in the Ukraine, if you find a spider's web in the house on Christmas morning, it means... (1) bad luck (2) good luck (3) it will snow later in the day
It means good luck. Some say that by spinning webs, spiders used to decorate the trees of poor Ukrainian families.
Every Christmas day, the British Monarch`s speech is broadcast to the nation. Who wrote the first speech in 1932? (1) the king (2) Winston Churchill (3) Rudyard Kipling
The first British Monarch’s speech broadcast to the nation in 1932 was written by Rudyard Kipling, author of Jungle Book and the poem If.
In Holland, who accompanies Santa Claus when he's giving out presents? (1) his son, Pink Peter (2) his wife, Red Petra (3) his servant, Black Peter
Black Peter accompanies Santa. Also, it is Black Peter and not Santa who throws the presents down the chimney.
Where`s the United States' official Christmas tree located? (1) In Times Square, New York (2) In King`s Canyon National Park, California (3) Outside the White House, in Washington DC
Since 1925, the United States’ official Christmas tree has been a Giant Sequoia called ‘General Grant’ in King’s Canyon National Park.
How many people have spent Christmas day in space? (1) none (2) five (3) thirty-five
Since the crew of Apollo 8 became the first people in space over Christmas 1968, thirty-five people have so far spent Christmas Day>
The legend of Santa Claus began with which 4th century saint? (1) Saint Christopher (2) Saint Michael (3) Saint Nicholas
The legend of Santa Claus began with Saint Nicholas. He is the patron saint of children, shopkeepers, pawnbrokers and sailors among other things.
In the United Kingdom, the day after Christmas is known as... (1) Walking Day (2) Boxing Day (3) Sleeping Day
The day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day. The name derives from the 19th century tradition of charitable employers giving boxes of food and clothing.
In Lithuania, what do children have to do before they get their presents from GrandFather Christmas? (1) perform a dance (2) tell a joke (3) sing a song
In Lithuania, children must sing a song for Kaledu Senelis, or Grandfather Christmas, before they can get their presents. If they don’t, they lose it.
In Greece, to stop horrible creatures called kallinkatzori playing tricks on people at Christmas, you have to... (1) burn a old shoe (2) whistle loudly (3) eat garlic
In Greece, the only way to get rid of the Kallikantzori is by burning an old shoe. If you do not have an old shoe, salt may be burned instead.
In Finland, Santa Claus travels on... (1) a swan (2) a polar bear (3) a goat
In Finland, Santa travels on a goat made of straw called Ukko. Straw decorations are a great tradition at Christmas in Sweden.
Where did Saint Nicholas (the original Santa Claus) live? (1) Finland (2) Turkey (3) Italy
The real Saint Nicholas was bishop of the town of Myra in Turkey. He became Santa Claus when Dutch settlers took the tradition to the USA.
The first charity Christmas card was produced by UNICEF in 1949. Who was the picture painted by? (1) a 7-year-old girl (2) Pablo Picasso (3) Charles Chaplin
The first charity Christmas card, produced by UNICEF in 1949, was painted by a seven-year-old girl. The girl was from Rudolfo, a small town in Czechoslovakia.
Electric Christmas tree lights were first used in... (1) 1785 (2) 1895 (3) 1935
Electric Christmas tree lights were invented in 1895 by American Ralph Morris after concerns over accidents involving the use of candles.
In Syria, Christmas gifts are given out by... (1) an eagle (2) a horse (3) a camel
In Syria, Christmas gifts are given out by a camel. It is supposed to have belonged to one of the three wise men who visited the newborn Jesus.
In Poland, a meal of 12 different dishes is eaten on Christmas Eve. The main ingredient is... (1) cheese (2) chicken (3) fish
In Poland, as in many other eastern European countries, the main ingredient of the Christmas meal is fish. After the meal, a wafer is broken and shared.
In the United Kingdom, what do children put out for Santa Claus to put their presents in? (1) hats (2) socks (3) shoes
In the United Kingdom, children traditionally put out socks for Santa Claus to put their presents in. They are usually hung above the fireplace.
Both Idaho and Indiana in the USA have a town called... (1) Father Christmas (2) Santa Claus (3) Saint Nicholas
Both Idaho and Indiana in the United States have a town called Santa Claus.
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, first appeared in 1939 to... (1) advertise chocolates (2) warn people about catching a cold (3) promote a department store
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer first appeared in 1939 to promote the opening of the latest shop in the Montgomery-Ward department store chain.
The Christmas tree tradition started in which country? (1) Germany (2) Russia (3) Norway
The Christmas tree tradition started in Germany in the sixteenth century.
What was invented by Tom Smith, an English confectioner, in 1847? (1) tinsel (2) the advent calendar (3) the Christmas cracker
In 1847, Tom Smith, an English confectioner, invented the Christmas cracker. The company he founded exists to this day.