50 Fun Facts About December Holiday

Which European country is credited with originating the modern tradition of the Christmas tree in the 16th century?

The tradition of decorating evergreen trees as Christmas trees originated in Germany during the 16th century, often associated with Lutheran Christians.

Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, originated as a day for what purpose?

Boxing Day has roots in the tradition of giving 'Christmas boxes' filled with money, food, or gifts to servants, tradespeople, and the needy as thanks for their service.

On what date in December is St. Nicholas Day traditionally celebrated in many European countries?

St. Nicholas Day, honoring the 4th-century bishop of Myra, is widely celebrated on December 6th, particularly in parts of northern and Eastern Europe.

Which of these foods are traditionally fried during Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of oil?

Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are popular Hanukkah foods, fried in oil to symbolize the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.

What is the Swahili term for the first of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, representing 'Unity'?

The seven principles of Kwanzaa, known as Nguzo Saba, begin with Umoja, which means 'Unity' in Swahili.

In which century and country did the Advent calendar tradition originate?

The Advent calendar tradition began in 19th-century Germany, initially with families marking chalk lines or lighting candles to count down to Christmas.

The colors of the Kwanzaa flag—black, red, and green—symbolize what, respectively?

The Kwanzaa flag's colors represent the people (black), their struggle (red), and the future and hope that comes from their struggle (green).

Who authored the classic holiday novella 'A Christmas Carol'?

Charles Dickens wrote 'A Christmas Carol' in 1843, a story that has become a timeless holiday tradition.

The tradition of kissing under mistletoe originated in which country and century?

The custom of kissing under the mistletoe began in England during the 18th century, becoming firmly established by the Victorian era.

What astronomical event, marking the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere, often has associated cultural celebrations in December?

The Winter Solstice, typically occurring around December 21st or 22nd, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and is celebrated by various cultures.

How many branches does a Hanukkah menorah (hanukkiah) typically have?

A Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, has nine branches: eight for the candles representing each night of the holiday, plus one for the 'shamash' (helper candle) used to light the others.

The modern figure of Santa Claus is largely inspired by which historical Christian figure?

The popular conception of Santa Claus originates from folklore traditions surrounding the 4th-century Christian Greek bishop Saint Nicholas, known for his generosity.

Before becoming associated with Christmas, what were carols originally?

Carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago as pagan songs at winter solstice celebrations, often accompanied by circle dances.

Which ballet, featuring a 'Sugar Plum Fairy' and a 'Mouse King', is a popular holiday performance?

Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker', based on a fairy tale, is a beloved Christmas ballet known for its festive setting and iconic characters.

Which country is most widely credited with the origin of the modern Christmas tree tradition?

The tradition of decorating evergreen trees for Christmas is widely believed to have originated in 16th-century Germany, where families brought trees into their homes and adorned them with various items.

On what date is St. Nicholas Day traditionally observed in Western Christian countries?

St. Nicholas Day, also known as the Feast of St. Nicholas, is celebrated on December 6th in Western Christian countries, honoring the 4th-century bishop known for his generosity.

What is the name for the nine-branched candelabrum used during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah?

While often referred to generally as a menorah, the specific nine-branched candelabrum lit during Hanukkah, with eight branches for each night and one 'shamash' or helper candle, is more accurately called a hanukkiah.

Which of the following is one of the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa?

Ujima, meaning Collective Work and Responsibility, is one of the seven core principles of Kwanzaa, which celebrates African-American culture and heritage from December 26 to January 1.

How many days is the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah celebrated?

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of a single day's oil lasting for eight.

What is the traditional name for the communal feast held on the sixth day of Kwanzaa?

Karamu is the traditional communal feast that takes place on December 31st, the sixth day of Kwanzaa, celebrating African-American heritage and community.

Which item is traditionally left in shoes or stockings on St. Nicholas Day in some European countries?

On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, children in some European countries leave out shoes or boots, hoping to find them filled with small treats, candies, or coins from St. Nicholas.

The Kwanzaa celebration lasts for how many days each year?

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African-American culture, observed annually from December 26th to January 1st.

What is the name of the central candle in a Hanukkah menorah that is used to light the others?

The ninth candle on a Hanukkah menorah is called the shamash, which means 'helper' or 'servant,' and it is used to light the other eight candles.

What is the name of the candle holder used in Kwanzaa celebrations?

The kinara is a seven-branched candleholder used in Kwanzaa celebrations, with three red, three green, and one black candle representing the seven principles.

In which country is the tradition of the Yule Goat (Julbocken) a notable Christmas custom?

The Yule Goat, or Julbocken, is a traditional Christmas symbol and decoration in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, dating back to ancient pagan festivals.

What traditional fried potato dish is often eaten during Hanukkah?

Latkes, or potato pancakes fried in oil, are a traditional Hanukkah food, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.

What is the primary color of the central candle in the Kwanzaa kinara?

The kinara for Kwanzaa holds seven candles: three red on the left, three green on the right, and a single black candle in the center.

Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics 'Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh'?

'Jingle Bells' is a widely recognized Christmas song, originally published in 1857, and is one of the most popular secular carols.

The tradition of kissing under mistletoe is believed to have originated from which ancient culture?

The tradition of kissing under mistletoe has roots in ancient Celtic and Norse mythology, where the plant was associated with peace, love, and fertility.

What is the official start date for the Kwanzaa celebration each year?

Kwanzaa is an annual cultural celebration that begins on December 26th and lasts through January 1st.

Which ingredient is commonly fried in oil during Hanukkah to symbolize the miracle of the oil?

During Hanukkah, foods fried in oil, such as potato latkes and jelly-filled doughnuts (sufganiyot), are traditionally eaten to commemorate the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.

What popular Christmas beverage is often made with eggs, milk, sugar, and sometimes alcohol?

Eggnog is a traditional Christmas and winter holiday drink, typically made with milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs, and often brandy, rum, or bourbon.

What is the traditional name for the day after Christmas, celebrated in many Commonwealth countries?

Boxing Day is a public holiday celebrated on December 26th in many Commonwealth countries, with origins tied to giving gifts to the poor or servants.

Which of the following is not one of the traditional colors of Kwanzaa candles?

The seven candles of the Kwanzaa kinara are typically black (center), red (left), and green (right), representing the Pan-African flag colors.

In the classic story, which reindeer is known for having a bright red nose?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a well-known fictional character, famous for his glowing red nose that helps guide Santa's sleigh.

Which European country is known for its traditional Christmas markets, often starting in late November or early December?

Germany is famous for its Christkindlmarkts, or Christmas markets, which are a beloved tradition featuring festive stalls, food, and crafts during the Advent season.

Which holiday celebrates the shortest day and longest night of the year, usually around December 21st?

The winter solstice, often celebrated as Yule in various cultures, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, typically occurring around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere.

What classic Christmas ballet features a young girl named Clara and a Nutcracker prince?

The Nutcracker is a renowned two-act ballet, first performed in 1892, that has become a beloved Christmas tradition worldwide.

What is the English translation of the Kwanzaa principle 'Umoja'?

Umoja, meaning 'unity,' is the first of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and encourages striving for and maintaining unity in family, community, nation, and race.

Which beloved Christmas character famously tries to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville?

The Grinch is a character created by Dr. Seuss, known for his attempt to steal Christmas in the classic story 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!'.

The Christmas carol 'Silent Night' originated in which country?

'Silent Night' (Stille Nacht) is a popular Christmas carol composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria.

What is the traditional gift often associated with the magi in the story of Christmas?

According to the biblical narrative, the three wise men, or magi, brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus.

Which food item is a traditional Christmas Eve staple in the Philippines, often a whole roasted pig?

Lechon, a whole roasted suckling pig, is a highly popular and traditional dish for Christmas Eve feasts in the Philippines.

What is the name of the traditional German Christmas bread, often made with dried fruit and powdered sugar?

Stollen is a traditional German fruit bread, often containing dried fruit, nuts, and spices, and dusted with powdered sugar, commonly eaten during the Christmas season.

The song 'Auld Lang Syne' is traditionally sung to celebrate the arrival of which holiday?

'Auld Lang Syne' is a traditional Scottish song, widely sung to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve.

Which plant, known for its red and green leaves, is a popular Christmas decoration?

The poinsettia is a plant native to Mexico, widely recognized for its vibrant red and green foliage, making it a popular decorative plant during the Christmas season.

In what year was Charles Dickens's classic novella 'A Christmas Carol' first published?

Charles Dickens's influential novella 'A Christmas Carol' was first published in 1843, quickly becoming a timeless tale associated with the holiday season.

The tradition of Advent calendars originated in which country?

The Advent calendar tradition originated in Germany in the 19th century, initially as a way for Lutheran Protestants to mark the days of Advent leading up to Christmas.

Which country is famous for its 'Feast of the Seven Fishes' on Christmas Eve?

The 'Feast of the Seven Fishes' is a traditional Italian-American Christmas Eve celebration, featuring a multi-course meal of various seafood dishes.

In the poem 'The Night Before Christmas,' how many reindeer pull Santa's sleigh (excluding Rudolph)?

In Clement Clarke Moore's poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' (commonly known as 'The Night Before Christmas'), Santa's sleigh is pulled by eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen.