Classic Summer Activities and Old-Fashioned Summer Traditions We Still Miss Today Summer traditions have changed dramatically over the past few decades. Before smartphones, streaming services, and air-conditioned homes became the norm, families spent summer days outdoors enjoying simple pleasures that created lasting memories. From catching lightning bugs on warm evenings to gathering for homemade ice

Is it firefly or lightning bug? Learn which name is used across the U.S. and Canada, why these glowing beetles shine, and how to help protect them. Is It Firefly or Lightning Bug? Call it a firefly. Call it a lightning bug. Either way, that tiny twinkling insect drifting over the lawn on a warm

If you ask Farmers’ Almanac readers to fill in the blank on “My favorite season is _____,” you are not going to get one-word answers for long. We posed that exact question on facebook, and the responses poured in, with plenty of passion, personality, and a few curveballs. Some readers picked a clear winner. Others

How did candy corn come to be associated with Halloween? We explain!

The rich fall hues of the chrysanthemum make it the ideal choice as the November birth flower, but there is deep symbolism and lore behind this bloom. Learning more about the beloved “mum” can help you appreciate these iconic flowers even more, whether you are celebrating your birthday, Thanksgiving, a wedding or anniversary, or any

One of the oldest known crops to mankind is squash. With autumn in full force and the holidays on their way, why not take advantage of the abundance of winter squash, and try these tempting seasonal recipes?

Native American and Indigenous Peoples honor the winter season by slowing down, visiting the mountains, and otherwise recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity, nature, and the stars above. The colder months are a time to become more conscious and to heal, individually and collectively, as a planet. “We take care of Mother Earth, she will take

Hey FA Readers! We love discovering and featuring young, talented folks who are keeping their family’s heritage alive and well! Appalachia and Appalachian traditions have always intrigued our readers, so we asked Whitney Johnson AKA “Appalachian Forager” to share some of her favorite winter activities. Whitney is a smart business woman who mixes humor and

‘Tis the season for long white beards, reddened noses, pudgy bellies, and red pointed caps. Here come the Christmas gnomes! But where do these quirky characters come from, how have they become associated with Christmas, and what is our fascination with their distinctive look and charm? Is there a connection with garden gnomes? We explain.

Want to pick a Christmas tree that will radiate joy through the holiday season? Buy a local tree, choose a type that suits your needs (whether it is soft needles for young kids or sturdy branches for heavy ornaments), and make sure it’s fresh! We explain all the details and offer great suggestions, even one