Deck the Halls & Other Oddball Customs
This plant, often hung in doorways, is famous for prompting an unexpected holiday kiss.
What is mistletoe?
This song begins with the line, “You better watch out, you better not cry.”
What is ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town’?
In Home Alone, Kevin McCallister is left behind when his family travels to this city for the holidays.
What is Paris?
The tradition of decorating this item originates from Germany in the 1500s.
What is the Christmas tree?
This red-nosed reindeer first appeared in a 1939 booklet created for Montgomery Ward.
Who is Rudolph?
This December tradition involves leaving out treats for Santa and his reindeer—usually cookies and this beverage.
What is milk?
This iconic tune by Mariah Carey has topped the charts every December since its release in 1994.
What is ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’?
This 2000 film stars Jim Carrey as a grumpy green character who hates Christmas.
What is How the Grinch Stole Christmas?
This saint, known for his generosity, inspired the modern figure of Santa Claus.
Who is Saint Nicholas?
This holiday drink sold in cartons appears in memes every year as “nog season.”
What is eggnog?
This European figure, the opposite of jolly Saint Nick, is said to punish naughty children.
Who is Krampus?
Brenda Lee recorded this holiday hit at just 13 years old.
What is ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’?
In Elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to this city to find his father.
What is New York City?
This Christian holiday on January 6 marks the visit of the Magi and is known as the “Twelfth Day of Christmas.”
What is Epiphany?
This animated duo—one a snowman, one a reindeer—are frequently featured in classic stop-motion specials by Rankin/Bass.
Who are Frosty and Rudolph?
This country’s tradition of eating KFC on Christmas is so popular that orders must be placed weeks in advance.
What is Japan?
Originally written for Thanksgiving, this song became one of the most famous Christmas carols.
What is ‘Jingle Bells’?
In A Christmas Story, Ralphie desperately wants this item for Christmas.
What is a Red Ryder BB gun?
This ancient Roman festival, held in December, celebrated feasting, gift-giving, and role reversals.
What is Saturnalia?
This popular toy caused holiday shopping chaos in 1996 when parents desperately hunted for the talking, giggling creature.
What is Tickle Me Elmo?
Dating back to medieval Europe, this tradition involved singing door-to-door for food or drink and inspired modern caroling.
What is wassailing?
This 1966 song includes the lyric “You’re a foul one,” referring to the title character from Dr. Seuss’ classic story.
What is ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch’?
This 1946 Frank Capra film features the line, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”
What is It’s a Wonderful Life?
This 4th-century decision by early Christian leaders placed Christmas on December 25, aligning it with existing winter solstice festivals.
What is the Council of Nicaea?
Michael Bublé’s Christmas album repeatedly returns to the charts each year, earning him this playful nickname online.
What is “The King of Christmas” or “The Christmas Crooner”?