International Traditions
This country celebrates Las Posadas, a nine-day reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, culminating on Christmas Eve.
What is Mexico?
These popular, peppermint-flavored sticks first appeared in the United States in 1847.
What are candy canes?
1995. This toy's popularity was so high, you could say it went "to infinity and beyond".
What is Buzz Lightyear?
“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”
What is It's a Wonderful Life?
(Clarence)
It's traditional to eat KFC for Christmas in this Asian country, thanks to a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s.
What is Japan?
This rich, fruity dessert is traditionally set on fire before being served in the UK.
What is Christmas pudding?
1989. This handheld gaming system first gained popularity in Japan, before reaching the United States markets a year later.
What is a Game Boy?
“Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere, leave you for dead?"
What is Christmas Vacation?
(Clark Griswold)
It's customary to hide a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree, with a prize for the person who finds it, in this European country.
What is Germany?
Originating in Germany, this spiced bread often contains dried fruit and is covered in powdered sugar.
What is stollen?
1997. These small collectible plushes at one point accounted for 10% of all sales on eBay.
What are Beanie Babies?
"Please note the size and color of each item, and send as many as possible. If it seems too complicated, make it easy on yourself: just send money. How about tens and twenties?"
What is Charlie Brown Christmas?
(Sally)
The legend of the Yule Lads -- 13 mischievous characters who fill children's shoes with candy on Christmas -- is part of Christmas folklore in this small island nation.
What is Iceland?
In Italy, this tall, dome-shaped sweet bread is a Christmas staple, often enjoyed with coffee.
What is panettone?
1972. Long before the age of consumer electronics, this colorful card game was the gift for families.
What is UNO?
"In some ways, you’re far superior to my cocker spaniel."
What is White Christmas?
(Bob Wallace)
Many families decorate their Christmas trees with artificial spider webs in this Eastern European country, thanks to a legend about a poor family and a magical spider.
What is Ukraine?
In Sweden, these saffron-flavored buns, traditionally shaped like an "S", are served on Saint Lucia's Day.
What are Lussekatter (or saffron buns)?
1952. This toy could be customized in hundreds of ways. And the best part: it didn't need to be peeled to be enjoyed.
What is Mr. Potato Head?
“Now you listen to me, young lady! Even if we’re horribly mangled, there’ll be no sad faces on Christmas.”
What is How the Grinch Stole Christmas?