Yuletide Lore
This Germanic figure leaves gifts in children's shoes during December.
Who is Saint Nicholas?
This major retail event occurs immediately after Thanksgiving in the United States.
What is Black Friday?
This traditional hot Christmas beverage includes beaten eggs, milk, and sugar.
What is eggnog?
This mythical winter creature builds himself with snow and a magical hat.
Who is Frosty the Snowman?
This 1983 movie centers on Ralphie's quest for a Red Ryder BB gun.
What is "A Christmas Story"?
This Norse mythological wolf destined to kill Odin during Ragnarök symbolizes winter's destruction.
Who is Fenrir?
This currency is often given as a holiday gift from employers, in the past they have been given in red envelopes but most people use direct checking today.
What are Holiday Bonuses?
This German mulled wine combines red wine with spices like cinnamon and cloves.
What is Glühwein?
This winter holiday celebrates the shortest day of the year.
What is the Winter Solstice?
This 2004 animated film, based on a children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, follows a young boy's magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
What is The Polar Express?
According to Mexican legend, this plant, now a popular Christmas decoration, turned red when a poor child offered it to the Christ child as a gift.
What is a Poinsettia?
In 1939, this company created Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to boost holiday catalog sales.
What is Montgomery Ward?
This classic holiday cocktail, typically made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, is garnished with a cherry.
What is a Manhattan?
This cold weather spirit appears in Japanese folklore as a woman who freezes travelers.
Who is Yuki-onna?
This 1964 stop-motion animation was directed by Rankin/Bass and featured Burl Ives as a snowman narrator.
What is "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"?
In German folklore, this sinister companion of Saint Nicholas is known for punishing naughty children during the holiday season.
Who is Krampus?
This economic phenomenon describes increased consumer spending during the holiday season.
What is the Christmas Effect?
This traditional Scandinavian holiday drink is a strong, spiced aquavit.
What is Glogg?
This Native American tribe is known for winter stories about the Wendigo.
Who are the Algonquin?
This 1988 action movie set during a Christmas party was debated as a holiday film.
What is "Die Hard"?
In the Icelandic tradition, these 13 mischievous pranksters visit children on the nights leading up to Christmas, each with their own unique antics.
Who are the Yule Lads?
This 1802 document from the US Treasury first detailed tax exemptions specifically for holiday gift-giving.
What is the Gift Tax Exemption Act?
This spicy and sweet punch, often served warm, originated in colonial America and is made with a base of cider or ale.
What is Wassail?
This North European tradition involves burning a special log during winter celebrations.
What is the Yule Log?
This 1965 TV special's animation was directed by Chuck Jones and featured music by Vince Guaraldi, bringing a beloved Charles Schulz comic strip to life.
What is "A Charlie Brown Christmas"?