History
He brings gifts during the late evening and overnight hours on Christmas Eve. Christmas elves are said to make the gifts in Santa's workshop, while flying reindeer pull his sleigh through the air.
Who is Santa Claus?
In its 1949 recording, the main character of this song is described as leaving only a hat behind after a celebratory dance, a line almost never heard today.
Who is Frosty the Snowman?
This 1990 film features a boy left home alone while his family goes on vacation.
What is Home Alone?
This evergreen decoration is traditionally hung on doors during Christmas.
What is a wreath?
This country is credited with starting the modern Christmas tree tradition.
What is Germany?
This 19th-century British novel contains one of the earliest references to Christmas as a family-centered holiday, helping revive its popularity in Victorian England.
What is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens?
Written in 1855, this carol focuses on the Magi visiting the newborn king and following a star.
What is We Three Kings?
In It’s a Wonderful Life, Clarence the angel carries this item to help George Bailey.
What is a bell?
This date marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
What is Christmas Eve?
This plant is hung so people can kiss beneath it at Christmas.
What is mistletoe?
In the 19th century, this American department store helped popularize the image of Santa Claus by commissioning illustrations in catalogs and ads.
What is Macy’s?
Originally written to celebrate Thanksgiving, this song has become a Christmas classic about sleigh rides.
What is “Jingle Bells”?
Jingle All the Way features a toy called this, the must-have gift of the season.
What is Turbo Man?
In Austria and Germany, this horned figure appears during Advent to punish naughty children.
Who is Krampus?
In A Christmas Story, Ralphie wants this gift.
What is a Red Ryder BB gun?
The first recorded Christmas that celebrated the birth of Jesus.
When is A.D. 336?
Bing Crosby’s version of this song, recorded in 1942, was intended as a morale booster during World War II.
What is “White Christmas”?
In A Charlie Brown Christmas, this character directs the Christmas play.
This 19th-century English tradition helped popularize sending Christmas cards.
What is Victorian England?
This Christian holiday marks the visit of the Wise Men.
What is Epiphany?
In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous, much like this holiday still known for partying and revelry.
What is Mardi Gras?
In the first English publication of this carol, the shepherds are described as adoring Christ “on bended knee,” a detail rarely sung today.
What is While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks?
In The Holiday, Amanda swaps homes with this city-dwelling character.
What is Iris / English character swap?
In Mexico, this nine-day celebration reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter.
What is Las Posadas?
This 4th-century Roman emperor’s reign helped establish December 25 as the date for Christmas celebration.
Who is Constantine the Great?