Christmas Movies
This 1946 film starring James Stewart centers on a man who learns the impact of his life with the help of an angel; it’s frequently screened during the holidays and prompts discussions on community and service.
What is It’s a Wonderful Life
This classic holiday carol asks listeners to silently reflect on a newborn in a stable; its title includes the word “Silent.”
What is Silent Night?
A baked dessert of fruit and spices often wrapped or enclosed in pastry and associated with British holiday tables. Name it.
Mince pie.
Hanging a sock-like receptacle for small gifts by the fireplace—what is this tradition called?
What is a stocking
The day after Thanksgiving in the United States often features major sales and crowds; name the day.
Black Friday
A 2003 family comedy where a boy’s wish sends one of Santa’s elves to the real world, exploring workplace culture and the clash between corporate and handcrafted traditions. Name the film.
What is Elf?
A mid-20th-century pop standard that has become a holiday staple, featuring the lyric about “walking in a winter wonderland.” Provide the song title and one reason it endures in popular culture.
Winter Wonderland — endures due to evocative imagery and cross-genre covers.
This savory staple often served at holiday dinners can be brined, roasted, and served with gravy; list the food and one common side dish pairing
Turkey — common pairing: mashed potatoes and gravy or stuffing
Exchanging short, anonymous notes of appreciation or small treats among coworkers over a set period, often culminating in a reveal; name the practice and suggest one workplace-friendly variation.
Secret Santa / Secret Santa exchange
What is the commonly used four-letter abbreviation for a holiday shopping weekend that includes Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday?
BFCM
In this darkly comic 2004 holiday film set at a department store toy counter, a disaffected salesman and a colleague form an unexpected bond; it’s notable for its critique of consumerism. Identify the film.
What is The Ref?
This song’s lyrics include the plea to “let every heart prepare Him room” and is often performed in religious and secular settings; name it and note its traditional composer or lyricist.
O Come, All Ye Faithful — (lyrics commonly attributed to John Francis Wade)
A chilled custard-like dessert flavored with nutmeg and frequently fortified with spirits
Eggnog
Many cultures mark the winter season with feasts tied to religious observance. Describe one non-Christian winter holiday tradition (name and a brief description) that could be respectfully acknowledged in a school staff context.
Hanukkah — lighting menorah and sharing foods like latkes;
or Diwali — festival of lights celebrated with lamps and sweets
What single-word term describes a fixed upper limit on how much participants may spend in a workplace gift exchange?
a Cap
This 1990 film follows a young protagonist’s misadventures when he’s accidentally left at home and must defend the house; consider how the movie frames family responsibility and resilience. Title the film.
What is Home Alone?
Identify the song originally written in 1946 that references “figgy pudding” and a comically long list of items, often performed in spirited sing-along arrangements.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
This European holiday bread, studded with dried fruit and sometimes marzipan, is popular in several countries and often sliced for tea.
Stollen (Fruitcake)
In what country did the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree first originate?
Germany
What two-word phrase names the practice of buying goods from nearby businesses to support the local economy during the holiday season?
Shop Local
Name the 1983 fantasy film in which a boy and his toys embark on a nautical rescue to save Santa Claus’s workshop, known for imaginative stop-motion visuals and a melancholic tone.
What is The Man Who Planted Christmas?
A contemporary seasonal hit written in the 21st century that achieved crossover radio success; name one modern holiday single.
"All I Want for Christmas Is You" (1994, modern era hit) or more recent: "Underneath the Tree" (2013)
What alcoholic spirit is traditionally poured on top of a Christmas pudding and lit on fire?
Brandy
What is the name of the mythological, satan-like creature in Alpine folklore that punishes naughty children during the Christmas season?
Krampus
What concise policy title should a school adopt if it intends to prohibit staff-to-staff gift exchanges to reduce perceived favoritism and simplify end-of-year protocols?
Gift-Free Policy