Christmas Origins
Why is mistletoe associated with romance/kissing?
Ancient European cultures considered mistletoe as a symbol of life and fertility.
For what purpose was Rudolf the Red-Nose reindeer created?
For a department store as a promotional character, also to save money on materials…
What is Japans most popular Christmas food/meal?
KFC
What holiday was “Jingle Bells” originally made for?
Thanksgiving
What famous drink played a part in Santa´s Image?
Coca-Cola
What cultural beliefs are Christmas trees/evergreens originated from?
Pagan cultures (Romans, Celtic druids, Yule etc), Cristian “Paradise Tree”
How were Christmas trees placed in medieval Central Europe?
They were hung upside down
How is Christmas pudding made in the UK?
Soaked in alcohol for weeks and set on fire before serving
What movie is the highest grossing holiday movie of all time?
Home Alone
What was the first artificial Christmas tree made of?
Dyed goose feathers
From what anthropomorphic/mythical figure was Santa Claus inspired from?
Krampus, Eastern Alpine folklore
When were electronic Christmas lights invented?
1880s/19th century
What traditional Christmas treat is central to German holiday markets?
Lebkuchen/gingerbread
What is the best selling Christmas song of all time?
”White Christmas”
How old was the oldest fruitcake ever?
114 years old
On what day was Christmas originally celebrated? (Now known as Old Christmas Day)
January 7th
How do Australians celebrate Christmas?
With beach barbecues
What is the weirdest ingredient in Norway´s Christmas dish “smalahove”?
Smoked and boiled sheep head
How fast was “All I want for Christmas Is You” written?
15 minutes
What inspired people to make a cake called Yule log?
An old tradition where Yule log was an actual tree log and it was burned over 12 days
Where does Christmas originate from?
Ancient Rome pagan festival Saturnalia, Germanic Yule
Why were candy canes invented?
To keep children quiet in churches
Why is fruitcake considered funny in the U.S. but a serious tradition elsewhere?
In U.S. it is jokingly known as the dessert that no one eats
Which song was the first Christmas track to be broadcast from space?
”Jingle Bells”
Why were Christmas trees decorated with spider webs in old Ukrainian folk tales?
It was said To bring good luck and protection