Winter Holidays
Called Noel in french, Navidad in Spanish and Yule in German this christian holiday is celebrated by christian and non Christians on December 25th
What is Christmas?
a plant strongly associated with the oak tree has become a traditional Christmas decoration, while we usually associate it with kissing its historical symbolism from the ancient druids is a bout renewal, hope and friendship.
What is Mistletoe?
as part of a new holiday tradition it is common to have your friends come together wearing this unflattering garment
what is an ugly Christmas sweater?
The spinning top needed to play a special game during Hanukkah to win chocolate coins, nuts or raisins.
What is a dreidel?
a 40 day fasting in many Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches includes giving up dairy, olive oil, and wine, but especially this on Fridays during advent
What is meat?
This holiday is celebrated in many places but in Ecuador it is traditional to dress a straw man, sometimes filled with fire works.. written on the straw man they list all their faults and light the straw man. After lighting the man at midnight it is believed all their faults will disappear along with the straw man
What is New Years eve?
An old Mexican legend says that when a young girl named Pepita was sad that she had didn't have a gift of riches to leave for baby Jesus, her cousin explained that baby Jesus would love a any gift from her no matter how small. and that is how this plant became associated with Christmas
what is a poinsettia?
once only white and without the peppermint flavoring it is believed that this traditional edible tree decoration came about when the choirmaster at the German cathedral handed out these sugar sticks bent like a shepherds' crook to keep his young singers quiet during the living nativity ceremony
What is the candy cane?
In Pre -Christian Scandinavia a 12 day celebration called the feast of Juul ( or Yule) this was burned to symbolize the the rebirth of the sun
What is the yule log?
Pancakes made of potatoes and served with applesauce and sour cream are served for a prominent Jewish holiday.
what are Latkes
Celebrated on the 25th day of the Jewish Calendar month Kislev; Candles are light for each of the 8 days and 8 nights to celebrate victory over King Antiochus who forbade the Jewish people from practicing their religion
What is Hanukkah?
a very common symbol for Christmas that represents the trinity because of it's triangular shape is used by most to decorate and place gifts under
What is the Christmas tree?
it is now customary in some households to bribe children into behaving by finding this sneaky Santa's helper , who liked to perch on ledges and other places, and see what shenanigans he is up to each day before Christmas.
What is the elf on the shelf?
Originally sung by Pagens as they danced in circles to celebrate the winter solstice these songs were re written to give praise and joy for the birth of Jesus and even later turned into satire.
the word mean dance or song of praise and joy
What are Christmas Carols?
What is Caroling?
What are carols?
a noodle dish made of wheat flour and served hot or cold in a mild broth is a popular option in Japan during Omisoka dinner.
what is udon?
In India; though the reason for the celebration is interpreted differently by different religions ( Hinduism, Buddhist,or Jainism) ,this five day celebration includes lighting clay lamps known as Diyas to signify the good over evil. also called the festival of lights
What is Diwali?
this item holds 9 candles ( 8 which are light one at a time for each night of Hanukkah)
What is a Menorah?
Originally observed by burning a candle or using a dated clock we now purchase these cardboard concoctions that hold toys or chocolate to count down the days until Christmas
What is an advent calendar?
From December 26th to January 1st Those who celebrate Kwanzaa will light candles representing principles in a special candle holder called a kinara and decorate their homes with these healthy edible treats.
What are fruits and vegetables?
dating back to the ancient Romans this sort of energy bar made with a mishmash of barley, pomegranate seeds , nuts and raisins which later included dried fruits is a much joked about Christmas treat.
What is fruit cake?
Meaning "First Fruits" this holiday is based from ancient African harvest festivals and celebrates ideals such as family life and unity.
What is Kwanzaa?
Having started by a generous nobleman named Nicholas born in 280 in Asia Minor, this iconic symbol of finding goodies in this started by accident when Nicholas threw coins down the chimneys of the poor and it landed in foot wear being dried by the fire.
( don't worry though Santa will find and fill yours if you hang it even if you don't have a fire place.)
what is a Christmas stocking?( or stocking, even sock is acceptable)
in 1843 a busy civil servant (Henry Cole)decided he was too busy to hand write a personal customary Christmas letter to all his friends , so he commissioned an artist friend ( John Callcott Horsley) to design a this for him to send to every
What is a card?
In Japan on new years eve , Omisoka, familes visit a shrine or temple and strike this 108 times to symbolize the desires believed to cause human suffering.
What is a cast iorn bell? ( bell is acceptable)
This crispy, spicy, savory, triangle shaped snack can be found year round but is a favorite Diwali treat. commonly found filled with potatoes, peas, onions lentils , spices and meat
What are Samosas?