Christmas in the USA
This 1823 poem helped popularize Santa’s sleigh and reindeer in America
What is “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (aka “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”)?
Festive outdoor markets of crafts, lights, and treats are called this
What is a Weihnachtsmarkt (or Christkindlmarkt)?
Town named by the prophets as the Messiah’s birthplace
What is Bethlehem?
Reformer who promoted gift-giving from the Christ Child rather than St. Nicholas
Who is Martin Luther?
Since 1955, this North American command has “tracked Santa” by phone and radar
What is NORAD?
This New York City parade traditionally ends with Santa, signaling the start of the holiday season
What is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
On December 6, children leave boots out for sweets to celebrate this day
What is St. Nicholas Day (Nikolaustag)?
The newborn Jesus was laid in this feeding trough
What is a manger?
In 1647, this English faction pushed laws suppressing Christmas festivities
Who were the Puritans?
On December 25 800, he was crowned Emperor by Pope Leo III in Rome
Who is Charlemagne?
Home to a famous annual Christmas tree lighting since 1933
What is Rockefeller Center?
Invented in 1839 by Johann Hinrich Wichern, this wreath with candles marks Advent
What is the Advent wreath (Adventskranz)?
According to Luke, these were the first to hear the angels’ good news
Who are shepherds?
German-speaking Protestants helped popularize this decorated evergreen at home
What is the Christmas tree (Tannenbaum)?
His 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol” revived holiday spirit
Who is Charles Dickens?
These iconic red kettles began a holiday tradition in 1891 in San Francisco
What is The Salvation Army’s fundraising drive?
A butter-rich, fruit-and-nut loaf dusted with sugar, famously from Dresden
What is Stollen (Christstollen)?
Travelers from the East who followed a star and brought gifts
Who are the Magi (Wise Men)?
First performed in 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria, this carol spread worldwide
What is Silent Night (Stille Nacht)?
On Dec 25, 1991, this Soviet leader resigned, signaling the USSR’s end
Who is Mikhail Gorbachev?
The department store for which Rudolph the Red‑Nosed Reindeer was created in 1939
What is Montgomery Ward?
In many regions, this angelic figure brings gifts on Christmas Eve
Who/What is the Christkind?
Ruler who, per Matthew, ordered the Massacre of the Innocents
Who is Herod the Great?
Gift-bringer adopted in Protestant regions to replace St. Nicholas
Who/What is the Christkind (Christkindl)?
In Japan, many families celebrate Christmas with a bucket from this fast-food chain
What is KFC?