LNB Holiday Trivia

Front

In the movie The Santa Clause, why does Scott have to become Santa Claus?

Back

Santa fell off his roof

Answer explanation

In The Santa Clause (1994), Scott Calvin becomes Santa Claus because of a magical contract known as “The Santa Clause.” After accidentally causing Santa to fall off his roof on Christmas Eve, Scott finds Santa’s suit and puts it on. By doing so, he unknowingly accepts the terms of the clause printed on the card in Santa’s pocket:

Whoever puts on the suit and the hat assumes all responsibilities and duties of Santa Claus.

From that moment, Scott begins transforming physically and magically into Santa—gaining weight, growing a white beard, and developing a love for milk and cookies. The movie explores his reluctant acceptance of this new role and the impact it has on his life and family.

Front

According to survey results, what is the Life New Business team's favorite holiday song? Options: Jingle Bell Rock, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Last Christmas, All I Want for Christmas is You

Back

All I Want for Christmas is You

Answer explanation

Mariah Carey reigns supreme! This was the most mentioned song by far.

Front

Deep fried latkes are typically eaten around which Jewish holiday?

Back

Hannukah

Answer explanation

The Significance of Latkes

Latkes, or potato pancakes, are a beloved food during Hanukkah, primarily because they are fried in oil. This practice serves as a reminder of the miracle that occurred during the Maccabean Revolt when a small amount of oil, enough to last for just one day, miraculously burned for eight days in the rededicated Temple. Eating oily foods, such as latkes, is a way to celebrate this miracle and honor the significance of the event in Jewish history.

Front

What movie is this Christmas classic?

Back

A Christmas Story

Answer explanation

A Christmas Story follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Set in the 1940s, the story chronicles his attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus that he deserves it, only to be met with the same warning: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Throughout the film, Ralphie faces various challenges, including skepticism from his father and bullying from a classmate, as he navigates the holiday season. Ultimately, on Christmas morning, he receives the BB gun he longed for, fulfilling his dream.

Front

Which one of Santa's Reindeer's has a name that starts with a "P"?

Back

Prancer

Answer explanation

You know Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer, and Vixen. Comet, and Cupid, Donner, and Vixen..... But do you recall, the most famous reindeer of all?

Front

Where do people go to witness the winter solstice in the UK? Options: Mam Tor, Avebury, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge

Back

Stonehenge

Answer explanation

Precise alignment with the sun's path

Stonehenge is chosen for the winter solstice due to its precise alignment with the sun's path. The stones were carefully arranged to frame the midwinter sunset, marking the shortest day of the year. This alignment was crucial for the Neolithic people who were farmers and had a deep connection to the changing seasons. The winter solstice was a time of fear as the days grew shorter and colder, and it was a time of longing for the return of light and warmth. The stones of Stonehenge have silently marked the winter solstice for thousands of years, symbolizing the passage of time and the importance of seasonal cycles to the ancient people.

Front

In "The Twelve Days of Christmas", how many swans-a-swimming are there?

Back

Seven

Answer explanation

"Seven swans a-swimming" is a line from the traditional Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas," symbolizing beauty and extravagance in the context of gift-giving.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a cumulative song that describes a series of gifts given by "my true love" over the twelve days of Christmas, starting from Christmas Day. Each verse builds upon the previous one, adding a new gift while repeating all the earlier gifts. The song has its origins in England, dating back to the late 18th century, and has been popularized in various forms over the years.

Front

What year was the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" released?

Back

1946

Answer explanation

It’s a Wonderful Life debuted on December 20, 1946, produced by Liberty Films and distributed by RKO Radio. Despite its significant budget (~$3.18 million) and contemporary missteps at the box office and with critics, the film found new life on television after entering the public domain. Today, it's celebrated as one of America’s most beloved Christmas films and a cornerstone of the holiday season.

Front

Which Indian state is Karthigai Deepam primarily celebrated in?

Back

Tamil Nadu

Answer explanation

Karthigai Deepam symbolizes the triumph of divine light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. It is a Hindu festival of lights celebrated primarily by Tamils and Malayalis, marking the full moon day of the Tamil month of Karthigai. The festival commemorates the manifestation of Lord Shiva as the Jyotirlinga, symbolizing the infinite light that dispels ignorance and evil. Lighting lamps during this time is believed to ward off negative energies and promote spiritual illumination.

This year, it was celebrated on December 3/4.

Front

In Japan, what fruit is traditionally used in hot baths during the solstice?

Back

Yuzu

Answer explanation

History around the Yuzu Bath?

The custom of soaking in hot water to remove impurities is believed to have originated from Buddhism, and later spread throughout Japan with the introduction of the religion to the area. This then led to the establishment of sento, or public bathhouses, during the Edo Period (C.E. 1603–1867).

As time went on, there were sayings that taking yuzu baths on the winter solstice (Toji) could protect one from catching a cold or flu, and even heal one’s dry, chapped skin. However, the exact date of origin of the winter solstice yuzu bath itself is not clear. With that being said, many have suggested that the spread of the custom has to do with the “phonetic matching” (or goroawase in Japanese) of the words “winter solstice” (冬至) and “hot-spring cure” (湯治), both of which are pronounced as ‘toji’.