Holiday Origins
This country is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition.
Germany
Santa’s workshop elves are usually depicted wearing these two colors.
Red and green
This candy was originally straight before being curved into its signature hook shape.
Candy cane
January 6 marks this holiday celebrating the arrival of the Wise Men.
Three Kings Day / Epiphany
This Mariah Carey hit reappears on the charts every December.
All I Want for Christmas Is You
Santa’s modern red suit became popular largely because of ads from this company in the 1930s.
Coca-Cola
In folklore, elves traditionally help Santa with this major holiday task.
Toy-making
Fruitcake can last for years because it’s often soaked in this.
Alcohol
Families in Japan traditionally eat this fast-food meal for Christmas dinner.
KFC
In Home Alone, the family is headed to this city when they leave Kevin behind.
Paris
This popular holiday plant has white sap that can irritate skin—despite being widely used in decorations.
Poinsettia
Santa’s elves are often described as this height range.
About 2–3 feet tall
This round holiday decoration inspired the shape of a classic Christmas cookie.
Wreath
Icelandic children receive gifts from 13 different holiday figures known as these.
Yule Lads
In The Grinch, his heart grows this many sizes.
Three
The tradition of hanging stockings is believed to have started because Saint Nicholas once dropped coins down one of these.
A chimney
According to popular lore, Santa’s elves enter their “busy season” starting in this month.
October
This spice used in holiday baking comes from the bark of a tropical tree.
Cinnamon
This country hides its brooms on Christmas Eve to keep witches away.
Norway
This classic holiday movie was filmed in Cleveland even though it takes place in Indiana.
A Christmas Story
The first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was put up in this decade.
The 1930s
In some holiday traditions, elves place small treats or toys into these items left out by children.
Shoes
Gingerbread can be traced back to monks from this century.
11th century
In the Philippines, Christmas season is so long that it begins in this month.
September
The highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time is this 1990 classic.
Home Alone