Tinkering with Toys!
These "Little People" dolls were created in the late 1970s, inspired by Martha Nelson Thomas's soft sculptures, featuring unique names, adoption papers, and lore about being "born" in a cabbage patch. What are these dolls named?
Cabbage Patch Kids
Originally written as a book by Charles Dickens (1849), this movie is about an angry old man who has to confront his selfishness, witness the joy of others, and see a grim future.
A Christmas Carol (1971)
Made popular in Mexico, this song simply wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!
Feliz Navidad
This accessibility, combined with its historical association with luxury, warmth, and religious hospitality, cemented as a beloved Christmas and winter tradition, representing indulgence, family, and festive cheer.
Hot Chocolate
Kissing under the mistletoe
This "toy" was invented in 1975, due to the many complaints about pet care.
Pet Rock (Rocky)
This beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a "Red Ryder air rifle."
A Christmas Story (1983)
It's a classic tale of post-breakup pain, disappointment, and the struggle to find new love, disguised in festive cheer, with the "you" being the former lover who was deceitful. The singer reflects on giving their heart away the previous Christmas only to have it broken, and now, a year later, tries to move on but is still hung up on the ex.
Last Christmas
Originated in medieval Britain from a drink called "posset," a warm, milky brew with ale or wine, spices, and sometimes eggs, initially a luxury for the wealthy used to toast good health. Now commonly used as a mixer to most brandy's or bourbons.
Eggnog
This character was created from a kind 4th-century Greek bishop in modern-day Turkey known for secret gift-giving, especially helping the poor by dropping gold coins for three sisters, leading to traditions of gifts in stockings.
Santa Claus
They became a massive 90s phenomenon due to clever marketing that created artificial scarcity, making them valuable collectibles beyond simple toys; they featured plastic pellets for a floppy feel, unique names/birthdays, and were retired strategically, leading to collector frenzy, huge resale markets, and massive company sales before the craze faded by the 2000s
Beanie Babies
This cult classic is about a kid that is accidentally left at home during the holidays, while his parents travel to Paris.
Home Alone (1990)
A catchy tune that is severely overplayed every year, this song is about prioritizing a romantic partner over all the usual holiday fuss, emphasizing that their presence is the only gift that truly matters.
All I Want for Christmas is You
This particular treat originated from a German choirmaster using sugar sticks to quiet children during nativity services, later bent into a shepherd's crook (or a "J" for Jesus) and flavored with mint in America.
Candy Cane
This tradition involves bringing the wild indoors and dressing it up to make it look fancy.
Christmas Tree
This toy was originally created by the owner so he could get around his factory quicker; becoming the hottest toy, used by kids and adults alike, leading to millions sold and a patent war, eventually expanding into electric models.
Razor Scooters
This movie is about a character being accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's little helpers. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, they travel to New York, in search of his real father.
Elf (2003)
American singer, actor, and jazz pianist whose career spanned nearly 30 years. Starting in the late 1930s, he recorded more than 100 pop chart hits, including his creation of, "The Christmas Song"
Nat King Cole
By the 16th century, German bakers started making elaborate versions of this treat, often decorated with foil and gold leaf, making them festive Christmas treats. These also were incorporated into the popular tale of Hansel and Gretel.
Gingerbread houses
These are circular decorations, representing God's infinite love, and are usually made of evergreen leaves, which "represent the hope of eternal life brought by Jesus Christ".
Advent Wreath
Invented in the early 1990s as a soothing toy for children, this toy took almost 20 years to gain attention. They finally got recognized by kids in the late 2010's by uploading trick videos to social media.
Fidget Spinners
A young boy who has grown skeptical of Santa Claus is shocked when he is brought on an adventure on Christmas Eve, destined for the North Pole. When he accepts an invitation, he embarks on a white-knuckle ride to Santa's headquarters, where he makes fast friends and learns an invaluable lesson about the true spirit of Christmas.
The Polar Express (2004)
This song is famously played during the opening scene of, A Charlie Brown Christmas, where the scene shows all of the kids ice skating.
Christmas Time is Here
A traditional Christmas cake, often served as a dessert, especially in Europe. This dessert involves a chocolate sponge cake, rolled up with a creamy filling, and a chocolate frosting or ganache.
Bûche de Noël (Yule Log)
The idea stems from book writer, Carol Aebersold's childhood in the 1970s, where this guy named, Frisbee, would watch over her and report to Santa.
Elf on a Shelf