This type of music originated from songs sung for church processionals, but the melodies we hear today (e.g. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "The First Noel") were first sung in the Victorian era.
What are Christmas carols?
100
This is the shortest day of the year and is the first day of the winter season.
What is Winter Solstice?
100
Definition: a hanging, tapering piece of ice formed by the freezing of dripping water
What is an icicle?
100
"Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go..."
What is "Let It Snow"?
100
This holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is associated with Santa Claus, trees, and carols
What is Christmas?
200
This holiday treat was developed in the 17th century to resemble a shepherds staff.
What is a candy cane?
200
This is the date on which the Winter Solstice falls this year in the Northern hemisphere.
a) December 20
b) December 21
c) December 22
d) December 23
What is December 21?
200
Definition: a leathery-leaved parasitic plant that grows on apple, oak, and other broadleaf trees and bears white glutinous berries in winter
What is mistletoe?
200
"...I made it out of clay, and when it's dry and ready, with my dreidel I shall play"
What is "I Have a Little Dreidel" or "Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel"?
200
This eight-day Jewish holiday celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem after a group of Jews known as the Maccabees won over their oppressors, and it is associated with the menorah and the dreidel
What is Hanukkah?
300
Apples, roses and candies were used to decorate this 16th century German tradition. Nowadays, people use lights, ornaments, and ribbons.
What is a Christmas tree?
300
The imaginary line that divides the Earth into Northern and Southern hemispheres.
What is the Equator?
300
Definition: a deer of the tundra and subarctic regions of Eurasia and North America, both sexes of which have large branching antlers
What is reindeer?
300
"What a bright time
It's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time
It's a swell time
To go riding in a one-horse sleigh"
What is "Jingle Bell Rock"?
300
This holiday is a festival that lasts from December 26 to January 1 and celebrates African American cultural heritage and values
What is Kwanzaa?
400
This commonly-mocked treat originated in the 16th century, when it was discovered that fruit could be preserved by soaking it in large solutions of sugar. Since sugar was cheap, it was an effective and affordable way for the colonies to ensure their native plums and cherries would make the journey to Europe without spoiling. By the 19th century people were combining all sorts of candied fruits — pineapples, plums, dates, pears, cherries, orange peels and cheap nuts — into a cake-like form.
What is fruitcake?
400
The season in which the Earth is furthest from the sun.
What is summer?
400
Definition: (of an animal or plant) spend the winter in a dormant state.
What is hibernate?
400
"You better not shout
you better not cry
you better not pout
I'm telling you why..."
What is "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town"?
400
This "holiday," which was popularized through the TV show "Seinfeld," is celebrated on December 23 as an alternative to the pressures and commercialism of the Christmas season
What is Festivus?
500
There are many possible stories behind this consequence for bad behavior. One story is that in 16th century Holland, children would put their clogs (shoes) by the fireplace. If the children were good, they would find a small toy, cookies, or candy in their shoes. If not, they would find something else.
What is a lump of coal?
500
The Earth is closest to the sun during this season.
What is winter?
500
Definition: a plant that retains green leaves throughout the year
What is evergreen?
500
"Hark how the bells,
Sweet silver bells,
All seem to say,
Throw cares away
Christmas is here,
Bringing good cheer,
To young and old,
Meek and the bold.
Ding dong ding dong..."
What is "Carol of the Bells"?
500
This holiday will be celebrated on January 28, 2017 and begins the Year of the Rooster.
What is Lunar New Year? (or commonly known as Chinese New Year)