Christmas Carols
The song originally titled "One Horse Open Sleigh," this song was written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857.
Jingle Bells
Christmas is celebrated on what day each year to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ?
December 25
It is used to count down the days until Christmas, originated in Germany in the 19th century. Early versions included simple chalk marks on doors or walls to track the days.
Advent Calendars
Food that is often decorated with festive icing and sprinkles, are a staple in many households. Traditional shapes include stars, trees, and snowflakes.
Christmas Cookies, cookies
Also known as Saint Nicholas, is a legendary figure who is said to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve. He is often depicted as a jolly man in a red suit with a white beard.
Santa Claus
This traditional English carol dates back to the 18th century and details the gifts given on each of the twelve days of Christmas.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
The tradition of decorating Christmas trees originated where during the 16th century? People would decorate fir trees with fruits, nuts, and later, candles.
Germany
The first of these were fruit, nuts, and sweets. In the 1800s, glassblowers in Germany began making glass ornaments, which quickly became popular worldwide.
Christmas Ornaments, Ornaments
Food that is a type of spiced cake or cookie, often shaped into figures or houses.
Gingerbread
Is a famous reindeer known for his glowing red nose, which helps guide Santa's sleigh through foggy weather.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Rudolph
Originally "Stille Nacht", was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics written by Joseph Mohr. It was first performed on Christmas Eve in a small Austrian church.
Silent Night
Many Christmas traditions have what origins? For example, December 25th was initially a celebration of the Roman festival of Saturnalia, which honored the god Saturn.
Pagan
The tradition of these began with candles placed on tree branches in the 17th century. These candles symbolized Christ as the light of the world.
Christmas Lights
This rich and creamy drink is made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks. It's often flavored with nutmeg and sometimes spiked with rum, bourbon, or brandy.
Eggnog
These figures are traditionally believed to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Three Wise Men, Magi, Three Kings
"Cantique de Noël" was composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to a poem by Placide Cappeau. It was one of the first pieces of music to be broadcast on radio, in 1906.
O Holy Night
Is it a myth that Coca-Cola created the image of Santa Claus in red and white?
Yes
It was originally made from thin strips of real silver in Germany during the early 17th century. It was intended to reflect candlelight and add a shimmering effect to the tree.
Tinsel
This Italian sweet bread loaf is traditionally enjoyed during Christmas and New Year. Originating from Milan, it is typically studded with candied fruits, raisins, and sometimes chocolate.
Panettone
Is a miserly old man who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve, leading to his transformation into a kinder, more generous person. The main character in Charles Dickens's novella "A Christmas Carol."
Ebenezer Scrooge
This carol tells the story of a Bohemian king, who braved harsh winter weather to help a poor peasant on the Feast of Stephen (December 26).
Good King Wenceslas, Wenceslas
The first commercial Christmas cards were produced where in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole and artist John Callcott Horsley? They featured a family celebrating Christmas and a message of goodwill.
England
A plant known for its bright red and green foliage, is native to Mexico. It was introduced to the United States by Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, in the early 19th century.
Poinsettias
The food is usually shaped like a crown and often hides a small figurine or bean inside. In France, it's known as "Galette des Rois."
King Cake
A famous Hollywood actress, was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1922. She starred in numerous classic films and had a high-profile marriage to Frank Sinatra.
Ava Gardner