Holiday Hits
What was the first Christmas song that was played in space?
A. Jingle Bells
B. We Wish you a Merry Christmas
C. Joy to the World
D. Jingle Bell Rock
A. Jingle Bells
Astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford surprised Mission Control by reporting a “UFO” in orbit and then played a prank by sending up a harmonica and sleigh bells to play “Jingle Bells.”
In the British Commonwealth, what is the public holiday celebrated on the first day after Christmas Day?
Boxing Day
Celebrated on December 26th, this holiday originated from traditions of giving gifts in boxes, either to servants and tradespeople for their year's service.
Why did Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem?
A decree from Caesar Augustus for a census/enrollment (Luke 2:1)
Who was the generous 4th-century bishop that grew into Sinter Klaas (Dutch) and then Santa Claus, merging with Christmas traditions?
St. Nicholas
What Christmas tradition began when people noticed that the food used to decorate Christmas trees would mysteriously disappear overnight?
Leaving cookies for Santa
Guess the song:
"Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe"
"All I Want for Christmas is You"
- Mariah Carey
In what country is eating KFC for Christmas is a beloved holiday tradition?
A. Singapore
B. Belize
C. South Africa
D. Japan
D. Japan
What is the symbolism of gold, frankincense, and myrrh?
Gold - Jesus's identity as King
Frankincense - Divine God/Our High Priest
Myrrh - Sacrificial human/suffering Messiah
What was the best selling Christmas toy in 1980?
A. Rubik's Cube
B. Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls
C. Masters of the Universe (He-Man) Action Figures
D. Star Wars Action Figures
You're probably familiar with the vibrant, multi-colored Rubik's Cube (A) beloved by those both young and old. The Rubik was the best-selling Christmas toy in 1980 according to The Fact File. Back then, it was going for $1.99
What classic festive treat can last a lifetime?
A. Gingerbread Cookies
B. Fruitcake
C. Sticky Toffee Pudding
D. Candy Canes
B. Candy Canes
The oldest fruitcake was 114 years old and had been passed down from generation to generation.
In the song "12 Days of Christmas", how many total gifts did the person receive from their true love?
364 gifts
In Caracas, Venezuela, what fun activity do they do all-night, which ends with people going to Mass at sunrise by using this activity as their mode of transportation?
A. Swimming
B. Biking
C. Roller-Skating
D. Running
C. Roller-Skating
Which prophet told where Jesus would be born?
A. Hosea
B. Isaiah
C. Micah
D. Obadiah
C. Micah
The prophet who foretold Jesus' birthplace was Micah, specifically in the book of Micah (Micah 5:2), who prophesied the Messiah would come from Bethlehem Ephrathah, a small town in Judah.
Christmas trees are grown in how many States?
A. 48
B. 50
C. 5
D. 35
Every state grows Christmas trees (B) including Hawaii and Alaska,
In this German tradition, a glass ornament in the shape of what food item is hidden in the tree?
A. Radish
B. Fish
C. Pickle
D. Sausage
C. Pickle
Guess the Song:
"Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease"
"O Holy Night"
- Josh Groban
What is the location of the largest floating Christmas tree?
A. Brazil
B. Peru
C. Chile
D. Ecuador
A. Brazil
Who did an angel tell about the death of Herod in a dream?
Joseph
What were the first ornaments on a Christmas tree?
A. Ribbons
B. Flowers
C. Candles
D. Food
The first Christmas tree ornaments were simple, natural, and edible items like apples, nuts, and sweets, symbolizing abundance, along with candles for light, originating in 16th-century Germany.
What is the highest grossing holiday movie of all time?
A. White Christmas
B. Miracle on 34th Street
C. The Grinch
D. Home Alone
C. The Grinch
What is the most published Christmas carol of the last hundred years in North America?
A. Silent Night
B. Joy to the World
C. Away in a Manger
D. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
B. Joy to the World
In Norway on Christmas Eve, why is it a common tradition to hide all of the brooms in the house before falling asleep?
A. Because witches roam on Christmas Eve and hiding the brooms prevents them from being stolen.
B. To stop the Christmas gnomes from hiding presents in them
C. Because the brooms are “resting” before the big New Year cleaning.
D. To avoid tripping over them during midnight caroling
A. Because witches roam on Christmas Eve and hiding the brooms prevents them from being stolen.
How many angelic appearance occur surrounding Jesus's birth across both births?
8 total
What song was originally a Thanksgiving song?
A. Joy to the World
B. Jingle Bells
C. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
D. What a Wonderful World
B. Jingle Bells
James Lord Pierpont wrote the song called "One Horse Open Sleigh" for his church's Thanksgiving concert in the mid-19th century. This title later changed into the hit we know and love today.
Candy canes were originated in 1670 in Cologne and created for what reason?
A. Made by a choirmaster for children during long Christmas church services to keep them quiet and occupied
B. Originally used for Christmas ornaments
C. Created for its medicinal properties to aid in curing sore throats
D. A sweet treats for travelers walking long distances in the winter
A. Made by a choirmaster for children during long Christmas church services to keep them quiet and occupied