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General Knowledge
100
What is the original meaning of "Noel" in Latin?
"birth" or "birthday"
100
What is the name of the horned figure who punishes naughty children in some European traditions?
The horned figure who punishes naughty children in Central and Eastern European folklore is Krampus.
100
In the song Twelve Days of Christmas, what is given on the 7th day?
Seven Swans a-Swimming, along with all the gifts from the previous days.
100
What’s the name of the Grinch’s dog?
The Grinch's loyal dog and sidekick is named Max. Max is a beloved mixed-breed dog who often serves as the Grinch's reindeer and moral compass in their adventures to steal Christmas.
100
What Christmas decoration was originally made from strands of silver?
The Christmas decoration originally made from strands of silver was tinsel, first crafted in 17th-century Germany from real, pounded silver to catch candlelight, though today it's made from plastic or aluminum for safety and cost.
200
In which U.S. state did Christmas first become a holiday (recognizing it in 1836)?
Alabama was the first U.S. state to officially recognize Christmas as a legal holiday in 1836, a tradition that set a precedent for other Southern states like Louisiana and Arkansas, though some historical sources note the claim lacks definitive proof from state archives, but remains widely accepted.
200
What old Christmas tradition signals to people passing by that the residents of a house are Christian?
placing a candle in the window, especially in Irish culture, symbolizing welcome for Mary & Joseph, a signal for traveling priests during persecution, and general hospitality for anyone needing warmth, a practice that spread globally from its origins.
200
What jaunty Christmas carol written in 1739 was supposed to be accompanied by slow and somber music? (hint: the version today was originally written to commemorate the invention of the printing press.)
Charles Wesley who wrote the original carol expected the carol to be sung with slow and somber music. And it was. Until 1855, when William H. Cummings adapted music that Felix Mendelssohn had composed in 1840 to fit Hark! The Harald Angels Sing.
200
In Home Alone 2, which future President had a cameo?
In Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, the future President with a cameo was Donald Trump, who appeared as himself giving directions to Kevin McCallister at the Plaza Hotel (which he owned at the time). 
200
What Christmas plant is known as an aphrodisiac?
Mistletoe, a parasitic plant steeped in folklore from ancient Celts and Norsemen, symbolizing fertility, love, and vitality, which led to the modern tradition of kissing underneath it during the holidays as a sign of romance and good fortune.
300
What was the first year that the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was put up?
The first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was put up in 1931, erected by construction workers during the Great Depression as a symbol of hope, decorated with handmade garlands and cranberries. The official, televised lighting ceremony for the tradition, however, began two years later in 1933. 
300
What cartoon character is a Christmas Eve staple in Sweden and is watched by millions of Swedes every year?
The iconic Christmas Eve staple in Sweden watched by millions is Donald Duck, known as Kalle Anka in Swedish, in a special Disney program called Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul (Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas), a tradition since 1959 that brings the nation to a standstill at 3 PM.
300
What was the original title for the popular Christmas song Silver Bells, written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans?
Tinkle Bells
The song was changed after Jay’s wife pointed out that tinkle could also mean peeing.
300
What is the name of the young girl who befriended Frosty the Snowman in the 1969 animated film?
Karen
300
Who created the first electric light Christmas display?
Thomas Edison
In 1880 he put up the first Christmas display made from electric lights to advertise his light bulbs. A few years later an inventor named Edward Johnson, a colleague of Thomas Edision, created the first string of Christmas lights.
400
Before Coca-Cola popularized the red suit, what colors was Santa sometimes depicted in? (Daily Double)
most commonly green, but also brown, tan, blue, and even purple. 
400
In what European country might you find money under the table cloth when you sit down to eat the traditional Christmas Eve supper Wigilia?
You would find money under the tablecloth during the traditional Polish Christmas Eve supper, Wigilia, in Poland, a common custom for good luck and blessings, often involving placing money under the white tablecloth, sometimes with hay, to symbolize prosperity for the coming year
400
What popular holiday song was written during the Cuban missile crisis and was a plea for peace?
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Gloria Shayne Baker composed the music, and the lyrics were written by her then husband Noel Regney.
400
In Elf, what's the first rule of the Code of the Elves? (Double points for 2 rules) (Triple if you can guess all 3)
In the movie Elf, the first rule of the Code of the Elves, as stated by Buddy the Elf, is to "Treat every day like Christmas.
- Treat every day like Christmas.
- There's room for everyone on the nice list.
- The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
400
What is celebrated the day after Christmas in the UK and Commonwealth?
The day after Christmas in the UK and Commonwealth (like Canada, Australia, NZ) is Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, evolving from traditions of giving servants and the poor gifts in "Christmas boxes" to a modern holiday known for big sales, sports (especially football/soccer & cricket), family gatherings, and enjoying leftovers. It's also known as St. Stephen's Day in some places.
500
The "X" in "Xmas" comes from which Greek letter?
The "X" in "Xmas" comes from the Greek letter Chi (Χ), which is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ.
500
In what country do people hide brooms on Christmas Eve to ward off witches?
Norway, Centuries-old Norwegian folklore suggested that Christmas Eve was a prime time for witches and spirits to roam, and they would often steal brooms for transport. A tradition rooted in folklore that persists today as a quirky way to keep these mischievous entities away, with some even hiding knives too.
500
In what country did the song, "Silent Night" originate?
Austria
It’s original German title was Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht. The lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr in 1816 and the music was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber 1818.
500
During which war does White Christmas take place?
"White Christmas" is most famously associated with World War II, a deeply nostalgic song about longing for home that resonated with soldiers and civilians separated by the war.
500
What monarch is credited with creating the first gingerbread men?
Queen Elizabeth I (reigned 1558-1603), who famously had her royal bakers mold gingerbread biscuits into the likenesses of visiting dignitaries and courtiers, presenting them as unique diplomatic gifts during her lavish banquets in the 16th century.