Christmas Trivia - Round One

Of the following, what is considered to be good luck on Christmas morning?

• Finding a spider web

• Putting on socks inside out

• Eating pork and greens

• Wearing new clothes

Answer explanation

In the Ukraine, if you find a spider web in the house on

Christmas morning, it is believed to be a harbinger of good luck!

What was a popular game during Christmas in medieval times?

• Balancing the egg

• Hot cockles

• Blowing out the Christmas candle

• Charades

• Dirty Santa

Answer explanation

In this game, a player was blindfolded and the other players took turns striking the blindfolded player, who had to guess the name of the

person delivering each blow.

According to Greek legend, who plays tricks at Christmas time?

• Kallikantzaroi

• Krampus

• Baba Yaga

• Bjúgnakrækir

• Loki

Answer explanation

In Greek legend, malicious creatures called Kallikantzaroi

sometimes play troublesome pranks at Christmas time. In order to get rid of them, salt or an old shoe is burnt. The pungent burning stench drives off the Kallikantzaroi.

What is considered the most traditional Christmas flower?

• Poinsettia

• Frosty Fern

• Christmas Cactus

• Mistletoe

• Rosemary

Answer explanation

In Mexico (its place of origin), the poinsettia is known as the

'Flower of the Holy Night'. Since the 19th century, poinsettia has been associated with Christmas.

What is a common Christmas decoration in Sweden?

• Julbukk

• Påskmust

• Smörgåsbord

• Surströmming

Answer explanation

The Julbukk is a small figurine of a goat, which is usually made of straw. Scandinavian Christmas festivities feature a variety of straw decorations in the form of stars, angels, hearts and other shapes, as well as the Julbukk.

What celebration was the song Jingle Bells originally written for?

• Thanksgiving

• News Year's Eve

• Winter Solstice

• Boxing Day

• Groundhog Day

Answer explanation

The popular Christmas song 'Jingle Bells' was composed in

1857 by James Pierpont. It was originally called 'One-Horse Open Sleigh' and was actually written for Thanksgiving, not Xmas.

Which country made the first artificial Christmas tree?

• Germany

• England

• USA

• China

• France

Answer explanation

The first artificial Christmas trees were developed in Germany during the 19th century. These "trees" were made using goose feathers that were dyed green.

How long did it take Charles Dickens to write A Christmas Carol?

• 6 days

• 6 weeks

• 6 months

• 6 years

Answer explanation

Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in just six weeks, under financial pressure. Reportedly Dickens wrote the story while taking hours-long nighttime walks around London. It was first published on December 19, 1843, with the first edition sold out by Christmas Eve.

Which state was the first to recognize Christmas as a holiday?

• Alabama

• New York

• Virginia

• Florida

• Vermont

Answer explanation

Alabama was the first state to recognize Christmas as an official holiday in 1836.

Approximately how many Santa suits are rented out every year during the holidays?

• 20,000

• 100,000

• 400,000

• 1,000,000

Answer explanation

Did you know that training is required for most shopping mall Santas? They are taught how to deal with the public, and it is also suggested that they be careful what they eat suiting up!