Winter Olympics
This sport involves sliding stones on ice toward a target with sweeping brooms.
Curling
This December holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus and is observed by Christians.
Christmas
This Arctic bear has black skin under its white fur to absorb sunlight.
Polar Bear
This evergreen with sharp needles is often decorated during December.
Pine or Fir
George Washington’s troops suffered a brutally cold winter at this Revolutionary War encampment.
Valley Forge
Athletes race down an icy track head-first on a small sled in this fast, risky event.
Skeleton
This 8-day Jewish festival originated from the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Hanukkah
This fox changes its coat color from brown/gray in summer to white in winter.
Arctic Fox
This plant with red leaves and a holiday nickname was once used by the Aztecs for dye.
Poinsettia
On December 25, 1776, Washington crossed this icy river before a surprise attack on Hessian troops.
Delaware River
This once-every-four-years global event was first held in Chamonix, France, in 1924.
Winter Olympic Games
This African American cultural holiday created in 1966 celebrates values like unity and purpose.
Kwanzaa
These huge Arctic mammals travel in herds and have long curved tusks used for breaking ice.
Walruses
This plant with white berries has been hung in winter for centuries—people often kiss under it.
Mistletoe
During the Civil War, soldiers faced bitter cold in winter camps while preparing for battles like the Wilderness. This Union general later became president.
Ulysses S. Grant
Athletes ski long distances AND shoot rifles in this unique combined sport.
Biathlon
This New Year celebration originated in ancient China and is based on the lunar calendar.
Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year)
This wild cat of snowy mountains has a tail nearly as long as its body to help it balance.
Snow Leopard
This red-berried shrub stays green all winter and was used as a symbol of protection in ancient times.
Holly
This WWII battle, fought in freezing conditions in 1944–45, was Germany’s last major offensive.
Battle of the Bulge
This country holds the record for the most total Winter Olympic medals.
Norway
This celebration marks the winter solstice and was honored by ancient cultures including the Romans during Saturnalia.
Yule
This largest penguin species hatches its eggs on the ice during the harsh Antarctic winter.
Emperor Penguin
These hardy plants store water in their leaves and can photosynthesize even under snow cover.
Succulents
During the Korean War, U.S. and UN troops faced brutal winter combat at this reservoir, fighting in temperatures as low as –30°F.
Chosin Reservoir