"DECEMBER" TO REMEMBER
On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus, sparking a historic civil rights boycott in which U.S. city?
In the 1964 stop-motion TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, what is the name of the aspiring dentist elf who joins Rudolph on his journey?
• A) Hermey
• B) Yukon
• C) Jovie
• D) Bernard
• A) Hermey
Observed by millions globally on December 25th, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. In which ancient town do Christian scriptures state Jesus was born?
A staple of winter gatherings, traditional eggnog is a rich, creamy beverage made with milk, sugar, cream, and whipped eggs. Which spice is most commonly grated over the top as a final garnish?
First recorded by Bing Crosby in 1942, which timeless track holds the Guinness World Record as the best-selling physical single of all time worldwide?
Born on December 5, 1901, which legendary American animator and entrepreneur co-founded a massive entertainment empire and created Mickey Mouse?
Released in December 1990, Home Alone stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister. To which European city does Kevin's family accidentally fly, leaving him behind?
Celebrated from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa is an African-American and pan-African holiday that honors family, community, and culture. How many core principles (Nguzo Saba) define this celebration?
D) Seven
Originating in Switzerland, this comforting winter meal involves melting a communal pot of cheese over a portable stove, which guests then dip cubes of bread into using long forks. What is it called?
• A) Fondue
• B) Raclette
• C) Gratin
• D) Soufflé
• A) Fondue
In the festive favorite "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," how many reindeer are explicitly named in the introductory lyrics before Rudolph himself is introduced?
On December 7, 1941, a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service against a U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor drew the United States into World War II. Where is Pearl Harbor located?
In the 1965 animated special A Charlie Brown Christmas, what iconic piece of music does Schroeder play on his piano that causes Lucy to dance?
Marking the astronomical first day of winter, the Winter Solstice usually occurs around December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. What makes this specific day unique?
Ginger, molasses, and spices are used to create gingerbread. According to culinary history, which European country popularized the traditional craft of building elaborate decorative gingerbread houses?
Released in 1994, Mariah Carey’s smash hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You" finally hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in which year?
On December 10, 1896, which Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor of dynamite passed away, leaving behind a legacy that established the prestigious global prizes named after him?
The 2003 December cinematic release Elf features Buddy traveling to New York City to find his biological father. Which building does his father work in?
In Mexico and many Latino communities, the festive season kicks off with "Las Posadas" from December 16 to 24. This nine-day tradition re-enacts the journey of which biblical figures looking for shelter?
Wassail is a hot, spiced punch traditionally consumed during winter rituals to ensure a good apple harvest the following year. What is the primary alcoholic or non-alcoholic base beverage used to make it?
The traditional English carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" features an extensive list of cumulative gifts. What gift is given on the very first day?
Born on December 12, 1915, this iconic American singer and actor, known as "The Chairman of the Board," dominated 20th-century pop music with hits like "My Way" and "Fly Me to the Moon." Who was he?
In the 1989 festive comedy National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, what is the name of Clark Griswold's eccentric, RV-driving cousin who arrives unannounced?
In Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, December 13 marks St. Lucia's Day. How is the young girl chosen to portray St. Lucia traditionally dressed during processions?
• A) In a gown of pine needles and holly leaves
• B) In a blue robe carrying a staff of silver bells
• C) In a white robe with a crown of glowing candles
• D) In a red cloak wearing a crown of golden wheat
C) In a white robe with a crown of glowing candles
Often served as a classic winter comfort food, Beef Bourguignon is a rich, slow-cooked beef stew. From which European nation does this famous dish originate?
Originally written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont under the title "The One Horse Open Sleigh," this iconic tune was originally intended for which American holiday rather than Christmas?
• A) Thanksgiving
• B) Halloween
• C) Fourth of July
• D) New Year's Day
A) Thanksgiving
On December 14, 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team became the first human beings in recorded history to reach which geographic milestone?
• A) The North Pole
• B) The summit of Mount Everest
• C) The deepest point of the Mariana Trench
• D) The South Pole
D) The South Pole
Dr. Seuss's animated special How the Grinch Stole Christmas! originally debuted on television in December 1966. By how many sizes does the Grinch's heart grow at the end of the story?
• A) One size
• B) Two sizes
• C) Three sizes
• D) Four sizes
• C) Three sizes
Celebrated during the Winter Solstice in China, Taiwan, and East Asia, the Dongzhi Festival celebrates the return of longer daylight hours. Which traditional food is most famously eaten during this festival?
To make a classic roasted chestnut, a specific culinary step must be performed before putting them in the oven to prevent them from building up steam pressure and exploding. What is this step?
Eartha Kitt famously purred her way through which playful 1953 holiday track, asking Santa for a yacht, a duplex, and checks signed with an "X"?
On December 15, 1791, the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution were officially ratified. What is this historic document collectively called?
In the beloved December 1983 film A Christmas Story, what is the exact type of toy Ralphie repeatedly begs his parents and Santa Claus for?
• A) A Red Ryder BB gun
• B) An electric train set
• C) A chemistry kit
• D) A Radio Flyer wagon
A) A Red Ryder BB gun
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, frequently falls in December. What is the name of the special nine-branched candelabrum lit across the eight nights of celebration?
A beloved winter holiday centerpiece, a "Bûche de Noël" is a traditional sponge cake rolled and frosted to look like what rustic object?
Which popular Christmas carol, originally composed in German as "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr, was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011?
On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made history by achieving the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft near which North Carolina town?
• A) Kitty Hawk
• B) Charlotte
• C) Cape Hatteras
• D) Wilmington
A) Kitty Hawk
The 1946 classic It's a Wonderful Life premiered in December and stars James Stewart as George Bailey. What happens every time a bell rings, according to George's daughter Zuzu?
On the eve of St. Nicholas Day (December 5th) in Central European folklore, St. Nicholas rewards good children. Who is his frightening, horned counterpart who arrives to punish the naughty ones?
• A) Belsnickel
• B) Krampus
• C) Father Frost
• D) Jack Frost
• B) Krampus
Perfect for a snowy day, a classic Hot Toddy is a warm beverage made with honey, lemon juice, hot water, and a spirit. What type of liquor is most traditionally used in this cold-weather drink?
• A) Gin
• B) Tequila
• C) Whiskey
• D) Vodka
C) Whiskey
In the upbeat 1958 classic "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" recorded by a 13-year-old Brenda Lee, what type of pie are the singers going to get in the lyrics?
• A) Apple pie
• B) Mince pie
• C) Pumpkin pie
• D) Pecan pie
C) Pumpkin pie
Born on December 25, 1642, which monumental English physicist and mathematician formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation?
In the 1969 animated special Frosty the Snowman, what magical item breathes life into Frosty when placed upon his head?
• A) A silk top hat
• B) A red woolen scarf
• C) A pipe made of clay
• D) A button nose
A) A silk top hat
Celebrated on December 26th primarily in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Boxing Day traditionally originated as a day to do what?
This iconic holiday candy is unique because it features an intentional blend of two distinct flavors: sweet peppermint on the red-and-white striped outside, and rich chocolate on the inside. What is it?
• A) Ribbon Candy
• B) Candy Cane
• C) Peppermint Bark
• D) Humbug
• C) Peppermint Bark
Written by Johnny Marks and recorded by Burl Ives for the 1964 TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which song features the lyric: "Have a cup of cheer"?
On December 30, 1922, a major geopolitical shift occurred when the Treaty on the Creation of the USSR was officially signed. What did the letters "USSR" stand for?
• A) United States of Soviet Republics
• B) Union of Sovereign Socialist Republics
• C) Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
• D) United States of Socialist Regions
• C) Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Released in December 1993, Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington. What is Jack's official title in Halloween Town?
Hogmanay is the historic, culturally rich celebration of the New Year on December 31st. In which country is Hogmanay famously celebrated with torchlight processions and unique fire customs?
• A) Ireland
• B) Scotland
• C) Wales
• D) Iceland
B) Scotland
Latkes are crispy, shallow-fried pancakes traditionally eaten during winter celebrations. What is the primary ingredient used to make them?
Originally released in 1984 by the British duo Wham!, this synth-pop holiday staple features George Michael lamenting giving his heart away "the very next day." What is it called?