Winter Words & Surprising Facts
What winter weather term can also mean “someone giving you the cold shoulder”?
A cold front.
Which country greets the New Year first due to its time zone?
New Zealand/Kiribati
Which large animal famously hibernates, making winter the season of peace for hikers?
Bears
What warm winter drink becomes instantly fancier when topped with whipped cream or marshmallows?
Hot chocolate
What number does almost everyone count down from before midnight?
Ten
What frozen shape is famously said to be unique — no two are alike?
Snowflakes.
In many Asian cultures, what color is believed to bring good luck for the New Year?
Red
Which bird does NOT migrate for winter and often appears bright red against the snow?
The cardinal
Many cultures eat noodles at New Year for what symbolic meaning?
Long life
What is something many people write on January 1, but rarely finish by February?
New Year’s resolutions
What natural winter event can make trees “explode” due to rapid freezing?
Frost cracking
Which country celebrates the winter festival “Hogmanay,” known for loud fire festivals and first-footing?
Scotland
Which animal turns completely white in winter to hide from predators — nature’s version of a fashion change?
Arctic hare/arctic fox
Eating 12 grapes at midnight is considered good luck in which country?
Spain
In Denmark, people traditionally jump off a chair at midnight to “jump into” what?
The New Year
What do you call it when fog freezes on surfaces and makes everything look magical and sparkly?
Hoarfrost.
In the Northern Hemisphere, what month usually has the coldest average temperatures?
January
Which animals huddle together in giant groups during winter storms to stay warm?
Penguins
In Japan, people slurp a long noodle dish called “Toshikoshi noodles” to symbolize what?
Leaving the old year behind (“year-crossing noodles”)
In some countries, people open all the doors and windows at midnight to let what enter?
Good luck (or the New Year)
What rare phenomenon causes light pillars to appear in the sky as glowing vertical beams?
Light pillars (ice crystal reflection effect)
What is the name of the major winter celebration in some Asian countries that focuses heavily on family reunion and special foods?
Lunar New Year / Spring Festival
What is the term for the moment when the Earth is tilted farthest from the sun, creating the longest night of the year?
Winter Solstice
Which sparkling drink (alcoholic or not) is most commonly used to toast at New Year’s Eve celebrations?
Champagne / sparkling cider
In the Philippines, people wear polka dots at New Year for what symbolic reason?
To attract wealth and abundance (circles represent coins)