Christmas Trivia

Which country does the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree come from?

• Germany

• France

• Poland

Answer explanation

The modern Christmas tree was developed in 16th century Germany, when Christians would bring the trees into their homes and decorate them. These trees were traditionally decorated with roses, apples, wafers, tinsel – which the Germans also invented – and sweetmeats.

In many European countries, December 6th celebrates the saint who was known for his compassion for children and all those in need. What is the name of the holiday?

• St. Vitus Day

• St. Stephen Day

• St. Nicholas Day

Answer explanation

Saint Nicholas Day, also called the Feast of Saint Nicholas, observed on 5 or 6 December in Western Christian countries, and on 19 December in Eastern Christian countries using the old church Calendar, is the feast day of Saint Nicholas of Myra.

Where do Kevin’s parents go on holiday in ‘Home Alone’, famously leaving him on his own? 

• Paris

• London

• Vienna

Answer explanation

The family went on trip to Paris, France

In ‘A Christmas Carol’, how many ghosts visit Scrooge?

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

The four ghosts who appear in the Charles Dickens novella are Jacob Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. The four all visit Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve.

‘Jingle Bells’ was originally supposed to be...

• A New Year’s Day song

• An Independence Day song

• A Thanksgiving song

Answer explanation

‘Jingle Bells’ was originally written as a Thanksgiving song

Which is the best-selling Christmas song of all time? 

• ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham!

• ‘Sleigh Ride’ by the Ronettes

• ‘White Christmas’ by Bing Crosby

Answer explanation

Crosby's "White Christmas" single has been credited with selling 50 million copies, the most by any release and therefore it is the biggest-selling single worldwide of all time.

"Carol of the Bells" originally comes from...

• Poland

• USA

• Ukraine

Answer explanation

"Carol of the Bells" is a popular Christmas carol, which is based on the Ukrainian song called "Shchedryk.” The music to “Carol of the Bells” was taken from the original Ukrainian song written by Mykola Leontovych while the English-language lyrics were written by Peter Wilhousky.

Which country did eggnog come from?

• Germany

• Belgium

• England

Answer explanation

Eggnog, a drink thought to have originated in the British Isles, composed of beaten eggs, sugar, and cream or milk and typically served during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

How many reindeer does Santa have?

• 7

• 9

• 12

Answer explanation

Their names are: 1. Dasher 2. Dancer 3. Prancer 4. Vixen 5. Comet 6. Cupid 7. Donner 8. Blitzen 9. Rudolph.