Christmas Traditions
Bringing evergreens indoors began in Germany to symbolize life lasting through winter.
What is the Christmas Tree?
A 4th century bishop known for secret generosity inspired today's Santa.
Who is St. Nicholas?
This curved candy represents a shepherd's crook.
What is a candy cane?
The day after Christmas dedicated to charity in the UK.
What is Boxing Day?
The first people to celebrate New Year on January 1st were under this ancient empire.
What is the Roman Empire?
We hang these because St Nicholas supposedly dropped gold coins down chimneys into them.
What are Christmas Stockings?
This reindeer with a glowing feature was invented by a department store in 1939.
Who is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
This plant of peace, love and fertility explains the kissing tradition.
What is mistletoe?
This carol debuted with a broken organ on Christmas Eve 1818.
What is "Silent Night"?
This Times Square tradition began in 1907 with a 700-pound iron ball.
What is the ball drop?
This bright decoration evolved from representing starts to using electric bulbs thanks to Edison's assistant.
What are Christmas lights?
Thomas Nast and Coca-Cola helped popularize this red-suited version of a holiday icon.
Who is modern Santa Claus?
Brought from Mexico in the 1800's, this red plant became a Christmas symbol.
What is the poinsettia?
This tradition involves a little elf moving each night around the house.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
French royalty helped make this fizzy drink the classic New Year's toast.
What is champagne?
This Christmas drink began as a medieval British warm, boozy celebration punch.
What is wassail? (Eggnog)
This wooden figure began in Germany as a moving decoration "guarding" the home.
What is the Nutcracker?
Medieval Europeans made this spicy cookie for religious celebrations long before Christmas became a holiday.
What is gingerbread?
This tradition of carolers singing for treats and donations helped inspire modern "trick-or-treating."
What is wassailing?
Black-eyed peas bring luck and greens bring money in this Southern New Year meal.
What is Hoppin' John?
This European tradition of burning wood turned into a chocolate dessert in France.
What is a Yule Log?
In 1823, this anonymous poem, later credited to Clement Clarke Moore, introduced Santa's flying reindeer and chimney arrival.
Placing this tiny figure in cakes links to Epiphany traditions in Europe.
What is the baby in King's Cake?
This figure from Central and Eastern European folklore, often accompanying St. Nicholas on December 5-6, punishes misbehaving children.
Who is Krampus?
These promises trace back to the Babylonians renewing loyalty to their king and gods.
What are New Year's resolutions?