Q1 : What is the English word for the holiday celebrated on December 25th?
December 25th is celebrated as Christmas in English-speaking countries, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and also serving as a major secular holiday. The other holidays are celebrated on different dates and have different themes and origins.
Q2 : In 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', what is given on the first day?
The song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' lists a series of increasingly grand gifts given on each of the twelve days. The first day's gift is 'A Partridge in a Pear Tree,' which is the basis of the song's cumulative structure.
Q3 : Who is the legendary figure who delivers gifts to children on Christmas Eve in English-speaking cultures?
Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, is the traditional figure who visits homes on Christmas Eve, bringing gifts to children. He is based on traditions of Saint Nicholas, a Christian saint known for his generosity. Jack Frost, The Grinch, and Father Time are different folkloric or fictional characters.
Q4 : What is the traditional name for the holiday celebrated on December 26th in the UK and other Commonwealth countries?
Boxing Day is the holiday celebrated on December 26th, mainly in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries. It originates from giving boxes of gifts to service workers and the needy. Thanksgiving and Epiphany occur on different dates, and Christmas Eve is December 24th.
Q5 : Which sweet treat is often shaped like a cane and associated with Christmas?
The candy cane is a red-and-white striped candy shaped like a walking cane, symbolizing shepherds' staffs and commonly associated with Christmas. Gingerbread men, fruitcake, and mince pies are also traditional but are not cane-shaped.
Q6 : What is the name of the popular Christmas song that begins with 'Jingle all the way'?
'Jingle Bells' is an extremely popular and internationally recognized Christmas song. The line 'Jingle all the way' is from its chorus. The other songs have different lyrics and themes and are also famous, but 'Jingle Bells' is the correct answer to this lyric.
Q7 : What is the English phrase for December 24th, the day before Christmas?
December 24th is known as Christmas Eve in English-speaking countries. It marks the night before Christmas Day and is often celebrated with meals, family gatherings, or children waiting for Santa. Boxing Day is December 26th; New Year's Eve is December 31st.
Q8 : What do people commonly hang by the fireplace for Santa to fill with gifts?
Christmas stockings are traditionally hung by the fireplace so that Santa Claus can fill them with gifts and treats. The tradition is based on stories of St. Nicholas. Bags, shoes, and hats are sometimes used in different cultures, but stockings are the standard in most English-speaking countries.
Q9 : In English, what is the name of the red plant often used as a Christmas decoration?
The poinsettia is a red and green plant that blooms in winter and is commonly used for Christmas decorations, especially in the United States and other English-speaking countries. Its association with Christmas comes from Mexican legend and its seasonal availability. The other flowers listed are not typically related to Christmas.
Q10 : Which word best describes the tree commonly decorated at Christmas?
The Christmas tree is traditionally an evergreen conifer, most commonly a pine, fir, or spruce tree. These trees are associated with Christmas festivities due to their ability to stay green in winter, symbolizing everlasting life. Maple, oak, and birch are deciduous trees and are not typical choices for Christmas decorations.
