Christmas Cinema
In Home Alone, where were the McCallister's going when they left Kevin behind?
Where is Paris?
In this country where Shintoism is the dominant religion, an estimated 3.5 million families eat fried chicken on Christmas Eve each year. This is due to a marketing stunt by KFC in the 1970s that translates to “Kentucky for Christmas”.
Where is Japan?
these spiced cookies, often shaped like little people and intricately decorated, are a classic christmas tradition!
what are gingerbread cookies?
Last Christmas I gave you my heart,
but the ____ _____ ____ you ____ __ ____.
What is "the very next day you gave it away".
"Last Christmas" by Wham
This candleabra anchors the celebration of Hanukkah.
What is a Menorah?
In the movie Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer, what was the name of Rudolph’s elf friend?
Who is Hermey?
In the Southern Hemisphere, the “winter” holidays fall during the summer, so naturally, what better way to celebrate than a beach party? Families and friends partake in swimming, picnics and volleyball. Often, some surfing Santas will make an appearance.
Many people from what country head to the beach as a part of their winter celebrations?
Where is Australia?
In the United States, children often leave out cookies and milk for Santa Claus; However, in the United Kingdom, traditions are a bit different. Instead of cookies, Santa is given mince pies.
What sweet, wine-like alcoholic beverage is Santa given instead of milk?
What is Sherry?
I don't want a lot for Christmas,
there is just one thing I need:
_ ____ _____ _____ ___ _______
__________ ___ _________ ____
What is "I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas Tree"?
"All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey
In order to make sustainable christmas decorations, people often slice up and dry out this fruit, usually hanging up the slices one by one or stringing them together into a garland.
What are oranges?
What is the name of the Grinch's Dog?
Who is Max?
People in Germany and Eastern Europe observe THIS Night on December 5th. The night centers around THIS Christmas devil, a hairy, horned creature with a pointed tongue and fangs.
Recently, the holiday has grown to include adult revelries that involve dressing up as the Christmas Devil and parading through the streets.
What is Krampus Night (or Krampusnacht)?
In this winter holiday, folks often will eat "sufganiyot", which are basically jelly filled donuts.
What is Hanukkah?
Christmastime is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite ____ __ ____
What is "time of year"?
"Christmastime is Here" from Charlie Brown Christmas
More traditional folks in Northeast Europe like to live on the edge when they decorate their christmas trees. Instead of using LED lights and baubles, they cover their trees with these potentiallyl hazardous (yet beautiful) lights.
What are candles?
Which actor played six different roles in the Polar Express?
Who is Tom Hanks? (the Hero Boy’s Father, the Conductor, the Hobo, the Ebenezer Scrooge Puppet, the Narrator, and, of course, Santa Claus himself.)
Kwanzaa was created by scholar and activist, Maulana Karenga, in 1966. The celebration places emphasis on honoring African heritage through dance, music, poetry, and story-telling. It presents families with an opportunity to educate their children on their ancestral roots.
During the Kwaanza celebration, a candle is lit each night for seven nights. What do these candles represent?
What are the seven core principles (bonus points if you name the principles: unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani).
Dating back to the 19th century, this roll-style chocolate cake is a traditional Christmas dessert. It is filled with whipped cream, frosted to look like a log and is decorated with candy mushrooms, edible berries, and a dusting of sugary “snow.” It is especially popular in France, Belgium, and Switzerland.
What is a buche de noel (or yule log)?
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
______' and ______' __ _______ __ ___,
___ ___ ______ ___ ___ _____
What is
"Snowin' and blowin' up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun"
"Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms
Los nacimientos, los belenes, or los pesebres hold a special place in the heart of Christmas celebrations across Latin America and the Caribbean. These artistic representations of the birth of Jesus Christ, and include key figures from the story.
This Central-American city is particularly known for its colorful and elaborate nacimientos. Many families create vast displays that fill entire rooms, with detailed scenes that may feature local plants and architectural styles. The city event hosts tours each year to see some of the oldest and most unique nacimientos in the country.
What is Guatemala City?
What does Buddy apologize for in his note when he runs away in Elf?
What is "I’m sorry I ruined your lives and crammed eleven cookies into the VCR. I don’t belong here. I don’t belong anywhere. I’ll never forget you. Love, Buddy." (any part of this is acceptable)
In towns and cities throughout Sweden during the Christmas season, large _______s are constructed out of straw. It is thought that the tradition originated in ancient times, perhaps as a tribute to the god Thor, who was said to ride in a chariot pulled by this animal.
What are goats?
This traditional mulled beverage has been around for centuries, and is a classic staple in Yule celebrations. Originally, the drink was made by placing roasted crabapples into warmed mead.
Nowadays, the drink has a base of wine, fruit juice or mulled ale, sometimes with brandy or sherry added. It is usually topped with Apples, oranges, cranberries, and spices.
What is Wassail?
My mother will start to worry (beautiful what's your hurry?)
My father will be pacing the floor (listen to the fireplace roar)
So really I'd better scurry (beautiful, please don't hurry)
But maybe just a half a drink more (___ ____ _______ __ _____ _ ____)
what is "put some records on while I pour"?
"Baby it's Cold Outside" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five
It is a long tradition in Catalonia (Spain) to add this red-capped peasant figurine to one’s nativity display. As his name graphically implies if you speak spanish, this character is posed in the act of relieving himself in the manger, near the baby Jesus.
Who is El Caganer (the pooper)?
FUN FACT: Historians don't exactly know how this odd tradition came about or what it represents, but they certainly speculate. Likely theories state that the caganer symbolizes fertility and fortune in the coming year, or simply that he represents a mischievous counterpoint to the sacredness of the scene taking place around him.