Christianity
This is where Mary placed Jesus, because there was no space in the inn.
What is a manger?
Some historians believe December 25th was chosen to compete with the birthday of Sol Invictus, which translates to this "undefeated" celestial body.
What is the Sun?
While the goose was the traditional choice for centuries, this bird became the standard main dish in the U.S. and UK during the 20th century.
What is turkey?
This tradition involves lighting four candles—three purple and one pink—to count down the weeks until Christmas.
What is an Advent Wreath?
While similar to Santa Claus, this green-cloaked figure is the traditional personification of Christmas in the United Kingdom.
Who is Father Christmas?
The word "Christmas" comes from the Old English Cristes maesse, which translates to this two-word phrase.
What is Christ's Mass?
In 1870, nearly a century after the founding of the United States, this president signed the law making Christmas a federal holiday.
Who is Ulysses S. Grant?
This 16th-century English Queen is often credited with the first "Gingerbread Man" after she had cookies made to look like her guests.
Who is Queen Elizabeth I?
Originally a flop in 1892 Russia, this Tchaikovsky ballet has become a mandatory Christmas tradition for dance companies worldwide.
What is The Nutcracker?
On the eve of Epiphany, children in this country wait for an old woman or "witch" named La Befana to fly on her broomstick and deliver sweets.
What is Italy?
This 13th-century Italian saint is credited with creating the first live nativity scene (crèche) in 1223.
Who is St. Francis of Assisi?
The poinsettia was brought to the U.S. in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was serving as the first U.S. Minister to this country.
What is Mexico?
This French dessert, a sponge cake shaped like a cylinder and frosted with chocolate, is meant to resemble this traditional hearth-fire item.
What is the Yule Log?
While he existed before, this beverage company’s 1930s advertisements are often credited with standardizing the modern image of a jolly, red-suited Santa.
What is Coca-Cola?
In this Nordic island nation, children are visited by 13 mischievous "Yule Lads" who leave gifts—or rotting potatoes—in shoes over the 13 nights leading up to Christmas.
What is Iceland?
Celebrated on January 6th, this feast day commemorates the visit of the Magi and the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.
What is Epiphany? (Also accepted: Three Kings' Day)
In 1836, this Southern state became the first in the U.S. to declare Christmas a legal holiday.
What is Alabama?
In many cultures, a coin or a dried bean is hidden inside a cake or pudding; the person who finds it is said to have this for the coming year.
What is good luck?
Though often called a "German" tradition, this practice of hiding a specific green glass ornament in the tree is actually most popular in the United States.
What is the Christmas Pickle?
Because Christmas falls during the summer in this country, "Carols by Candlelight" is a massive tradition, and many families celebrate with a "Barbie" (barbecue) on the beach
What is Australia?
While gold represented royalty, this specific gift was an embalming oil that foreshadowed Jesus’ death.
What is Myrrh?
In Medieval England, the centerpiece of a wealthy Christmas feast was often the head of this animal, served with an apple in its mouth.
What is a Boar?
This colorful cake, eaten from Christmas through Epiphany, is known as Roscón de Reyes in Spain and Mexico.
What is the King Cake?
Known as the Gävlebocken, a giant version of this animal made of straw is erected every year in Sweden, though it is frequently the victim of arson.
What is the Yule Goat?
In this South American capital city, it is a tradition for residents to head to early morning Christmas Mass on roller skates, with many streets closed to cars for safety.
What is Venezula?