Having your photo taken with Santa and being able to tell him what you want for Christmas is a popular tradition. Who was the original Santa Claus?
The story of Santa Claus can be traced back to Saint Nicholas, a bishop from Myra.
For some families, St. Nicholas puts treats in the children's shoes for them to find on St. Nicholas Day. When is St. Nicholas Day?
Bishop Nicholas was canonized a saint on December 6, 343 AD.
Some families have a neighbor dress as Santa and come to the house with gifts. How did the modern Santa come to be?
Clement C. Moore is credited for creating the modern Santa Clause with the poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" in 1823.
Usually Santa leaves presents while everyone is sleeping. What do children leave for Santa?
Milk and cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer.
While adults send Christmas cards, kids can write letters to Santa addressed to the North Pole. When did this start?
The first known use of the U.S. mail system for Santa letters dates back to 1871.
Christmas tree ornaments are popular gifts. Some families have a tradition of making ornaments every year. What's your favorite Christmas ornament?
Is it painted? Made with beads? Made with a photo? Crocheted? Cross-stitch?
Why do a lot of kids get to stay up late on Christmas Eve?
Midnight church service.
Oyster stew on Christmas Eve is a tradition for what American families?
The first English settlers brought this tradition, so many descendants of the Mayflower carry on this tradition.
Children look forward to waking up Christmas morning and drinking what?
Hot chocolate in a Santa cup!
What popular creamy beverage can only be bought during the holiday season?
Eggnog
Even families without a fireplace hang stockings for Santa to fill Christmas Eve. How did this tradition start?
Legend has it St. Nicholas learned of a family with three daughters and no money for dowries, so he snuck in their home and put gold in their stockings.
Children are told that when they are naughty, they get what in their stocking?
A lump of coal. This tradition dates back to the early 1800's.
How was Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer created?
Montgomery Ward department store asked their copywriter to create a free coloring book for children in 1939.
Watching Christmas movies on TV has been a family tradition. What are the first popular movies?
"A Charlie Brown Christmas, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "Frosty the Snowman", "Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town"
Every family has their favorite Christmas cookies, what was the first Christmas cookie?
Lebkuchen, originating in Germany around the 13th century, is considered the earliest example of a Christmas cookie.
The candy cane dates back to 1670 in Germany to represent a shepherd's crook and keep children quiet during Christmas Eve church services. How did it become popular in America?
As early as 1847, the candy cane was more than a treat and used to decorate Christmas trees.
