Physical Activities
What do the Spanish do with a log filled with gifts on Christmas?
Beat it with a stick until the gifts come out (representing defecation)
What is a traditional Christmas dinner in some parts of Germany?
Kale with boiled potatoes and sausage
What is the name of the evil goat-demon in Germany who beats naughty children/steals their presents?
Krampus
In Germany, this ornament is hidden on the tree, and the first child to find it gets an extra present
A pickle
The original St. Nicholas was a Christian bishop who gave gifts to the needy. What country was he from?
Turkey
In Sweden on Santa Lucia Day (December 13), teenage girls dress in white and have a procession through the town, singing a song and delivering buns to hospitals and needy people. What do the girls wear on their heads?
A crown of candles
In the Czech Republic, an apple is cut in half before Christmas dinner. If the seeds are in the shape of a star the year will bring success. If the seeds are in the shape of a cross, what will the year bring?
Death
In Iceland, Gryla is an ogress whose name translates to "Growler." What does she do to naughty children at Christmas time?
Eats them alive
Every year Norway gives Great Britain a present to thank them for their help in WWII. What is the present?
A giant Christmas tree
In Russia, who helps Santa Claus (known there as Ded Moroz) deliver gifts?
A glamorous blonde assistant
In Slovakia, young women throw shoes over their shoulder on Christmas Eve. What does it mean if the toe of the shoe ends up pointing toward the door?
That she'll get married that year
In Poland, people fast on Christmas Eve until what happens?
Until they see the first star in the night sky
In Italy, who brings extra presents on January 6?
The Christmas Witch
In France, a traditional Christmas cake is called the Buche de Noel, or Yule Log. What is hidden inside the Yule Log that gives the finder good luck?
A ceramic baby
In Iceland, a group of Father Christmases called the Yule Lads leave gifts for good children in the days leading up to Christmas. What do they leave naughty children?
Rotten potatoes
DOUBLE JEOPARDY (double points): Saunas are very popular in Finland, but why do families go to the sauna early on Christmas Eve?
So that the spirits of their ancestors can come use the sauna after nightfall
In Poland, what do they leave under the Christmas dinner tablecloth for each guest?
Money
In Greece, what comes into people's houses around Christmas time?
Mischief-causing goblins
In Sweden, they make a giant statue out of straw every year for Christmas (and every year people try to burn it down). What is it a statue of?
A goat
In Norway, Santa Claus is called Sinterklaas. He arrives in Norway at the end of November, and comes from what country?
Spain (not the North Pole)
In Norway, it was believed that witches show up on Christmas Eve to steal people's brooms and then fly away on them. What did people do to foil these plans?
Women would hide brooms, and men would shoot guns into the sky
Why do they leave leftover Christmas dinner food on the table all night in Estonia?
So the spirits of loved ones will visit and have something to eat
DOUBLE JEOPARDY (double points): In Bulgaria, instead of celebrating with presents, what animal was slaughtered on Christmas Day to break the fast leading up to the special holiday?
A pig
What type of transportation does Santa use to arrive in Norway?
Boat