CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
In which country did the tradition of decorating Christmas trees originate?
Germany
In Russia, what do people traditionally write on a piece of paper, burn it, put the ashes in champagne, and drink at midnight on New Year's Eve?
A wish or resolution for the new year
Which connector best completes this sentence? "She studied medicine for years; _____, she decided to become a writer instead."
however, nevertheless, or nonetheless
What does it mean when someone says Christmas dinner "cost an arm and a leg"?
It was very expensive
What is the phrase you would use to greet someone whose name you don't know in a cover letter?
To whom it may concern,
Dear sir or madam
In Japan, which American fast-food chain has become a popular Christmas dinner tradition since the 1970s?
KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
In Scotland, what is the name of the New Year's Eve celebration that involves "first-footing" (being the first person to enter a home after midnight)?
Hogmanay
Rewrite using "have something done": "The elves decorated Santa's workshop before Christmas."
Santa had his workshop decorated by the elves before Christmas.
What does it mean when someone says "don't beat around the bush"?
Get to the point; say what you mean directly without avoiding the topic
What term describes your first language, the one you learned as a child?
mother tongue
In Ukraine, what decorative item is traditionally hung on Christmas trees for good luck, inspired by a folk tale about a poor widow?
Spider webs or spiders (artificial ones made of silver or gold)
In Denmark, what do people traditionally break against their friends' and neighbours' doors for good luck on New Year's Eve?
Plates or unused dishes
Which reflexive pronoun completes this sentence? "Santa _____ wrapped all the gifts for the children."
himself
If someone is described as "full of beans," what does this mean?
Full of energy and enthusiasm; lively and excited
What do we call someone who can be trusted to keep secrets and handle sensitive information?
trustworthy, reliable, or discreet
In Catalonia, Spain, what is the name of the traditional Christmas log that children "feed" and then beat with sticks on Christmas Day to make it "defecate" presents?
Tió de Nadal or Caga Tió
In which Asian country is it traditional to throw water, talcum powder, or paint on people during their New Year celebration as a symbol of cleansing and renewal?
Thailand (during Songkran) or Myanmar (also accepted)
Correct this conditional with inversion: "If I would have known about the Christmas party, I would have brought a gift."
Had I known about the Christmas party, I would have brought a gift.
What does "the straw that breaks the camel's back" mean, and in what type of situation would you use this expression?
The final small problem that makes a situation unbearable after many other difficulties; used when a seemingly minor issue causes someone to lose patience or give up after enduring many previous problems
What's the difference between a "scholarship" and a "grant"?
The scholarship is awarded to someone academically gifted; the grant is given to someone in an disadvantaged position (regarding social class, economy, disabilities...)
In which Asian country is it traditional to attend a "Misa de Gallo" (Rooster's Mass) at dawn on Christmas Day, preceded by nine days of pre-dawn masses called "Simbang Gabi"?
The Philippines
In Ecuador and some other Latin American countries, what effigies are burned at midnight on New Year's Eve to symbolise getting rid of the old year's bad luck, often depicting politicians or pop culture figures?
Año Viejo (Old Year) dolls or effigies
Complete with the correct quantifier: "_____ children believe in Santa Claus, but _____ outgrow this belief by age ten."
Most/A lot of children believe in Santa Claus, but many/few outgrow this belief by age ten.
What does the expression "to have a white elephant" mean, especially in the context of a White Elephant gift exchange at Christmas?
A possession that is useless or troublesome, especially one that costs more to maintain than it's worth
What's the difference between being "made redundant" and being "fired" from a job?
Redundant means losing your job due to company downsizing or economic reasons (not your fault); fired means being dismissed due to poor performance or misconduct