Worldwide Winter Customs
In Mexico, families celebrate this nine-night event leading up to Christmas, reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter.
What is Las Posadas?
Often an evergreen, presents are placed under this decorated mainstay.
What is a Christmas tree?
What holiday drink is also called “milk punch”?
What is eggnog?
This jolly figure in a red suit delivers gifts on Christmas Eve in many Western countries.
Who is Santa Claus?
In Santa’s classic outfit, this color dominates his coat and hat.
What is red?
In Sweden, this December 13th celebration honors a saint with candlelit processions and saffron buns.
What is St. Lucia's Day?
This bright red plant, native to Mexico and associated with Christmas, is called Flor de Nochebuena in Spanish.
What is the poinsettia?
These striped candies, shaped like shepherd’s crooks, are a classic Christmas treat in North America.
What are candy canes?
In Iceland, these 13 mischievous brothers visit children during the 13 days before Christmas, leaving gifts or potatoes.
Who are the Yule Lads?
In Mexico, during Las Posadas, participants often wear these colorful garments associated with traditional folk celebrations.
What are ponchos?
In Japan, this fast-food chain has become a quirky Christmas tradition, with families pre-ordering meals weeks in advance.
What is KFC?
In Scandinavian countries, this evergreen plant is hung in doorways during Christmas for good luck and is often linked to kissing traditions.
What is mistletoe?
This chewy French confection, made with sugar, honey, and nuts, is a traditional Christmas treat in Provence.
What is nougat?
In Germany and Austria, this horned creature accompanies St. Nicholas and punishes naughty children.
Who is Krampus?
In Scotland’s Hogmanay, revelers sometimes don this accessory made of tartan fabric, traditionally worn over the shoulder.
What is a sash or tartan scarf?
In Germany, children leave their shoes out on December 5th to receive treats from this saint.
Who is St. Nicholas?
In Italy, this aromatic herb is sometimes used in Christmas cooking and decorations, symbolizing peace and protection.
What is rosemary?
This British dessert, traditionally served on Christmas Day, is made with dried fruits and often set aflame before serving.
What is Christmas pudding?
Which two of Santa's reindeer are named after weather phenomena?
Who are Donner (Thunder) and Blitzen (Lightning)?
In Peru, during Christmas festivities in the Andes, dancers often wear these brightly colored woolen hats with ear flaps.
What are chullos?
In China, during Christmas, it’s common to give this fruit as a gift because its name sounds like “peace” in Mandarin.
What is an apple?
In Japan, where Christmas is more secular, this flowering plant, often white or pink, is popular for holiday décor and represents purity.
What is the camellia?
In Mexico, these fried pastries dusted with cinnamon sugar are a popular holiday treat, often served with hot chocolate.
What are buneulos?
In Kwanzaa celebrations, this symbolic figure represents the community elder who leads the lighting of the kinara candles.
Who is the Griot?
In Nigeria, during Christmas and New Year festivities, celebrants often wear this traditional robe, richly embroidered and flowing.
What is an agbada?