Sleigh the Buffet
These red-and-white striped peppermint treats were originally shaped like a shepherd’s staff.
Candy Canes
Unlike most deer species where only males have them, both male and female members of this species (Rangifer tarandus) grow antlers.
Reindeer
This 2004 film is a TikTok favorite for "Easter Egg" hunting because Tom Hanks plays six different roles, including the Conductor, the Hobo, and Santa.
The Polar Express
This "Queen of Christmas" has seen her 1994 hit "All I Want for Christmas is You" top the charts almost every year.
Mariah Carey
This nine-branched candelabra is lit during the eight nights of Hanukkah.
Menorah
During Hanukkah, these potato pancakes are fried in oil to symbolize the miracle of the oil in the Temple.
Latkes
Pine trees and Firs are called "Evergreens" because they don't drop these, allowing them to perform photosynthesis year-round.
Needles
In a 2025 Disney original movie, fictionalized versions of these three brothers (Nick, Joe, and Kevin) try to get home from London in time for the holidays.
Jonas Brothers
This modern tradition involves a scout sent from the North Pole who hides in different places to watch children's behavior.
Elf on the Shelf
One tradition involves hanging THIS parasitic plant...If you get caught standing under it, you better pucker up!
Mistletoe
In Nepal and South Asia, this vermicelli pudding enriched with milk and nuts is a staple dessert for Eid celebrations.
Sheer Khurma (or Sewai)
Many people claim this amino acid found in Turkey makes you sleepy, though scientists say it’s actually just the "carb coma" from overeating.
Tryptophan
In the movie Elf, Buddy realizes the "Santa" at Gimbels is a fake because he doesn't smell like cookies and candy, but rather like these two food items.
Beef and Cheese
A popular December 2025 trend uses a Paris Hilton audio to create a "hidden message" wishlist by capitalizing letters to spell out this item.
Money
In Central European folklore, this horned, goat-like figure acts as the "anti-Santa," punishing children who have been naughty.
Krampus
This French dessert, known as Bûche de Noël, is shaped and decorated to look like a literal piece of firewood.
Yule Log
If Rudolph’s nose were a biological trait found in deep-sea creatures or fireflies, the production of light would be called this.
Bioluminescence
In Home Alone, Marv insists on leaving a "signature" in every house he and Harry rob by leaving the water running, earning them THIS nickname.
Wet Bandits
This 2025 TikTok trend involves "90s Christmas" nostalgia, featuring silver tinsel, colorful lights, and this specific 1990 movie on VHS.
Home Alone
Celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, this holiday was created in 1966 to honor African-American heritage and involves lighting the Kinara.
Kwanzaa
This dish, popular in mesoamerica, consists of masa steamed in a corn husk. It is the centerpiece of social gatherings where they are prepared for Christmas Eve.
Tamales
Poinsettias aren't actually flowers; their famous red "petals" are actually modified leaves known by this botanical term.
Bracts
In the classic film A Christmas Story, Ralphie’s only wish is to get THIS gift, despite every adult warning him, "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!"
Red Ryder BB gun
Huge on TikTok and IG, these "GRWM" videos feature users choosing outfits and applying henna for this major Muslim holiday.
Eid
To ensure good luck for the next 12 months, people in Spain and many Latin American countries try to eat 12 UVAS, this fruit, at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve.
Grapes