1.
In North America, children put stockings out at Christmas time. The Dutch do not put out stockings. What do they use instead?
Correct Answer
E. Shoes
Explanation
In the Netherlands, instead of putting out stockings, children use shoes to receive gifts during Christmas time. This is a cultural tradition in the country, where children leave their shoes by the fireplace or near the door, and Sinterklaas (the Dutch version of Santa Claus) fills them with presents. This practice is rooted in the legend of Saint Nicholas, who was known to leave gifts in people's shoes.
2.
Guatemalan adults do not exchange Christmas gifts on Christmas morning. When do they exchange gifts?
Correct Answer
E. New Year's Day
Explanation
Guatemalan adults do not exchange Christmas gifts on Christmas morning but instead exchange gifts on New Year's Day. This may be due to cultural traditions or personal preferences.
3.
Where does the traditional Christmas flower, the poinsettia, originally grow?
Correct Answer
B. Mexico
Explanation
The poinsettia, a traditional Christmas flower, originally grows in Mexico.
4.
In Syria, who distributes Christmas gifts?
Correct Answer
E. Camels
Explanation
In Syria, it is a tradition for camels to distribute Christmas gifts. This cultural practice is unique to Syria and is not seen in other parts of the world. Camels are chosen as they are well-suited to the desert terrain and can travel long distances to deliver gifts to different communities. This tradition adds a special touch to Christmas celebrations in Syria and is eagerly anticipated by children and adults alike.
5.
What is the traditional Christmas Eve meal in Armenia?
Correct Answer
B. Fried fish, lettuce and spinach
Explanation
The traditional Christmas Eve meal in Armenia consists of fried fish, lettuce, and spinach. This is a common dish that is typically prepared and enjoyed by Armenian families during the Christmas season.
6.
Which U.S. state was the first to recognize Christmas?
Correct Answer
D. Alabama
Explanation
Alabama was the first U.S. state to recognize Christmas because it was the first state to officially recognize Christmas as a legal holiday in 1836. This recognition set a precedent for other states to follow, eventually leading to the establishment of Christmas as a national holiday in the United States.
7.
Roast turkey was not always the traditional Christmas Day dish. What was the original Christmas Day dish?
Correct Answer
F. Roast swan
Explanation
In the past, roast swan was the original Christmas Day dish. This suggests that the tradition of having roast turkey on Christmas Day is a relatively recent development.
8.
Where was the first Christmas celebrated?
Correct Answer
A. Rome
Explanation
Rome is believed to be the first place where Christmas was celebrated because it was the birthplace of Christianity and the home of the Catholic Church. The celebration of Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ began in Rome in the 4th century AD. The Roman Emperor Constantine officially recognized Christianity in the Roman Empire, leading to the establishment of Christmas as a Christian holiday. Rome's historical and religious significance makes it a likely location for the first Christmas celebration.
9.
The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees. What material did they use to make the trees?
Correct Answer
D. Goose feathers
Explanation
The Germans used goose feathers to make the first artificial Christmas trees.
10.
How many Christmas cards are sent every year in the U.S.?
Correct Answer
F. More than 3 billion
Explanation
The correct answer is "More than 3 billion" because Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday in the U.S., and sending Christmas cards is a common tradition. With a population of over 300 million people, it is reasonable to assume that a significant number of individuals send multiple cards each year, resulting in a total number of Christmas cards sent exceeding 3 billion.
11.
Which country banned Christmas from 1969 to 1998?
Correct Answer
A. Cuba
Explanation
Cuba banned Christmas from 1969 to 1998 due to the country's shift towards atheism and the government's focus on promoting labor productivity. The ban was part of a larger effort to discourage religious practices and instead emphasize the celebration of the Cuban Revolution. During this period, Christmas was not recognized as a public holiday, and celebrations were limited or prohibited. The ban was lifted in 1998, allowing Cubans to freely celebrate Christmas once again.
12.
How many times does St. Nicholas visit each house in Belgium?
Correct Answer
B. Two
Explanation
St. Nicholas visits each house in Belgium twice. This is because in Belgium, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th, where he visits the house during the night to leave gifts and treats for children. Additionally, on the evening of December 5th, St. Nicholas also visits the house to check if the children have been good or bad and to listen to their wishes. Therefore, St. Nicholas visits each house in Belgium twice during the holiday season.
13.
How do Brazilians celebrate Christmas?
Correct Answer
A. They attend midnight mass and exchange gifts the night before Christmas.
Explanation
In Brazil, Christmas is celebrated by attending midnight mass and exchanging gifts on the night before Christmas. This is a common tradition followed by Brazilians to commemorate the birth of Jesus.
14.
Which country created Eggnog?
Correct Answer
D. England
Explanation
Eggnog is a traditional holiday drink made with milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. It is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period, where it was known as "posset." The drink later made its way to the American colonies through English settlers, becoming a popular Christmas beverage in the United States. While other countries may have their own versions of eggnog, England is credited with creating the original recipe.
15.
What do Japanese traditionally eat on the eve of Christmas?
Correct Answer
B. KFC
Explanation
In Japan, it is a tradition to eat KFC on the eve of Christmas. This tradition started in the 1970s when KFC launched a marketing campaign promoting their fried chicken as a Christmas meal. The campaign was successful and became popular among the Japanese people. Today, it is common for families in Japan to order KFC for Christmas dinner or to have a KFC meal at one of their restaurants. Therefore, the correct answer is KFC.