Christmas Carols
In 1965, astronauts Wally Schirra and Thomas Stafford made this carol the first song heard from space as they orbited Earth aboard the Gemini 6.
"Jingle Bells"
What were the names of the Wet Bandits in Home Alone 1 & 2?
Harry & Merv
Where was Jesus of Nazareth born?
Bethlehem
Japan has food from this famous restaurant as a Christmas tradition.
Kentucky Fried Chicken
True or False?
Just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce, and fir trees, many ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries, it was believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness.
True
This 1751 carol has the following lyrics:
..."Child, for us sinners
Poor and in the manger,
We would embrace Thee, with love and awe;
Who would not love Thee,
Loving us so dearly?"
"O Come, All Ye Faithful"
When Lock, Shock, and Barrel; Oogie Boogie's henchmen; first attempted to kidnap Santa Claus, who did they accidently kidnap instead?
The Easter Bunny
What year was Christmas officially established as a federal holiday in the U.S.?
1870
If you’re abstaining this Christmas, ponche navideño, or Christmas punch, offers an alcohol-free alternative to mulled wine. This festive drink, made by simmering fruits such as guava and apples with raw sugar cane, cinnamon and hibiscus, is traditionally served in the run-up to Christmas Eve, during Las Posadas, a week-long celebration that remembers Joseph and Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. What country offers this drink?
Mexico
What is the British English word for Christmas ornaments?
Baubles
Arguably one of the most famous Christmas carols was originally written in German by a priest who titled it, "Stille Nacht".
"Silent Night"
Kermit the Frog portrayed the hardworking and devoted father in "The Muppets' Christmas Carol". What is his name?
Bob Cratchit
What Roman festival was an early inspiration for Christmas?
Saturnalia
This country's Christmas dinner dishes consist of large amounts of fresh seafood. This Roman-Catholic custom remains strong today and is affectionately referred to as "the Feast of the Seven Fishes".
Italy
This famous inventor invented the first strand of lights in 1880, which he used to decorate the outside of his laboratory.
Thomas Edison
This 1919 carol was played during the first Home Alone movie scene where Kevin McCallister set up his traps for the robbers.
"Carol of the Bells"
The plot of this movie is about a man who is down on his luck and contemplates suicide. His guardian angel, who is trying to earn his wings, is assigned to him and shows him an alternate timeline of what the world would be like if he was never born.
"It's a Wonderful Life"
The tradition of using mistletoe was adopted from the...
Vikings
Before modern refrigeration, this traditional Christmas dessert was an ideal way to preserve food for the winter months because the high sugar content and dried fruits prevented spoilage.
Fruitcake
This symbolic Christmas tree topper is meant to represent what was used to guide the three wise men to the infant Jesus.
Christmas star/Northern star
"__ _____ _____,
the stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear
Savior's birth..."
"O Holy Night"
Who explains to Charlie Brown and the other children what Christmas is all about?
Linus
In what century did church officials decided to celebrate Jesus' birth on December 25th?
4th century
These ingredients are typically used to make this American Christmas beverage.
Eggnog
True or False:
Dried-out Christmas trees are a fire risk, and there are an average of 200 fire-related deaths each year from them.
False!
10 fire-related deaths are reported annually.
This 1855 carol was inspired by the Biblical verses found in Luke 2:8–14:
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!"
What did Aaron gift to the newborn Jesus when he wanted his little pet lamb healed?
A song played by the beat of his drum
The figure of Santa Claus developed from the 4th-century bishop Saint Nicholas, who was known for his generosity. The name "Santa Claus" or "Sinterklaas" comes from what language originally?
Dutch
These steamed corn dough dumplings filled with ingredients like meat, cheese, or fruit. They are typically made during the Christmas season.
Tamales
This popular decorative accent was once made of silver. Silver tarnished and was expensive, so cheaper alternatives like copper and tin were used, followed by aluminum in the early 20th century.
Tinsel
What were the 12 gifts from the "Twelve Days of Christmas"?
In what movie does a young boy named Ralphie Parker attempt to convince his parents, teacher, and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift?
"A Christmas Story"
1892 was the debut of Tchaikovsky's ballet, which is based on an 1816 fairy tale now often associated with Christmas. What is this famous ballet performed all over the world titled?
'The Nutcracker'
In ancient times, "kahk" were often stuffed with dates and figs. Today, the shortbread-like cookies, imprinted with a geometric pattern, are made with a variety of stuffings – dates, pistachios, walnuts – or spiced with cinnamon, cloves and ginger, and sometimes also fennel seeds, anise seeds and mahlab (ground sour cherry kernels). What country do these cookies originate from?
Egypt
What do candy canes represent?
A Shepherd's staff
This 1719 carol is one of the most recorded Christmas carols of all time.
"Joy to the World"
Who is the main protagonist in "Rise of the Guardians"?
Jack Frost
What famous royal couple brought the German tradition of decorating a fir tree to the royal household in the 1840s?
Queen Victoria & Prince Albert
In Bavaria, it's not Christmas without this roasted bird.
Goose
Christmas _____ have a history rooted in both ancient pagan traditions of warding off evil spirits and early Christian practices of calling people to worship. Over time, they became a powerful symbol of the joyous announcement of Christ's birth, with their ringing representing the angels' message to the shepherds.
Bells