Winter
Break
Break
Xmas
Character
Character
Around the
World
World
Animals
Salad Days
100
Whether downhill or cross-country, many Canadians love to do this during winter break.
What is skiing?
Canada has a long skiing tradition, with some of the country’s earliest ski clubs forming in the late 1800s.
100
A No. 1 hit song in 1952 began with the words “I saw mommy kissing” this jolly man.
Who is Santa Claus?
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" was recorded by 13-year-old Jimmy Boyd and became a major holiday hit in 1952.
100
Some 2,400 years ago, workers began building the Great Wall in this country.
What is China?
The Great Wall was not built as one continuous project; many sections were constructed and connected over centuries by different Chinese states and dynasties.
100
In the winter, some animals enter this dormant state in which body temperature lowers and breathing and heart rate slow down.
What is hibernation?
During hibernation, an animal’s metabolism slows dramatically, allowing it to conserve energy when food is scarce.
100
This side dish takes its name from Dutch words meaning “cabbage salad.”
What is coleslaw?
Interesting Fact: Coleslaw comes from the Dutch term “koolsla,” a combination of kool (“cabbage”) and sla (“salad”).
200
Lace up a pair of these and head out to the pond for a day of winter fun.
What are skates?
Ice skating has deep roots in Canada, where frozen lakes and ponds have long served as natural skating rinks during winter.
200
I’m the reindeer kids adore, with a nose that lights the way; Burl Ives told my tale in 1964.
Who is Rudolph (the Red-Nosed Reindeer)?
Rudolph was created for a 1939 promotional story by Robert L. May before becoming a beloved Christmas character.
200
Legend says you’ll gain the gift of persuasive speaking by kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle in this country.
What is Ireland?
Blarney Castle is a medieval fortress built in the 15th century. Visitors traditionally lean backward over a drop to kiss the stone.
200
Like a lot of birds, the monarch butterfly does this in the winter.
What is migrate?
The monarch butterfly undertakes one of the most remarkable migrations in nature, travelling thousands of kilometres from Canada and the United States to overwintering areas in central Mexico.
200
A Caesar salad is traditionally made with this type of lettuce.
What is romaine lettuce?
Romaine lettuce is also known as cos lettuce and was chosen for Caesar salad because its long, sturdy leaves hold the dressing well.
300
When you’re mushing in northern Canada, you’re riding on one of these, pulled by a team of dogs.
What is a sled?
Dog sledding, also called mushing, has been used by Indigenous peoples and northern communities for transportation, hunting, and hauling supplies for thousands of years.
300
He’s green, he’s mean, and his heart is “two sizes too small.”
Who is the Grinch?
The Grinch was created by Dr. Seuss in the 1957 book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"
300
The Leaning Tower of Pisa in this country proves adults can make mistakes too.
What is Italy?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa began leaning during construction in the 12th century because it was built on soft, unstable ground.
300
The emperor is the only one of these birds that breeds during the dark polar winter.
What is a penguin?
Emperor penguin males endure the Antarctic winter while protecting a single egg on top of their feet under a special fold of skin. They can go for months without eating while they keep the egg warm until it hatches.
300
Insalata Caprese contains alternating slices of tomato and this cheese, drizzled with olive oil and basil.
What is mozzarella?
Mozzarella is traditionally made from the milk of water buffalo in the form known as mozzarella di bufala, especially in the Campania region of Italy
400
To have a roaring fire, you might have spent your vacation helping Dad clean out this part of the house.
What is the chimney?
A clean chimney helps a fireplace burn safely by allowing smoke and gases to escape properly.
400
This “jolly happy soul” was brought to life by a magician’s old silk hat.
Who is Frosty the Snowman?
Frosty the Snowman first appeared in the 1950 song Frosty the Snowman, written by Walter Rollins and Steve Nelson.
400
The biggest exposed rock in the world, Uluru (Ayers Rock), is held sacred by the Indigenous peoples of this large country.
What is Australia?
It is a massive sandstone formation that rises about 348 metres above the surrounding plain.
400
These Arctic animals may weigh less than 2 pounds at birth but later grow to weigh up to 1,760 pounds.
What are polar bears?
They grow rapidly while nursing on their mother’s rich milk.
400
The original Waldorf salad had only apples, celery, and mayonnaise, but today it is standard to add these nuts.
What are walnuts?
Walnut became a classic addition to Waldorf salad after the original version was created at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1896.
500
Kids might get an early taste of bubbly on this day, also known as Old Year’s Night.
What is New Year’s Eve?
In places like Spain, people eat 12 grapes at midnight. One grape is eaten for every chime of the clock. This brings good luck for each month.
500
On Christmas Eve, he was visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Who is scrooge?
Ebenezer Scrooge is the central character in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The story was first published in 1843 and helped shape many modern Christmas traditions, including the idea of using the holiday as a time for generosity and goodwill.
500
You can visit the 6th-century Mayan city of Chichén Itzá on the Yucatán Peninsula in this country.
What is Mexico?
It one of the largest and most important cities of the ancient Maya civilization.
500
In winter, the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains wore robes made from the hides of these animals.
What are bison?
500
This type of orange adds a sweet tang to the classic Chinese chicken salad.
What is a mandarin orange?
They add sweetness and colour to the dish. The mandarin is named after the officials of imperial China known as mandarins, although the fruit itself is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia.