Traditions
What do people Traditionally hang by the fireplace?
a) A Shoe
b) A Stocking
c) A Bag
A Stocking
People traditionally hang Christmas stockings by the fireplace (or mantel) during the holiday season. The custom comes from the story of Saint Nicholas, who secretly dropped bags of gold down a chimney to help a poor man who could not afford wedding dowries for his daughters. The gold coins reportedly landed in stockings that were hung near the fire to dry.
In Home Alone, what is the first name of the main character?
a) Kalvin
b) Kevin
c) Kenny
Kevin
The main character in Home Alone is named Kevin McCallister. The main hero and youngest child in his family. He is left behind by mistake when his family flies to Paris for Christmas. : He protects his house from two robbers named Harry and Marv using clever traps.
Which Christmas song is about bells ringing and a sleigh ride?
a) White Christmas
b) Jingle Bells
c) Silent Night
Jingle Bells
The classic Christmas song about bells ringing and a sleigh ride is "Sleigh Ride," written by Leroy Anderson in 1946 and famously recorded by artists like The Ronettes, Johnny Mathis, and the Carpenters.
What is often left out for Santa?
a) Cookies and Milk
b) Pie and Milk
c) Cake and milk
Cookies and Milk
A plate of cookies and a glass of milk is the most common snack left out for Santa Claus.
Where does Santa Claus traditionally live?
a) The South Pole
b) Canada
c) The North Pole
The North Pole
This is the classic answer in the United States and Canada. Stories say he has a hidden workshop on the Arctic sea ice where he builds toys with his elves.
What plant is traditionally hung up at Christmas and is associated with kissing?
a) Mistletoe
b) Roses
c) Pine Cones
Mistletoe
Who tries to steal Christmas?
a) The Grinch
b) Scrooge
c) Santa's Elf
The Grinch
The Grinch tries to steal Christmas in the classic Dr. Seuss holiday story. A grumpy, green, solitary creature living on Mount Crumpet with his dog, Max. He disguises himself as Santa Claus and sneaks down the chimneys of Whoville on Christmas Eve to take every single present, Christmas tree, and decorations.
Which singer is famous for the Christmas song All I Want for Christmas Is You?
a) Mariah Carey
b) The Jonas Brothers
c) Beyonce
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is the original singer and co-writer of the global pop hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You," released in 1994.
What traditional Christmas dessert is often served with custard or cream?
a) Pie
b) Pudding
c) Cookies
Pudding
The traditional Christmas dessert often served with custard or cream is Christmas Pudding.
In which country is Christmas celebrated during the summer, just like Australia?
a) Germany
b) London
c) New Zealand
New Zealand
Any country located in the Southern Hemisphere celebrates Christmas during the summer months.
What is celebrated in the US on the 26th of December?
a) Christmas Eve
b) Kwanzaa
c) Boxing Day
Kwanzaa
A week-long cultural celebration honoring African heritage and-culture. It runs from December 26 through January 1.
In the movie Elf, what is the Elf's name.?
a) Bobby
b) Billy
c) Buddy
Buddy
The elves named him after the brand label on his diaper ("Little Buddy") when he crawled into Santa's sack as an orphan baby.
In the song Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, what does Santa know about you?
a) If you've been a good helper
b) If you've been to class
c) If you've been bad or good
If you've been naughty or nice
In the song Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Santa knows when you are sleeping, when you are awake, and whether you have been bad or good.
What traditional Christmas drink is especially popular in the United States and Canada?
a) Eggnog
b) Hot Chocolate
c) Coffee
Eggnog
Eggnog is the traditional Christmas drink most popular in the United States and Canada. Its main ingredients are eggs and milk, and it is typically available from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.
Which country is famous for the Christmas tradition of Las Posadas?
a) Argentina
b) El Salvador
c) Mexico
Mexico
Mexico is the country most famous for the Christmas tradition of Las Posadas. The word posadas means "lodgings" or "inns" in Spanish. The festival retells the story of Mary and Joseph looking for a safe place to stay in Bethlehem. It happens every year for nine nights from December 16 to December 24. These nine days stand for the nine months of Mary's pregnancy. People walk through the streets at night carrying candles and singing songs. A group asks for a place to stay at different houses and gets turned away until the final house lets them in. Once inside the final home, people share prayers, music, hot fruit punch (ponche), tamales, and break open star-shaped piñatas.
Which country is credited with starting the modern tradition of the decorated Christmas tree in the 16th century?
a) England
b) United States
c) Germany
Germany
Devout Christians in Germany are credited with bringing decorated trees into their homes, a custom popularized by Martin Luther according to legend.
By how many sizes does the Grinch's heart grow at the end of the story when he realizes the true meaning of Christmas?
a) Two Times
b) Three Times
c) Four Times
Three Times
The classic line states that his heart grew "three sizes that day."
In Last Christmas, what did the singer give someone “last Christmas”?
a) Gift
b) Heart
c) Flowers
Heart
In Wham!'s song "Last Christmas", the singer gave their heart. The singer offered their love and affection to someone, but that person rejected or dismissed it right after the holiday.
What type of meat is traditionally served as a Christmas roast in many Australian families?
a) Turkey
b) Chicken
c) Ham
Ham
Often served warm or cold, a Pineapple Glazed Ham or honey-mustard leg ham is the ultimate festive centerpiece and great for leftovers.
Which country is famous for the Christmas tradition of eating KFC?
a) Japan
b) Canada
c) China
Japan
Known locally as Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii, the custom started in 1974 after a massive ad campaign by KFC Japan. Millions of families order special holiday party barrels weeks ahead of time to avoid waiting in lines that can last for hours on Christmas Eve.
Which historic figure, renowned for his secret gift-giving and care for the needy, served as the primary cultural inspiration for modern-day Santa Claus?
a) Saint Patrick
b) Saint Nicholas of Myra
c) Saint Augustine
Saint Nicholas Myra
Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century Greek bishop known for acts of piety and anonymous gift-giving (like leaving coins in shoes), which evolved into Sinterklaas and Santa Claus.
In the movie Elf, what does Buddy say are the four main food groups for elves?
a) Peanut butter, jelly, chocolate, and milk
b) Cookies, cocoa, candy, and marshmallows
Buddy rattles off these four food groups when explaining his unique dietary preferences to New York City locals.
What was the first Christmas song ever played in space?
a) White Christmas
b) Silent Night
c) Jungle Bells
Jingle Bells
“Jingle Bells” was the first song ever played in space, as documented by Guinness World Records. In 1965, the astronauts tricked Mission Control on Earth. They reported seeing a strange UFO piloted by a man in a red suit. They pulled out a tiny harmonica and small sleigh bells. They had smuggled the instruments onto the spacecraft without NASA knowing. They played a joyful tune of "Jingle Bells" to surprise the team on the ground.
What type of nut is commonly roasted and eaten during Christmas celebrations?
a) Walnuts
b) Chestnuts
c) Peanuts
Chestnuts
The chestnut is the most iconic nut commonly roasted and eaten during Christmas celebrations. Varieties like walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, and Brazil nuts are also traditionally cracked, roasted, and shared during the winter holiday season.
On what date do German families traditionally exchange gifts?
a) December 24
b) December 25
c) December 26
December 24
In Germany, Christmas gifts are traditionally opened on December 24th (Heiligabend, or Christmas Eve), rather than on Christmas morning. The actual gift-giving ceremony is called the Bescherung. It usually takes place in the late afternoon or evening of Christmas Eve, often after a church service or a simple traditional meal like potato salad with sausages.