Winter Calendar
Is the Winter Solstice the longest or shortest day of the year?
What is... the shortest!
The Winter Solstice in 2023 is set for December 21/22. The Northern Hemisphere will experience approximately seven hours and 14 minutes of daylight, signifying the shortest day of the year.
According to a popular Holiday song where can you get some homemade pumpkin pie?
What is... Pennsylvania!
"I met a man who lives in Tennessee, and he was heading for
Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie" - (There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays by Perry Como
What happens to the arctic fox in winter?
What is... their fur turns white!
How many sides does a snowflake have?
What is... 6 sides!
Where did people once believe birds flew for the winter?
What is... the bottom of the sea or the moon!
Nowadays, it's a commonly known fact that some birds fly to warmer climates for the winter in order to escape the frigid temperatures. However, up until the 19th century, some people—including Aristotle—believed that birds spent the cold season in hibernation at the bottom of the sea. While others believed that they took a much farther trip and flew to the moon for the winter.
Which of the 7 wonders of the world was made to celebrate the winter solstice?
What is... Stonehenge! Stonehenge has stood for thousands of years, it is believed the prehistoric English monument was set up to frame the sunset of the winter solstice.
Where was hot chocolate invented?
What is... the Mayan civilization!
The roots of hot chocolate can be traced back to the ancient Mayan civilization in the regions of present-day Mexico and Central America. Around 500 BC, the Mayans began cultivating cacao trees.
A common gift penguins give to woo their love interest?
What is... a rock! Many male penguins gift female penguins with rocks! Female penguins then use these rocks to build a nest.
The snowiest city in the Northeast?
What is... Syracuse, New York!
Syracuse has the highest annual snowfall, with 114.3 inches per year on average. Not far behind is Buffalo with 92 inches and Rochester with 89.3 inches.
In what month is the Earth closest to the Sun?
What is... January!
This is based on which direction the planet’s axis is tilting and that explains why the two hemispheres experience winter in different times of the year.
In what month does winter end in the Northern Hemisphere?
What is... March!
What country did latkes first originate?
What is... Italy! Latkes descend from Italian pancakes that were made with ricotta cheese.
The first connection between Hanukkah and pancakes was made by a rabbi in Italy named Rabbi Kalonymus ben Kalonymus (c. 1286-1328)
What are baby snowy owls are called?
What is... owlets!
Which side of a building forms the most icicles?
What is... the South side!
When was the first Winter Olympics?
What is... 1924!
Held in Chamonix in the French Alps, there were 14 events involving six sports including skiing and bobsledding.
When is Kwanzaa 2023?
What fruit is popular during the Chinese New Year?
What is... Oranges, kumquats, tangerines and pomelos!
What color is a polar bear's skin?
What is... Black!
90% - 95% of fresh snow is composed of what element?
What is... air!
New snow is composed of a high percentage of air trapped among the accumulated snow crystals.
Chionophobia is the extreme fear of what?
What is... snow!
People with chionophobia have an extreme reaction to snow or wintry weather. The word chionophobia comes from the Greek word for snow (chióni).
The upcoming animal for the 2024 Chinese New year?
What is... the Dragon!
The year 2024 is a Wood Dragon and this symbol is considered as a magnificent and highly revered symbol in Chinese culture. Since dragons are linked to strength, good fortune, and success, 2024 is expected to be a year full of opportunity, career, work and success.
How old is the candy cane?
What is... 176 years old!
What is unique about female Reindeer compared to all other deer species?
What is... they grow antlers!
Unique among the more than 45 species of deer, both females and males grow antlers. The males use theirs primarily to battle for females whereas the females use theirs primarily to defend for food.
Sunsets are more dramatic during the winter due to the lack of what?
What is... Humidity! The moisture-free air allows the sun to shine more vividly.
What percent of the world's freshwater supply comes from snow and ice?
What is... 68.7%!
The majority of total freshwater on Earth, about 68.7 percent, is held in ice caps and glaciers.