History of Christmas
Christmas is an annual festival that traditionally commemorates the birth of this religious figure.
Who is Jesus Christ?
This soda manufacturer is thought to have cemented the image of the rosy-cheeked, bearded Santa Claus that is associated with Christmas today.
What is Coca-Cola?
(In 1931, Coca-Cola commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom to paint an image of Santa for their ads and it has since been the basis for the Santa Claus we know today)
Along with the milk and cookies, some people leave these out for Santa’s reindeer.
What are Carrots?
(The tradition of leaving carrots out for Santa's reindeer may have originated from the idea that carrots help reindeer see in the dark and provide them with nutrients. However, reindeer can't actually eat carrots because of their lack of top teeth!)
A popular German tradition is to hide this kind of ornament in the Christmas tree for someone to find. The winner receives a prize.
What is a pickle ornament, or Christmas pickle?
(Also called the Weihnachtsgurke)
A common tradition for this holiday is to make a resolution to start doing better in some way.
What is New Year's Eve?
This staple of Christmas decor originated in western Germany around the 16th century.
What is the Christmas Tree?
(It was later brought to Britain by German-born Queen Charlotte and became a more widespread tradition by 1841)
Santa Claus has been known by many names over the years, including this one which comes from a real person from christian history.
Who is Old Saint Nick?
(During the Middle Ages, St. Nicholas was a patron saint of children, sailors and thieves (among others), and is known for giving out gifts to the faithful.)
The number of reindeer Santa officially has.
What is eight?
(Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen)
Per a recent holiday fad, this “spy” hides around the house (moving each day) and reports back to Santa on who has been naughty and nice.
What is The Elf on the Shelf?
Also known as Epiphany or Theophany, this holiday is a Christian feast day traditionally celebrated on January 6th.
What is Three Kings Day?
(Three Kings Day marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas)
On Christmas Eve 1870, this President declared Christmas Day a national holiday.
Who is President Ulysses S. Grant?
Santa has been known by many names over the years including this one which comes from a German word meaning "Christ child."
Who is Kris Kringle?
(The German word is Christkindl)
Santa's unofficial reindeer.
Who is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
This popular holiday story by Charles Dickens took him only six weeks to write.
What is "A Christmas Carol"?
This religious holiday is celebrated for eight days every year, starting on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew Calendar.
What is Hanukkah?
The earliest record of a celebration like Christmas was in this society in 336 AD.
What is the Roman Empire?
(In order to ease the transition from old beliefs to Christianity, church leaders chose a date for Christmas that coincided with previous celebrations such as Saturnalia and Mithraic rituals in late December)
Santa has been known by many names over the years including this one which comes from English folklore and was more connected to adults than children.
Who is Father Christmas?
The gender of Santa's reindeer.
What is female?
(Male reindeer lose their antlers in the fall, so according to common depictions of Santa's reindeer, they must be female)
This Bing Crosby song is the best-selling Christmas single of all time.
What is "White Christmas"?
(The song has sold over 100 million records around the world)
Primarily celebrated in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, this holiday takes place on December 26th and is traditionally celebrated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor.
What is Boxing Day?
This religious group banned Christmas in 1647 because they viewed it as a pagan celebration.
Who are the English Puritans?
(In Massachusetts, the U.S. Puritans followed suit. From 1659 to 1681, anyone caught celebrating the holiday was fined.)
The first name Santa’s wife, Mrs. Claus, was originally given when she was created by James Rees in 1849.
What is Gertrude?
In this year, an anonymous author wrote in a booklet, “Old Santeclaus with much delight / His reindeer drives this frosty night,” thus first associating Santa with reindeer.
What is 1821?
Back in 1906, this Christmas Song was the first song ever broadcast on the radio.
What is Oh Holy Night?
This holiday is celebrated in the United States for six days every year, starting on December 26th.
What is Kwanzaa?
(Kwanzaa was created in 1966 as a day to celebrate African-American culture)