Keep the Family Guessing with Christmas Trivia!
Family get-togethers look a little different for everyone, but usually a game can help lighten the spirit for everyone… unless your family’s the competitive type that can’t even go near a game without ruining Christmas. If your Christmas convos are feeling a little stagnant, here’s some trivia to help shake things up:
Quirky Christmas Q&A
- What is the origin of the Christmas stocking tradition?
- Answer: Legend has it that St. Nicholas, inspired by the story of a poor man with three daughters, dropped gold coins down their chimney, and they landed in the stockings hung by the fireplace to dry.
- Which country is credited with the creation of eggnog?
- Answer: Eggnog finds its roots in medieval Britain, where a concoction of hot milk curdled with ale or wine was popular. The drink evolved over time to include eggs and spices, eventually becoming the creamy holiday treat we know today.
- In the song “Jingle Bells,” what type of sleigh is mentioned?
- Answer: A one-horse open sleigh! The iconic lyrics capture the joy of dashing through the snow in a simple yet unforgettable image.
- What edible item was used to create the first artificial Christmas trees?
- Answer: In the 19th century, people fashioned artificial Christmas trees using dyed goose feathers to replicate the appearance of real evergreen branches.
- Which plant is associated with Christmas and is often hung for decorative purposes?
- Answer: Mistletoe! This festive plant has been a symbol of love and fertility in Norse mythology and is traditionally hung in doorways during the holiday season.
A List of Festive Facts
(Just for kicks and giggles.)
- Yule Log Origins: The tradition of the Yule log stems from ancient Norse winter solstice celebrations when a large log was burned to ward off evil spirits.
- Tallest Christmas Tree: The tallest recorded Christmas tree stood at a staggering 221 feet and was displayed in a Washington shopping mall in 1950.
- Christmas Colors: Red and green are the quintessential Christmas colors, with red symbolizing the blood of Christ, and green representing everlasting life.
- First Artificial Tree: The first artificial Christmas tree was created in Germany in the 19th century using goose feathers dyed green.
- Christmas Cards: The first commercial Christmas cards were commissioned in London in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole.
We hope these add a little family fun to your Christmas get-together!