in 1897 Frank Capra would become perhaps one of the most famous movie directors of all…
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Fruitcake Toss Day

Today is January 3rd and there are only 356 days until Christmas. It is National Fruit Cake Toss Day and no, we’re not kidding. The first Fruitcake Toss Day was celebrated in Manitou Springs, Colorado in 1995 where it is still celebrated…

First Foot Day

It is the 1st of January and there are only 358 days until Christmas. Today is First Foot Day, a tradition born in Scotland where first footing was a tradition recognizing the first to cross the threshold of a home on New Year’s Day. It…
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John Denver Day

Today is the 31st day of December, leaving just 359 days until Christmas, and on this day in 1943 one of the most popular Christmas icons of the 1970s was born. It is John Denver Day. His given name was Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. but…

Merry Christmas

Today is December 25th, 2014 — and it is Christmas. Merry Christmas! If you have followed us all year in this merry countdown, thank you! If you just joined us somewhere mid-stream, thank you! And if you’re just joining us now, thank you! Today…

Christmas Eve!

Today is December 24th, 2014 and there remains just 1 day until Christmas. It is Christmas Eve, perhaps the most exciting day of the year for many. Many have already been busily engaged in tracking Santa around the world and most have already…