Italy
What small holiday scene do many Italian families display instead of a big tree?
Nativity scene
Germany is famous for starting what common Christmas decoration tradition?
Christmas tree (the tradition of the decorated tree)
What do French families put out for Père Noël to fill with gifts (they leave these by the fireplace)?
Shoes by the fireplace
Is Christmas an official national holiday in Japan (yes or no)?
No (not an official national holiday)
What is the name of the nine-day procession and celebration that remembers Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter?
Las Posadas
Who brings gifts to many Italian children on January 6th (a witch who delivers presents)?
La Befana
What special calendar do German families often use to count down to Christmas?
Advent calendar
What name do the French give to the special cake shaped like a log eaten at Christmas?
Bûche de Noël (Yule Log cake)
What fast-food chain is famously eaten by many families in Japan on Christmas?
KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
What colorful plant is called "Noche Buena" and is everywhere during Christmas in Mexico?
Poinsettia (Noche Buena)
Name one special Italian Christmas bread or cake often eaten during the season.
Panettone or Pandoro
Name one traditional German holiday food: a fruit bread or a spiced cookie.
Stollen or Lebkuchen
Which two days are the main French Christmas celebration days? (Give the dates.)
December 24 and December 25
In Japan Christmas is often treated more like which other holiday — a day for families or a day for couples?
A day for couples (similar to Valentine's Day)
What sweet bread is eaten on January 6th to celebrate the Three Kings Day?
Rosca de Reyes
On which two days are the main Christmas celebrations in Italy? (Give the dates.)
December 24 and December 25
Do many Germans open their presents on December 24th or December 25th?
December 24th (Christmas Eve)
What is the French name for the Nativity scene that families display?
Crèche
Which day is the main Christmas celebration in Japan even though children still usually go to school the next day?
December 24th (Christmas Eve)
Besides December 25th, which later date do children often receive gifts in Mexico?
January 6th (Three Kings Day)
What do Italian children often do before Christmas to show good behavior and celebrate? (Hint: song or event at church)
Sing carols (zampognari) and attend midnight Mass / write letters promising good behavior
What is the name of the markets where people buy ornaments, treats, and gifts during the season?
Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets)
Many families attend a special late church service on Christmas Eve. What is it called in French?
La Messe de Minuit (Midnight Mass)
Name one common Christmas food in Japan that is a sweet dessert often decorated with strawberries and whipped cream.
Christmas cake (strawberry shortcake with whipped cream)
During Las Posadas, children often break something fun filled with treats. What is it called?
Piñata