International Traditions
In Mexico, children break open these hanging papier mache sculptures to release the gifts inside.
What are pinatas?
This real-life department store served as the setting for the Christmas film “Miracle on 34th Street”.
What is Macy's?
This dark fairy tale about a brother, a sister, and a witch they meet in the woods, was the inspiration for gingerbread houses.
What is Hansel and Gretel?
Q: This familiar sleighing song was the first Earth tune played in outer space.
What is "Jingle Bells"?
This giggling red monster was the hit of the holidays as the best-selling Christmas toy of 1996.
What is Tickle Me Elmo?
In Germany, this frightening anti-Santa Claus with goat’s hooves and horns punishes children who misbehave instead of bringing them gifts.
Who (or what) is Krampus?
In 1994’s “The Santa Clause,” Tim Allen’s character takes over as Santa after this accident kills the original Santa Clause.
What is falling off a roof?
54. Q: Consumers buy an estimated two million of these sugary Christmas loaves each year, a surprising amount for a dessert many people love to hate.
What is fruitcake?
This mythical winter sprite is nipping at your nose in “The Christmas Song.”
Who is Jack Frost?
One in three men wait until this day to do their Christmas shopping.
What is Christmas Eve?
This holiday, observed in the U.K. on the day after Christmas, originated as a way for the rich to give their servants boxes of items to share with their families.
What is Boxing Day?
The number of lights on the Griswold house in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
What is 25,000?
This traditional Christmas beverage, made with brandy, fruit juices, and spices, is also the subject of an English folk song.
What is wassail?
In his original 1943 recording of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, Bing Crosby crooned, “Christmas Eve will find me…” here.
What is where the love light gleams?
You can get your Christmas card postmarked not at the North Pole, but at the city called North Pole, located in this, the largest U.S. state.
What is Alaska?
A witch drops presents down chimneys in this European country’s Christmas traditions.
What is Italy?
In “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” this character recites the Bible passage detailing the angel appearing to shepherds in the fields.
Who is Linus?
Christmas pies, served in many English-speaking countries, are also known by this more descriptive name, inspired by the blend of beef suet and fruit in the filling.
What are mincemeat pies?
. Q: It may sound like a composition from the Middle Ages, but this classic Christmas hymn appeared in 1843 and made its debut in 1847.
What is "O Holy Night"?
More than 1.5 billion of these travel through the U.S. Postal Service every year.
What are Christmas cards?
This tradition, now associated with Christmas, began in Ancient Greece as a blessing of fertility in wedding ceremonies.
What is kissing under the mistletoe?
This 2004 animated Christmas feature was an adaptation of an illustrated storybook by Chris Van Allsburg, the same author who created “Jumanji.”
What is "The Polar Express"?
In this country, a recipe that almost always makes an appearance is farofa, a breadcrumb-like mix of toasted cassava flour oozing with butter and garlic.
What is Brazil?
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” features a Christmas song composed especially for the show, with lyrics written on the back on an envelope in ten minutes by the show’s producer.
What is "Christmas Time is Here"?
Q: Instead of receiving cash as a holiday bonus in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”, Clark Griswold receives this sweet yet disappointing surprise.
What is a subscription to the Jelly of the Month club?