Entertain the whole family this Christmas with the best holiday trivia questions.
Add more magic to the most wonderful time of the year with a round of fun Christmas trivia. We’ve made it easy for you by compiling 85 festive Christmas trivia questions and answers suitable for the whole family.
Whether you’ve got little toddlers to entertain or teenagers to challenge, this holiday trivia list has something for everyone. With topics including funny Christmas questions and facts about Christmas movies, it’s time to take your December to the next level of enchantment!
Christmas can be overwhelming for kids, especially toddlers. But planning ahead and organizing some fun games can help little ones. Below are 17 fun holiday trivia questions with answers for kids.
What type of sleigh is mentioned in the song “Jingle Bells”?
Answer: A one-horse open sleigh.
Fun Fact: “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas. It was composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1857 and was initially titled “One Horse Open Sleigh.”
Name a red and white Christmas treat.
Answer: A candy cane.
Fun Fact: The first candy canes were made over 350 years ago. Originally, they were straight white sugar sticks, and the red stripes were added around the 1900s.
What does the star at the top of the Christmas tree signify?
Answer: The star of Bethlehem.
Fun Fact: According to the New Testament, the tradition of putting a star on the Christmas tree is believed to originate from the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Wise Men to Jesus’s birth.
What words come after “Silent Night” in the song by the same name?
Answer: Holy night.
Fun Fact: “Silent Night” was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011. The song was originally written in German and is known as “Stille Nacht.”
What color is Rudolph the Reindeer’s nose?
Answer: Red.
Fun Fact: Rudolph was almost named Rollo or Reginald before Robert L. May settled on “Rudolph” for his 1939 story.
In the song “12 Days of Christmas,” what kind of tree is the partridge sitting on?
Answer: A pear tree.
Fun Fact: The “Twelve Days of Christmas” song is believed to have French origins and was first published in England in 1780 as a chant or rhyme without music.
What is Ebenezer’s second name in the “Christmas Carol”?
Answer: Scrooge.
Fun Fact: Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” in just six weeks. It was published in December 1843 and instantly became a holiday classic.
Which fairy tale are gingerbread houses inspired by?
Answer: Hansel and Gretel.
Fun Fact: Gingerbread houses became popular in Germany after the Brothers Grimm published “Hansel and Gretel” in the early 19th-century, featuring a candy-covered house.
How many days of Christmas are there?
Answer: 12.
Fun Fact: The Twelve Days of Christmas start on Christmas Day and end on January 5, known as the Twelfth Night, the eve of the Epiphany.
What is the name of the Christmas ballet that includes a mouse?
Answer: “The Nutcracker.”
Fun Fact: “The Nutcracker” ballet was not initially successful when it premiered in Russia in 1892. It became a beloved holiday tradition, especially in the United States, in the mid-20th century.
What three words does Santa use to greet people?
Answer: Ho, ho, ho!
Fun Fact: The first recorded mention of Santa Claus saying “Ho, ho, ho!” dates back to 1843, the same year “A Christmas Carol” was published.
What’s another name for a Christmas tree?
Answer: A yule tree.
Fun Fact: The tradition of decorating Christmas trees originated in 16th-century Germany, where Christians would bring decorated trees into their homes.
Fun Fact: The original eight reindeer were introduced in Clement C. Moore’s 1823 poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” more commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas.”
What did my true love give me on the seventh day of Christmas?
Answer: Seven swans a-swimming.
Fun Fact: Swans symbolize love and fidelity because of their long-lasting, monogamous relationships.
What popular holiday drink is made from milk, sugar, eggs, and nutmeg?
Answer: Eggnog.
Fun Fact: Eggnog dates back to medieval Britain, where it was a hot, milky, ale-like drink. The American version, with added rum, became popular in the 18th century.
What does “Noel” mean in Latin?
Answer: Birth.
Fun Fact: The word “Noel” entered English in the late 14th-century. It’s derived from the Old French word “noël” or “naël,” meaning Christmas season, which itself originates from the Latin word “natalis,” meaning “birth.”
What mint candy is popular at Christmas?
Answer: Candy canes.
Fun Fact: Legend has it that the candy cane, originally shaped like a shepherd’s staff, was invented in 1670 by the choirmaster of Cologne Cathedral in Germany to keep children quiet during the long Christmas Eve service.
Hard Christmas Trivia
Looking for an extra challenge during your Christmas trivia time? We’ve put together a bunch of difficult trivia questions to challenge the mind during the holiday season.
What country did the tradition of Christmas trees originate?
Answer: Germany.
Fun Fact: The Christmas tree custom developed in medieval Livonia (present-day Estonia and Latvia) and early modern Germany. It’s believed that Protestant Christian reformer Martin Luther first added lighted candles to a tree.
What reindeer shares a name with a Valentine’s Day hero?
Answer: Cupid.
Fun Fact: Cupid, the reindeer, shares its name with the Roman god of love, known for his role in Valentine’s Day lore. In Roman mythology, Cupid is the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
How many ghosts appear in “A Christmas Carol”?
Answer: Four.
Fun Fact: The four ghosts in “A Christmas Carol” are Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Marley’s ghost is often forgotten as he is the first to appear to Scrooge before the other three.
What is the snowman’s name in the song “Winter Wonderland”?
Answer: Parson Brown.
Fun Fact: The name “Parson Brown” refers to a generic term for a minister or priest, used in the days when the song was written. The snowman is imagined to be a parson who would marry the song’s couple.
When was Christmas originally celebrated by Christians from the East?
Answer: January 6th.
Fun Fact: January 6th, known as Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day, commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. It is celebrated as the day when the manifestation of Christ’s glory was revealed to the Gentiles represented by the Magi.
What book is the quote, “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents” from?
Answer: “Little Women.”
Fun Fact: This quote from “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott reflects the March family’s financial struggles, as well as their rich family bonds and love, themes that are central to the book.
What was the first fake Christmas tree made from?
Answer: Goose feathers.
Fun Fact: The first artificial Christmas trees were made in Germany during the 19th-century using goose feathers dyed green to simulate the needles of a Christmas tree.
What orchestra plays “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo”?
Answer: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Fun Fact: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s song “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo” is part of a medley that also includes “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “Shchedryk,” which is also known as “Carol of the Bells.”
What does the color red symbolize at Christmas?
Answer: The blood of Jesus.
Fun Fact: In Christian tradition, the red color of Christmas is often associated with the blood of Christ, shed during his crucifixion. The color also represents love and is associated with the holly berry, which, according to legend, turned red from the blood of Christ.
What food danced in the children’s visions as they slept in the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas”?
Answer: Sugar plums.
Fun Fact: Sugar plums in “Twas the Night Before Christmas” are not actual plums but a type of confection popular in the 17th-century, made of sugar and spices wrapped around a seed or nut.
What century was the term Xmas first used?
Answer: The 16th-century.
Fun Fact: The “X” in “Xmas” is derived from the Greek letter “Chi,” representing Christ. Thus, “Xmas” is actually a respectful abbreviation that has been used for centuries.
In which decade did the General Post Office stop delivering letters in England and Wales on Christmas Day?
Answer: The 1960s.
Fun Fact: Up until the 1960s, postal workers in England and Wales delivered letters and cards on Christmas Day, a tradition that dates back to Victorian times.
What’s the name of the Christmas ogress in Icelandic folklore?
Answer: Gryla.
Fun Fact: In Icelandic folklore, Gryla is a mythical giantess who is said to come down from the mountains during Christmas to look for naughty children. She is often accompanied by the Yule Lads, her mischievous sons.
What state first declared Christmas as an official holiday?
Answer: Alabama.
Fun Fact: Alabama was the first state in the United States to recognize Christmas as an official holiday in 1836. The federal holiday was established in 1870.
Which country sends a big Christmas tree to London every year?
Answer: Norway.
Fun Fact: Every year since 1947, Norway has sent a Christmas tree to Britain as a “thank you” for British support during World War II. This tree is displayed in London’s Trafalgar Square.
Where did there arise such a clatter?
Answer: On the lawn.
Fun Fact: The famous phrase “arose such a clatter” comes from the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” describing the noise that led the narrator to spring from his bed to see what the matter was.
What two figures is the modern Santa Claus a mix of?
Answer: Saint Nicholas and Father Christmas.
Fun Fact: The modern Santa Claus is a blend of various figures, including St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop known for his generosity, and Father Christmas, a figure from English folklore who represents the spirit of good cheer at Christmas.
Funny Christmas Trivia
If you’re after a laugh this Christmas, these 17 hilarious and fun trivia questions will go down a treat.
What evidence is found on Grandma’s back in the song “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”?
Answer: Hoof prints.
Fun Fact: “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” was originally recorded in 1979. It has since become a humorous staple in Christmas music, often played for laughs due to its quirky lyrics.
What Hollywood actor played six roles in “The Polar Express”?
Answer: Tom Hanks.
Fun Fact: Tom Hanks not only played six characters in “The Polar Express,” but the film also utilized groundbreaking motion capture technology, making Hanks the first actor to have his performance captured and animated in this way for a feature film.
How do you say “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian?
Answer: Mele Kalikimaka.
Fun Fact: “Mele Kalikimaka” is Hawaii’s way of saying “Merry Christmas,” a phrase made famous in the 1949 song by Bing Crosby. The phrase is borrowed directly from English, as Hawaiians do not have the “r” or “s” sounds.
What song was broadcast from space in 1965?
Answer: “Jingle Bells.”
Fun Fact: “Jingle Bells” was the first song broadcast from space when Gemini 6 astronauts Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra played it on a harmonica accompanied by sleigh bells as a Christmas prank in 1965.
How does Santa enter a home on Christmas?
Answer: Through the chimney.
Fun Fact: The tradition of Santa Claus entering homes through the chimney is believed to have been inspired by the Norse legend of the god Odin, who would enter through chimneys during the Yule season.
What plant do people kiss underneath at Christmas time?
Answer: Mistletoe.
Fun Fact: Mistletoe has been used in celebrations dating back to ancient times. The Druids considered it a symbol of fertility and vitality due to its ability to bloom even in the cold winter.
What Christmas decoration is known as the “kiss of death” in Spain?
Answer: Mistletoe.
Fun Fact: In Spanish culture, mistletoe is sometimes called the “kiss of death” because it’s a parasitic plant that lives off the tree it attaches to, symbolizing life and death.
What does Frosty the Snowman do when the magic hat is placed on his head?
Answer: He dances around.
Fun Fact: “Frosty the Snowman” was first recorded in 1950 by Gene Autry, following the success of his recording of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” the previous year.
What bear toy did every child want for Christmas in the mid-80s, who plays a cassette?
Answer: Teddy Ruxpin.
Fun Fact: Teddy Ruxpin, the storytelling bear, was the best-selling toy in 1985 and 1986. It was the first toy that combined animatronic technology with audio playback capabilities, bringing stories to life for children.
What Christmas activity sends over 14,000 Americans to A&E every year?
Answer: Christmas decorating.
Fun Fact: Common Christmas decorating injuries include falls from ladders, cuts from broken ornaments, and electrical shocks from malfunctioning lights. Always be cautious and follow safety guidelines while decorating!
What does Mistletoe translate to in Anglo-Saxon?
Answer: Dung on a stick.
Fun Fact: “Mistletoe” derives from the Anglo-Saxon words “mistel” (dung) and “tan” (twig), as the plant was often found growing where birds had left droppings on tree branches.
What do naughty kids get on Christmas?
Answer: Lumps of coal.
Fun Fact: The tradition of giving coal to naughty children dates back to Italy, where La Befana, a friendly witch, would fill stockings with coal for children who misbehaved.
What is The Christmas Pickle?
Answer: The tradition of hiding a pickle ornament on the tree.
Fun Fact: The Christmas Pickle tradition is thought to have originated in Germany, but it’s more popular in the United States. The child who finds the hidden pickle on the Christmas tree usually receives a special treat or extra present.
What type of Christmas tree does Charlie Brown choose?
Answer: A scrawny, small tree.
Fun Fact: “A Charlie Brown Christmas” first aired in 1965 and has since become a beloved holiday classic, known for its message about the true spirit of Christmas being more than commercialism.
What is Frosty the Snowman’s nose made from?
Answer: A button.
Fun Fact: Frosty’s button nose contrasts the typical carrot nose often used for snowmen, symbolizing the makeshift and imaginative nature of children’s snow sculptures.
What holiday treat represents a shepherd’s staff?
Answer: Candy canes.
Fun Fact: Some stories suggest candy canes were created to keep children quiet during Christmas mass in the 1600s. Their shape was meant to resemble a shepherd’s staff, as a reminder of the shepherds who visited baby Jesus.
What movie does Donald Trump make a cameo appearance in?
Answer: Home Alone 2.
Fun Fact: Donald Trump’s cameo in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” resulted from the film using The Plaza Hotel for scenes, which Trump owned at the time. He reportedly required a cameo as part of the deal to film there.
Christmas Movie Trivia
Christmas movies are often the centerpiece of the holiday season. There’s nothing like sitting around the fire, sipping hot cocoa, and watching an old favorite. How well do you know your Christmas movies? Test your knowledge with these 17 jeopardy questions. No multiple choice here — you’ve got to know your stuff!
What is the main character’s name in “The Polar Express”?
Answer: He doesn’t have one; he’s just referred to as “boy.”
Fun Fact: “The Polar Express” is one of the few major Christmas films in which the main character is unnamed throughout the movie. This was done to make his character more universal and relatable to children.
What is the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time?
Answer: “The Grinch” (2018).
Fun Fact: “The Grinch” (2018), directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier, is a computer-animated version of Dr. Seuss’s classic story and beat “Home Alone” to become the highest-grossing holiday movie.
What is Buddy the Elf’s main food groups?
Answer: Candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup.
Fun Fact: Buddy the Elf’s unique diet in the film “Elf” reflects his innocent and whimsical nature, contrasting the typical human diet and highlighting the comedic clash of his elf and human worlds.
What are the names of the burglars in “Home Alone”?
Answer: Harry and Marv (The Wet Bandits).
Fun Fact: Harry and Marv, famously known as The Wet Bandits in “Home Alone,” were played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, who improvised many of their characters’ slapstick reactions during filming.
What book does the angel have when he helps George in “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
Answer: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Fun Fact: In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Clarence, the angel, gives George Bailey a copy of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” as a present, symbolizing adventure and the importance of friendship and family.
In “Jingle All the Way,” what is the name of the popular action figure?
Answer: Turbo Man.
Fun Fact: “Jingle All the Way,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a satire of the commercialization of Christmas and was inspired by the real-life frenzy over popular toys like Cabbage Patch Kids and Power Rangers in the 1980s and 1990s.
What does the boy receive from Santa at the end of “The Polar Express”?
Answer: A bell.
Fun Fact: The bell in “The Polar Express” symbolizes the spirit of Christmas. According to the story, only those who truly believe in the magic of Christmas can hear the bell’s ring.
Which network first aired “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in 1964?
Answer: NBC.
Fun Fact: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was the first Christmas special by Rankin/Bass. It used the groundbreaking Japanese Animagic stop motion technique.
Who does Martha May have eyes for in the 2000 Christmas movie?
Answer: The Grinch.
Fun Fact: In the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Martha May Whovier, played by Christine Baranski, represents the Grinch’s unrequited love interest, a subplot not present in the original Dr. Seuss book.
What 1983 Christmas movie tells the story of a boy who wants a Red Ryder BB gun?
Answer: “A Christmas Story”.
Fun Fact: “A Christmas Story” is based on the semi-autobiographical short stories of author Jean Shepherd, who also serves as the film’s narrator. The movie has since become a holiday classic, often running for 24 hours straight on Christmas Day.
Who directed “Home Alone”?
Answer: Chris Columbus.
Fun Fact: Chris Columbus was hired to direct “Home Alone” after he left the production of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” due to creative differences with Chevy Chase.
What’s the head elf’s name in “The Santa Clause”?
Answer: Bernard.
Fun Fact: Bernard the Elf, portrayed by David Krumholtz in “The Santa Clause,” is one of the few characters who appears in both the first and second films of the series. His character is known for his seriousness and dedication to the rules of the North Pole.
What’s Eddie’s dog called in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”?
Answer: Snots.
Fun Fact: The character of Cousin Eddie’s dog, Snots, adds to the comical chaos of the Griswold family’s holiday experience, reflecting the film’s theme of unpredictable and humorous family dynamics.
What is the ghost dog called who accompanies Jack in “The Nightmare Before Christmas”?
Answer: Zero.
Fun Fact: Zero, the ghost dog, has a glowing pumpkin nose, which pays homage to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The movie is celebrated for its innovative blend of Halloween and Christmas themes.
Who plays the two lead roles in “Christmas With the Kranks”?
Answer: Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen.
Fun Fact: “Christmas with the Kranks” is based on John Grisham’s 2001 novel “Skipping Christmas.” The film explores the comedic consequences of a couple trying to forgo traditional Christmas festivities.
Which character quotes the Bible in “A Charlie Brown Christmas”?
Answer: Linus.
Fun Fact: In “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Linus recites a passage from the Gospel of Luke, which was a significant inclusion at the time, emphasizing the religious aspect of Christmas in a mainstream animated film.
In “The Santa Clause 2,” what does Scott have to do in order to stay Santa?
Answer: Get married.
Fun Fact: “The Santa Clause 2” introduces the “Mrs. Clause” — a stipulation requiring Santa to find a wife to continue being Santa Claus. This plot adds a romantic element to the typical Christmas comedy.
Christmas History and Traditions Trivia
Start a Christmas tradition by sharing some Christmas traditions and history trivia with the family. We’ve compiled 17 interesting questions — you’re sure to learn some new and interesting facts.
What traditional Christmas plant is known for its red and green leaves?
Answer: Poinsettia.
Fun Fact: Poinsettias are native to Mexico and were brought to the United States in the 1820s by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, after whom they are named.
What traditional Christmas dessert is made with fruits, nuts, and spices?
Answer: Fruitcake.
Fun Fact: Fruitcake has been a traditional Christmas dessert for centuries, with recipes dating back to ancient Rome. Its long-lasting nature made it ideal for sending to soldiers and loved ones during the holidays.
What was Rudolph’s name originally going to be?
Answer: Rollo or Reginald.
Fun Fact: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward department stores. May considered naming the reindeer “Rollo” or “Reginald” before settling on “Rudolph.”
Who invented the Christmas wreath?
Answer: The Lutherans in Germany.
Fun Fact: Christmas wreaths originated in the ancient pagan festivals of the winter solstice, symbolizing strength and perseverance through the winter. The modern version was popularized by the Lutherans as a Christian symbol for Christ’s suffering.
Which world leader resigned on Christmas day in 1991?
Answer: Mikhail Gorbachev, president of the Soviet Union.
Fun Fact: Mikhail Gorbachev’s resignation on Christmas Day marked the end of the Soviet Union, leading to the independence of Russia and 14 other former Soviet republics.
What reindeer is named after the German word for ‘thunder’?
Answer: Donner.
Fun Fact: Donner and Blitzen, the names of two of Santa’s reindeer, come from the German words for “thunder” and “lightning,” respectively. They were initially named Dunder and Blixem in the 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”
What European tradition inspired the hanging of stockings?
Answer: The Dutch tradition of leaving shoes full of food for St. Nicholas’ donkey.
Fun Fact: The tradition of hanging stockings originates from the Dutch, who would leave shoes filled with food for St. Nicholas’s donkeys. In return, he would leave small gifts, a precursor to Christmas stockings.
What is the traditional main course for Christmas dinner in Japan?
Answer: Fried chicken.
Fun Fact: The tradition of eating fried chicken for Christmas in Japan began in the 1970s as a successful marketing campaign by KFC, turning it into a national phenomenon.
Before the 2018 version of “The Grinch” came along, what was the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time?
Answer: Home Alone.
Fun Fact: “Home Alone” held the record for the highest-grossing Christmas movie for nearly 30 years. Its innovative blend of humor and heartwarming moments made it an instant classic upon release.
How many mince pies are eaten in the U.K. every year?
Answer: About 800 million.
Fun Fact: Mince pies, traditionally filled with a mixture of fruits and spices, have been a part of British Christmas celebrations since the 13th century, originally containing meat such as lamb.
Who wrote the song “Auld Lang Syne”?
Answer: Robert Burns.
Fun Fact: Robert Burns sent the poem “Auld Lang Syne” to the Scots Musical Museum in 1788, but it was only after his death that the song became synonymous with New Year’s Eve and other celebrations.
Which world leader tried to ban Christmas?
Answer: Oliver Cromwell, an English statesman.
Fun Fact: Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England, banned Christmas in the 1650s as part of a wider campaign against feasting and revelry. This ban was lifted in 1660 when Charles II restored the monarchy.
Which century did the tradition of sending Christmas cards begin?
Answer: 19th-century (1840s).
Fun Fact: The first commercial Christmas cards were commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in London in 1843, featuring an illustration by John Callcott Horsley. The idea was to make it easier for people to send holiday greetings.
What was the original name for the “Elf on the Shelf”?
Answer: Fisbee.
Fun Fact: The “Elf on the Shelf” tradition began as a family story in the home of Carol Aebersold, who later, with her daughter, turned the tradition into a book and elf set, initially named “Fisbee.”
Who invented the Christmas crackers?
Answer: A baker named Tom Smith.
Fun Fact: Tom Smith invented Christmas crackers in the late 1840s. Inspired by French bonbon sweets, he added the “snap” and a range of gifts to create the crackers we know today.
What is the main ingredient in a traditional figgy pudding?
Answer: Figs.
Fun Fact: Figgy pudding, also known as Christmas pudding, is a traditional British dessert that dates back to the 16th-century. It was initially a way to preserve food and was made with a mixture of fruits, meats, and spices.
What brand started using Santa in their Christmas ads in 1931?
Answer: Coca-Cola.
Fun Fact: The modern image of Santa Claus was popularized by Coca-Cola’s advertising campaign in the 1930s, where Santa was depicted as a jolly, rotund, and friendly figure in a red suit.
FAQs
How Do You Hold a Fun Christmas Quiz?
Below are some tips for hosting a fun Christmas quiz:
Theme it: Choose a few different categories, one for each round. You can use our themes from above, including hard questions, easy ones, movie trivia, and more!
Mix the difficulty: Choose a range of difficulty levels. Include questions that young kids and grandparents can answer. Pick some funny ones and ask some more unusual questions. This way, everyone will feel involved.
Food and drink: Ensure the participants are fed and watered! Christmas-themed food, like Christmas pudding and eggnog, will always go down a treat at this time of year.
Teams: Split people into teams so they can work together on the questions. Make sure there’s a diverse range of people in each team, including people of different ages and from different backgrounds.
Double-check the facts: Make sure the Christmas quiz is up to date, and you’ve double-checked all the answers.
What Is the Highest-grossing Christmas Movie of All Time?
“The Grinch” (2018) holds the number one spot, bringing in over $526 million. “Home Alone” held the spot for almost 30 years with $477 million. “Home Alone 2”, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, and “A Christmas Carol” follow after.
Why Does Santa Wear Red?
Santa is inspired by a 4th-century Greek Bishop, Saint Nicholas, who wore red robes when sharing presents with poor children. The English figure, Father Christmas, also ended up wearing red robes. It’s now the primary color associated with Santa.
Why Is Christmas Called Xmas?
Xmas is a shorter way to refer to Christmas. In the Greek alphabet, “X” means “chi” and is the first letter in the word Χριστός (Chrīstos)which translates to Christ. “X,” therefore, refers to Christ.
The latter half of the word “Christmas” comes from the old word for “mass,” which is a church service. Therefore, Christmas can be abbreviated to Xmax (Christ-mass).
What Was the First Christmas Song?
There’s no way to know for certain, but most sources say the first Christmas song is “Jesus Refulsit Omnium” (Jesus, Light of All the Nations). It was written in the 4th century by St. Hilary of Poitiers.
Beth McCallum is a Scottish freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism and English literature. She is a mum to a young boy, and believes that it truly takes a village. When she’s not parenting, writing about parenting, or working, she can be found reading, working on her novel, taking photos, playing board games or wandering through the countryside with her family.