Wordy Origins
This Christmasy word comes from the Latin for "birth", yes there is an 'l'
Noel
Poor Kevin gets forgotten at his house - by himself - in this popular Christmas movie
Home Alone
This is the aquatic avian gift on day 7 of the "Twelve Days of Christmas"
Swans a-swimming
Over 1.5 billion of these striped treats are sold in the U.S. every year, mostly for decoration
Candy Canes
In Tudor England this word referred to any joyous or celebratory song. Likely derived from the Latin word from flute player, now is also a woman's name.
Carol
This movie is based on Dr Seuss' book about a mean green guy who probably should get his heart checked out by the end
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This song written in the 19th century in a small town near Salzburg, Austria was declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. Bing Crosby's rendition is the 4th best selling single of all time
Silent Night (Stille Nacht)
It's a term for small gifts placed in a holiday sock, often hanging from a mantle
Stocking Stuffers
In the 16th century was the first recorded use of "Xmas", which came from this greek letter
X (chi)
The name of the elf who travels from the North Pole to NYC to find his real dad in the movie Elf.
Buddy (the Elf)
This holiday song intermixes biblical references alongside a plea to "pray for peace, people everywhere" during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Wooden and metal forms of these were first made in Europe in the 1860s. By 1901, Lionel made its first electric one for use in store display windows.
Toy Trains
This smelly gift of the magi doesn't come from Percy Shelley, but rather from the French for "High Quality"
Frankincense
"You'll shoot your eye out," is a warning uttered by several characters in this popular movie adapted from Jean Shepherd anecdotes
A Christmas Story
This German song, which repeats the title nearly every other line, does not actually directly refer to Christmas in the original version. "Wie treu sind deine Blätter!"
O Christmas Tree
In Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol, Bob Cratchit is this Character's Father
Tiny Tim
The possible origins of this beverage come from an old Scandinavian term for a peg or spur. Another origin, from the Scots, was a beer warmed with a red hot poker. In 17th century England this term referred to a strong beer brewed in Norfolk.
Eggnog (accept nog)
In the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" this happens every time a bell rings.
Angel gets its wings
This Traditional holiday song is based on a French poem "Minuit, chrétiens" (Midnight Christians) and reflects on the birth of Jesus as the redemption of humanity
O Holy Night
Another name name for santa that has its origins in the German word for "Christ Child" - remember the category!
Kris Kringle