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In Memoriam: Musicians We Lost In 2012
NPR Music remembers the singers, instrumentalists, songwriters and personalities who died in 2012. Explore their musical legacies.
Charity workers dressed as Santa Claus wave to pedestrians in New York. Professional Santas say it's not an easy job, and it's not just as simple as putting on a beard.
It's Not Jolly, It's A Job: You Need More Than A Beard To Be Santa
If you have a few too many pounds around the belly, too few coins in the purse and access to a Santa suit this Christmas season, you might be thinking you could make a few extra bucks posing as Old St. Nick. Well, some professional Santas warn, it's not that easy.
5 Young Adult Novels That You'll Never Outgrow
It was a strange and wonderful year for young adult fiction, says critic Maggie Stiefvater. Debates raged over what constituted a young adult novel versus an adult novel. This list isn't concerned with classification — it rounds up five magical books for young adults and grown-ups alike.
Best Books 2012
Well-Versed: Five Poets With Punch
Poet Kevin Young picks out his favorite poetry books from 2012.
Courage And Curiosity: The Best Heroines Of 2012
Critic Parul Sehgal celebrates heroines who aren't defined by their desire to love or be loved.
Short Stories To Savor On A Winter Weekend
Critic Jane Ciabattari presents her favorite short story collections of 2012.
True Originals: Biographies That Defy Expectations
This year's best biographies include tales of a spy turned chef and the real Count of Monte Cristo.
Recipe Rebellion: A Year Of Contrarian Cookbooks
In a crowd-sourced, culinary landscape, 2012's Top 10 is filled with rule breakers and renegades.
Graphic Novels That Flew Under The Radar In 2012
It was a big year for high-profile comics creators, but lesser-known names produced great work, too.
Best Music of 2012
In Memoriam: Musicians We Lost In 2012
Explore the musical legacies of the singers, instrumentalists and personalities who died this year.
IMHO: A Survey About The Year In Music
We asked musicians, the music industry and writers to tell us how they saw 2012 in music.
The Most Stylish Music Videos Of 2012
Some of the year's best videos included great looks, from high fashion to offbeat personal style.
What Happened To Music Writing This Year?
The question "what do readers want?" has hovered for years, but in 2012, it took on more urgency.
Top 10 Top 40 Of 2012
Ann Powers picks her favorite chart-topping, radio-dominating songs of 2012.
The Year In Pop Charts: Return Of The Monoculture
Two things make for great years in pop: variety and shared pleasure. 2012 had both.
Spirit of the Season
A Moveable Feast: What Are You Leaving For Santa?
Milk and cookies might be the traditional offering, but other households planned far different fare.
Polish Christmas Wafer: A Flavorless Tradition That's Oh So Sweet
Before Christmas Eve dinner, some families share the oplatek along with good wishes for each other.
At Christmas, A Roman Holiday Revolves Around The Food
The Italian city isn't big on Christmas glitz. Instead, it saves its shine for the dinner table.
It's Not Jolly, It's A Job: You Need More Than A Beard To Be Santa
It's not easy portraying the Christmas gift giver. "It's a calling," says one professional Santa.
Holiday Recipes
Infuse The Holidays With Spirits
Want a little more kick to your cocktail? Here's how to infuse liquor with citrus, spices and more.
A Gluten-Free Holiday Table
Options for a complete gluten-free dinner from start to finish are appealing enough for any guest.
Belgian Sweets Not Just For 'Sinterklaas'
The season of St. Nicholas brings spiced speculaas cookies and other traditional European treats.
At Hanukkah, Pastry Reminds Portland Jews Of Their Mediterranean Roots
Once served on the Shabbat table, the boyo is now mostly reserved for the holidays.
A Hidden Hanukkah Tale Of A Woman, An Army And Some Killer Cheese
Why do some Jews celebrate the holiday with foods like blintzes and kugels made with cheese?
NPR's Holiday Favorites
David Sedaris Reads From His 'Santaland Diaries'
It's tradition! Writer and humorist David Sedaris reflects on his short tenure as Crumpet the Elf.
Tinsel Tales 2011: NPR Christmas Stories
NPR presents stories from the archives that touch on the meaning of Christmas.
A Holiday Reading Tradition For The Whole Family
Sally and Stephen Kern read to their kids pretty much every night, but one box of books is special.
Holiday Music
The Mix: Jingle Jams
From WXPN, hear a mix of holiday favorites and originals featuring The Beatles, U2, Adele and more.
Another Year, Another 'Christmas With The Chipmunks'
Some of the most frequently reissued holiday music of all time comes from three animated rodents.
A Jazz Piano Christmas 2012
Jason Moran, Taylor Eigsti, Geri Allen and Ellis Marsalis perform in NPR Music's annual tradition.
Hanukkah Lights
Hanukkah Lights 2012
Susan Stamberg and Murray Horwitz bring four generation-spanning Hanukkah stories to life.
Hanukkah Lights 2011
This annual holiday favorite enters its third decade with a new collection of Hanukkah stories.
Hanukkah Lights 2010
This annual holiday favorite marks its 20th anniversary with new fiction for the Festival of Lights.
