Traditions
What figure is commonly said to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve in many Western countries and wears a red suit?
Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas / Father Christmas)
Finish the lyric (first line): “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is …”
"holy"
In which European city is the famous Christmas market called “Christkindlesmarkt” held in Nuremberg? (Country name required.)
Germany
In Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol", what is the name of the main character who learns to change his ways?
Ebenezer Scrooge
What sweet, spiced drink made with milk (or milk alternative), eggs, sugar, and spices is commonly served at Christmas in the US and UK?
Eggnog
Name the plant with red berries often hung indoors as a tradition where people kiss beneath it.
Mistletoe
Which Christmas song includes the lyric “Fa‑la‑la‑la‑la, la‑la‑la‑la” and is about decking the halls?
"Deck the Halls"
In which country is the tradition of the Yule Goat particularly well known?
Sweden (also Finland and other Nordic countries)
In the animated film "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas", what color is the Grinch?
Green
Mince pies are a traditional treat in which country?
United Kingdom (England)
Which day on the Christian calendar is celebrated as the birth of Jesus?
Christmas Day (25 December)
Name the carol that tells the story of a snowman coming to life.
"Frosty the Snowman"
In some places, Christmas is celebrated on 25 December. Name one country (other than the UK or USA) that celebrates on this date.
Examples: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, etc.
Name the poem that begins "’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house..." (Give the commonly used title.)
"A Visit from St. Nicholas" (commonly known as "’Twas the Night Before Christmas")
In many countries, families eat a big meal on Christmas Day. Name two typical main course options that are commonly served in the UK or Australia.
Examples: roast turkey, roast beef, ham, roast chicken
In many countries, families decorate a tree as part of Christmas. Name two traditional decorations often used on Christmas trees.
Examples: lights, baubles/ornaments, tinsel, star or angel topper
Which modern Christmas song begins with the line “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas”?
"White Christmas"
In Spain and many Latin American countries, a major gift‑giving celebration occurs on January 6. What is the name of this day?
Epiphany or Three Kings' Day (Día de los Reyes)
In many holiday stories, reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh. Name one of Santa’s reindeer from the famous poem that lists several (e.g., Dasher, Dancer, etc.).
Examples: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen (and Rudolph in later versions)
In Japan, a surprising modern Christmas fast‑food tradition involves which international chain’s fried chicken?
KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
Explain why Advent calendars are used in the weeks before Christmas and what they typically contain.
Advent calendars count down days to Christmas, often containing small gifts, chocolates, or Bible verses.
Many carols were written centuries ago. Name one famous composer or songwriter associated with Christmas carols (examples acceptable: Handel, Irving Berlin, etc.) and one carol they are known for.
Example answers: George Frideric Handel — "Messiah" (not strictly a carol but associated with Christmas), Irving Berlin — "White Christmas"
Some Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas on 7 January due to using the Julian calendar. Name one country where many people celebrate on 7 January.
Examples: Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, Belarus, Ethiopia (many Orthodox communities)
In the story "The Nutcracker", a girl named Clara/Marie receives a nutcracker that comes to life. Name the composer of the ballet score commonly performed for this story.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Many cultures have a special bread or cake associated with Christmas. Describe one (name and one typical ingredient) from any culture (examples: panettone, stollen, fruitcake, etc.).
Examples: Panettone — includes candied fruit and raisins; Stollen — includes dried fruit and marzipan; Fruitcake — dried fruit and nuts.