The Holidays
Hanukkah
When was our last White Christmas?
2020 or 2023. Reports were mixed.
What Baby Animal is caught on an Iceberg?
A Baby Penguin.
*If you don't sing the song points will be taken*
Where did the idea of the Christmas trees originate from?
*Double points for the concept and origin*
Ancient Germans brought pine trees into their homes.
Ancient Romans and Egyptians brought evergreen branches into their homes for winter solstice celebrations.
Advent is the lighting of candles through the weeks of December. What do the candles symbolize?
Jesus and being rid of spiritual darkness.
7-day African American heritage celebration. It is not a religious holiday.
Kwanzaa
What is the coldest recorded temperature in Nebraska?
*Double points in Celsius*
-47 F or -44.4 C
What body part of the reindeer changes to better avoid predators?
*100 extra points for specific colors*
Their eyes change from gold to blue.
In European Folklore, what figure is seen as the opposite of Saint Nicholas?
Krampus
What do stars symbolize during Christmas.
Guidance and Hope
The Yule is a celebration of lengthening days and the Winter Solstice. What Ancient civilization is it linked to?
*Extra 150 points for one of the two specific groups*
Ancient Germanic Cultures (ex. Pagan and Wiccan festivals)
To the nearest whole number, what is the coldest recorded temperature in the world?
*Double points in Celsius*
-128.6 F or -89.2 C
What species of frog freeze themselves in the Winter and thaw out in Spring?
The Wood Frog
What was the first Christmas movie ever released?
*Double points for the year, creator, or length*
*100 extra points for the country of origin*
The significance of Poinsettias during Christmas come from a Mexican legend. What do they symbolize.
*Double points for the legend*
*100 extra points for additional meanings*
The legend is of a girl who offered a weed to Jesus and is bloomed into the Poinsettia.
It symbolizes (1) the Blood of Christ, (2) the Star of Bethlehem, and (3) the humility of giving.
What military remembrance day occurs in early December?
*Extra 100 points for exact day*
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
*December 7*
How deep (in feet) was the most snowfall from a single storm in the United States.
*100 extra points for how long the storm lasted*
*50 extra points for which state it took place*
Mount Shasta Ski Bowl, California collected about 16 feet (15.75 if you want specifics) of snow over a six-day storm.
Brumation is a form of hibernation in what group of animals.
Reptiles
What German fairy tale inspired the creation of Gingerbread houses?
*200 extra points for the author of the fairy tale*
Hansel and Gretel, published by the Brothers Grimm
What Christmas decoration symbolizes eternal life?
The Wreath.
What Hispanic celebration is the Spanish-speaking version of Catholic Epiphany?
*100 extra points in Spanish*
Three Kings Day/Dia de Los Reyes Magos
What annual Pacific patterns are responsible for colder northern and warmer southern winters?
Where do the geese that breed in the Arctic migrate to for the winter?
*Double points for both locations*
American: Geese -> Southern USA or Atlantic Coast
European: Geese -> Britain or Continental Europe
What fast food restaurant is a common Asian Christmas dinner.
*100 extra points for specific country*
KFC in Japan
What Christmas decorations symbolize the Crown of Thorns, the Blood of Christ, and Eternal Life?
Holly and Berries.