Holiday Foods
In the UK, this rich dessert is set on fire before serving on Christmas Day.
What is Christmas pudding?
This African American holiday, created in 1966, is celebrated for seven days and focuses on community and culture.
What is Kwanzaa?
This spinning top is used in a popular Hanukkah game.
What is a dreidel?
In many parts of Central and South America, this gentle figure known as “El Niño Dios” brings gifts to children.
Who is the Christ Child?
Hanging stockings on the mantel comes from the country where children once filled wooden shoes with hay for a bishop-like figure named Sinterklaas.
What is the Netherlands?
This warm drink made from apple cider, cinnamon, and cloves is a popular treat at many Christmas markets.
What is mulled cider?
Families in Mexico reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter during this December festival.
What is Las Posadas?
This country is the birthplace of the Christmas Tree.
What is Germany?
This companion of Santa in some European countries is known for punishing naughty children.
Who is Krampus?
Advent calendars, now popular countdowns for kids in the U.S., first appeared in this country in the 19th-century .
What is Germany?
In Italy, families often enjoy Panettone, a sweet type of this bread.
What is fruitcake (or sweet bread)?
This holiday marks the new year in many Asian cultures and is often celebrated with lion dances and red envelopes.
What is Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year)?
In Iceland, families give books on Christmas Eve and then spend the night reading. The tradition is called the Jólabókaflóð, meaning this.
What is the “Yule Book Flood”?
Known as “The Christmas Witch” of Italy, she brings gifts on Epiphany Eve and is said to travel by broom.
Who is La Befana?
Hanging wreaths at Christmas comes from this ancient empire where there were elaborate winter festivals honoring the god Saturn (called "Saturnalia").
What is Ancient Rome? (or Italy)
This potato pancake is a traditional food enjoyed during Hanukkah.
What are latkes?
This pagan festival marks the winter solstice, celebrating the return of light.
What is Yule?
This type of ornament, often a small woven heart filled with treats, is traditionally hung on trees in Denmark and associated with the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen.
What is a Danish Christmas heart (julehjerte)?
Children in Spain and Latin America leave grass and water for the animal of this Three Kings’ companion.
What is the camel? (But the intended figure is “the camels of the Three Kings.”)
The Yule log—now a TV fireplace classic—comes from winter solstice rituals in this region in northern Europe.
What is Scandinavia? (acceptable: What is Norway/Sweden/Denmark?)
This Japanese tradition sees millions enjoying fried chicken from this American fast-food chain on Christmas Eve.
What is KFC?
This Hindu festival of lights, sometimes celebrated in fall or early winter, includes diyas, sweets, and fireworks.
What is Diwali?
Often seen glowing in windows, this single candle symbolizes warmth, welcome, and hope, and comes from an Irish tradition of lighting the way for travelers during the dark winter nights.
What is the Christmas window candle?
This French Christmas figure, whose name means “Father Christmas,” delivers gifts to children.
Who is Père Noël?
Poinsettias became a holiday favorite thanks to this country where the plant grows wild and is called “Flor de Nochebuena.”
What is Mexico?