Toys Under The Tree
Which board game, created in 1935, remains a Christmas staple in households around the world?
Monopoly
In what country did the custom of putting up a Christmas tree originate?
Germany
From Germany in the 18th century (possibly 16th century) it spread to Britain and from there to America and elsewhere around the world.
What much-reviled Christmas edible is known for its long shelf life?
Fruitcake
How many nights does Hanukkah last?
8
In the song “Frosty the Snowman,” what made Frosty come to life?
An old silk hat
Which 1950s toy is famous for its red wagon design and has been a beloved Christmas gift for decades?
Radio Flyer
first created by Antonio Pasin in 1917, became an iconic toy in the 1950s, embodying the spirit of American childhood adventure and imagination. Its durable design and classic red color made it a popular gift for generations, and it remains a favorite to this day. The company has expanded its product line to include tricycles, scooters, and other ride-on toys, continuing to inspire outdoor play.
What decade was the first year that the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was put up?
1930's
1933-Which was the year that 30 Rockefeller Plaza opened. There is a story of workers putting up a tree on Christmas Eve in 1931 during the construction of the Rockefeller Center that began the tradition. But there was no tree in 1932 and the tree in 1933 was the first official Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
In the early 1800s, the first gingerbread houses were reportedly inspired by what famous fairy tale?
Hansel and Gretel
What Christian group banned Christmas in Boston from 1659 to 1681?
The Puritans
Even though the ban on Christmas was lifted in 1681, Christmas didn’t become popular in Boston until the mid-19th century. Puritans also suppressed Christmas in England as well, during the Interregnum.
Whose recording of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” topped the U.S. charts in 1949?
Gene Autry
Which construction toy, originating from Denmark, has been a Christmas favorite since its introduction in 1949?
Lego Bricks
created by the LEGO Group founded by Ole Kirk Christiansen, revolutionized play by allowing children to build and create with their imagination. The name LEGO is derived from the Danish phrase "leg godt," meaning "play well," and the bricks are designed to interlock in countless ways, providing endless possibilities for creative construction.
What’s the most popular kind of tree to use for a Christmas tree?
Fir tree
What is the name of the potato pancake that is traditionally prepared to celebrate Hanukkah?
Latke!
Is there anything more delicious? Traditionally made with potatoes (but sometimes other vegetables!) and a staple for Hanukkah, every family has their own recipe for latkes and no two are the same.
What large former retail outlet commissioned and published Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
Montgomery Ward
They ordered a new Christmas book be made so that they could hand them out for free to customers, which would be cheaper than buying and giving away coloring books for Christmas as they had done in the past. They gave the task to Robert L. May who wrote Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in 1939. In a surprisingly generous gesture, Montgomery Ward gave May the copyright for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
What is the best-selling Christmas album of all time?
Elvis' Christmas Album
Name the animatronic cassette-playing bear toy that every kid wanted for Christmas in the mid 80s.
Teddy Ruxpin
The first ornaments were made of what?
The first ornaments were made from items that were available to families, such as fruit, nuts, popcorn, cranberries, paper streamers, candles, and metal foil.
Although used for decorating Christmas cakes, what is actually toxic to eat?
Holly
What environmentalist U.S. president banned Christmas trees at the White House?
President Theodore Roosevelt
What popular holiday song was written during the Cuban missile crisis and was a plea for peace?
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Gloria Shayne Baker composed the music, and the lyrics were written by her then husband Noel Regney. This was a switch from their normal routine of her writing the lyrics and him writing the music.
The "Tickle Me" version of what Sesame Street character was the "it" toy of the 1996 holiday season, causing some shoppers to resort to violence to obtain the coveted toy?
Elmo
What country is the Poinsettia, with its red and green foliage, native to?
Mexico
It derives its English name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US minister to Mexico. He introduced the plant to the US in 1825.
Which direction are you meant to stir mincemeat for good luck? Which direction are you meant to stir mincemeat for good luck?
Clockwise
In what decade did NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command, formerly CONAD) start tracking Santa on Christmas Eve?
The 1950’s (specifically 1955)
The NORAD Tracks Santa program officially started on December 24th, 1955 and has continued every year since. In 2004 Google started tracking Santa as well.
What unlikely duo recorded the song “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” in 1977?
Bing Crosby and David Bowie