Christmas History
When was the term "X-mas" invented?
The mid-1500s by the Greeks (Fun fact: "Christos" in Greek begins with the letter X.)
True or false: The song "Jingle Bells" was written specifically for Christmas.
False
Which three colors are used in Kwanzaa?
Black, red, and green (Fun fact: Black symbolizes the African people, red is for the struggle, and green is for the rich land of Africa.)
Do more Americans get real or artificial trees?
Artificial
Which department store was featured in the film Miracle on 34th Street?
Macy's
When was Christmas declared a national holiday?
1870
In the song “Frosty the Snowman,” what made Frosty come to life?
An old silk hat
How many days of Kwanzaa are there?
7
Per a recent holiday fad, what “spy” hides around the house, reporting back to Santa on who has been naughty and nice?
The Elf on the Shelf
What is the highest-grossing Christmas movie?
Home Alone
True or false: Christmas originally began as a pagan holiday.
True
One of Santa’s reindeer shares a name with a famous symbol of Valentine’s Day. Which reindeer is that?
Cupid
What does the word "Hanukkah" mean?
"Hanukkah" means "dedication"
How much money do Americans spend (on average) on holiday gifts per person?
About $1,000 per person ($1 trillion total in the United States)
In Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” what was Mr. Scrooge’s first name?
Ebenezer
What Christmas decoration was originally made from strands of silver?
Tinsel
How many geese are laying in "The Twelve Days of Christmas?"
6
What is the candle holder for Hanukkah called?
Menorah
Which is more popular for gift purchasing: Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
Black Friday
What made Frosty the Snowman come to life?
His hat
What traditional Christmas decoration is actually a parasitic plant?
Mistletoe
As you finish singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," what desert do you ask for?
Figgy Pudding
Who was the first U.S. president to recognize Hanukkah in the White House?
Jimmy Carter in 1979
Name the animatronic cassette-playing bear toy that every kid wanted for Christmas in the mid 80s.
Teddy Ruxpin
In the Christmas story The Gift of Magi, what does the wife sell in order to purchase a gift for her husband?
Her hair