The Great American Christmas Quiz!

 

  • Why did the early Christian Church designate December 25 as the official date of Christmas?

  • What is the origin of "Xmas"?

  • Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?

  • Why do we decorate with holly at Christmas?

  • What is holly's symbolic meaning to Christians?

  • What country is poinsettia native to?

  • Who started the American tradition of poinsettia at Christmas?

  • True or false: Poinsettia have red or white flowers.

  • Who first conceived the idea of a Christmas tree, and when?

  • Who is credited with initiating the practice of placing lights on Christmas trees?

  • True or false: The New England Puritans forbade Christmas celebrations.

  • What joint contribution did Britons Sir Henry Cole and John Calcott Horsley make to our Christmas heritage?

  • What is the traditional purpose of the yule log?

  • What is the origin of candy canes?

  • Evergreens such as holly, pine and mistletoe are common elements in Christmas decor. But what is the one evergreen plant that is traditionally forbidden in Christmas decorations?

  • What contribution to our Christmas heritage did Ralph E. Morris make in 1895?

  • What region is the world's largest exporter of Christmas trees?

  • What were the earliest tree ornaments?

  • Who popularized the Christmas tree in Britain and the U.S.?

  • A German tradition is to hide a certain food in a Christmas tree, and the first one to find it gets a special gift. What is the certain food they hide?

    Thanks to Sarah of Virginia Beach, VA!

  • Thanksgiving has traditionally been the start of the Christmas season in the U.S. Which U.S. President moved Thanksgiving back a week to extend the holiday shopping season?

  • According to some legends, what holiday decorating practice is attributed to spiders?

  • What's the deal with fruitcake at Christmas?

  • Which U.S. President was the first to have a Christmas tree in the White House?

  • Which U.S. President banned Christmas trees from the White House because he believed cutting them harmed the environment?

  • Since 1923, the National Christmas Tree on the White House lawn has been lit every year except one. What year was that, and why wasn't it lit?

  • How long does it take a Christmas tree to grow before it's harvested?

  • When did Christmas become a Federal holiday in the U.S.?

  • True or false: Turkey contains a chemical substance that makes you sleepy.

 

Copyright © 1999, 2001 Brian Pomeroy
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Last updated 13 November 2001
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