History of Christmas
What word does the “X” in “Xmas” stand for?
Christ (from the Greek letter Chi)
What plant’s berries are often white and traditionally hung on doorways?
Mistletoe
What vegetable do kids leave out for the reindeer to eat on Christmas Eve?
Carrots
Which Christmas song contains the lyric “Everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way?”
Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
What does Santa famously say?
Ho, ho, ho!
In A.D. 350, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed what day as the official celebration date for the birthday of Jesus Christ?
December 25th
Which type of novelty calendar inspired by Christian tradition is popular around the holidays and involves opening a little present each day in December leading up to Christmas Day?
Advent Calendar
What holiday drink is also called “milk punch”?
Eggnog
Which famous classic rock band released the hit “Please Come Home for Christmas” in 1978?
Eagles
How many reindeer does Santa Claus have?
9 (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner Blitzen, & Rudolph)
Which U.S. President made Christmas a federal holiday?
Ulysses S. Grant
What mythical figure punishes naughty children in Central Europe?
Krampus
What popular cakes are often given as Christmas gifts?
Fruit cakes
In the song “Twelve Days of Christmas,” how many French hens does the true love give?
3
True or False: Santa Clause is based on a real person.
True (Turkish-born monk, St. Nicholas)
Which religious group banned Christmas in Boston from 1659 to 1681 because it was regarded as a pagan holiday?
The Puritans
In the late 17th century, _____ was typically used to decorate Christmas trees.
Fruit (apples, pears, and oranges)
What traditional German Christmas bread is called “Christstrollen”?
Stollen
What is the best selling Christmas song ever?
White Christmas by Bing Crosby
What are the 2 most popular names for Santa Claus?
Kris Kringle and Saint Nick
What ancient festival influenced many Christmas traditions?
Saturnalia (Ancient Roman pagan festival)
What century was the tradition of using Christmas trees started? Hint: Germany is credited with starting this tradition.
16th century
In Central Europe, particularly Czechia and Slovakia, what part of the traditional Christmas dinner is often kept in the bathtub for few days before the holiday?
Carp
What holiday single was the first song played in space in 1965 by Gemini 6A astronauts Walter Schirra and Tom Stanford?
Jingle Bells
In what modern-day country was St. Nicholas born?
Turkey