Christmas Traditions
This red-suited man is known worldwide for delivering gifts on Christmas Eve.
Who is Santa Claus?
The famous “ball drop” takes place each New Year’s Eve in this New York City location.
What is Times Square?
Americans often leave this treat and a glass of milk out for Santa.
What are cookies?
This 1990 movie follows Kevin McCallister as he defends his home from burglars.
What is Home Alone?
Traditionally placed atop a Christmas tree, this figure represents either an angel or this other symbol.
What is a star?
In the Philippines, this type of lantern, often shaped like a star, symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem.
What is a Parol?
Filipinos often wear clothing with this shape for good luck and prosperity in the New Year.
What are polka dots (circles)?
Filipino families prepare 12 round fruits for this feast welcoming the New Year.
What is Media Noche?
This Dr. Seuss character’s heart grew “three sizes that day.”
Who is the Grinch?
In Ireland, the tradition of hanging this plant encourages people to steal a kiss beneath it.
What is mistletoe?
In Ireland, many families place a candle in the window on Christmas Eve to welcome this holy family.
Who are Mary and Joseph (and the baby Jesus)?
In Ireland, some ring in the New Year by banging on this part of their home to chase away bad luck.
What are the walls or doors?
Canadians and Irish alike enjoy this warm spiced drink traditionally made with wine or cider.
What is mulled wine?
In the Philippines, this pop song about a caroling child saving money to buy “a pair of shoes” is a perennial Christmas favorite.
What is “Christmas Shoes”?
In Cebu and other parts of the Philippines, massive parol lantern festivals are held in this month.
What is December?
This North American country’s official postal service processes letters addressed to “Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0.”
What is Canada?
In Canada, this chilly outdoor activity is tradition for the brave on New Year’s Day.
What is a polar bear swim (or plunge)?
In Cuba, this slow-roasted pork dish is the centerpiece of many Christmas Eve “Nochebuena” feasts.
What is Lechón?
Bing Crosby first sang this song, now the world’s best-selling single.
What is White Christmas?
The Tannenbaum (Christmas tree) tradition originated in this European country.
What is Germany?
In Cuba, Christmas celebrations were officially restored as public holidays after being banned for decades under this leader.
Who is Fidel Castro?
The Cuban New Year’s Eve tradition known as “El Añejo” involves burning this symbolic item to leave the old year behind.
What is an effigy (or doll) representing the old year?
In Ireland, this dense fruit-laden bread, sometimes with a hidden ring, is eaten at Christmas.
What is barmbrack?
This British comedy film intertwines several love stories during the Christmas season.
What is Love Actually?
The Christmas colors red and green symbolize these two things — Christ’s blood and this everlasting plant.
What is holly (or evergreen)?