The Ultimate Christmas True or False Quiz

1. Donner and Blitzen's names, when translated from German to English, mean "lightning" and "thunder."

True

False

Incidentally, when "Twas the Night Before Christmas" was first written, their names were Dunder and Blixem.

Explanation

Incidentally, when "Twas the Night Before Christmas" was first written, their names were Dunder and Blixem.

2. The tradition of hanging stockings comes from a Dutch legend about Saint Nicholas.

True

False

True. The tradition of hanging stockings is believed to have originated from a Dutch legend about Saint Nicholas. According to the legend, Saint Nicholas once helped three impoverished sisters by throwing gold coins down their chimney. The coins landed in the stockings that the sisters had hung by the fireplace to dry. This story led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas.

Explanation

True. The tradition of hanging stockings is believed to have originated from a Dutch legend about Saint Nicholas. According to the legend, Saint Nicholas once helped three impoverished sisters by throwing gold coins down their chimney. The coins landed in the stockings that the sisters had hung by the fireplace to dry. This story led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas.

3. Candy canes were invented in Germany.

True

False

Candy canes were indeed invented in Germany. The exact origin of candy canes is uncertain, but it is believed that they were first created in the late 17th century by a German choirmaster. He wanted to keep children quiet during long church services, so he asked a local candy maker to create sugar sticks that could be given to children. These sticks were bent into the shape of a shepherd's crook to represent the biblical story of the shepherds visiting baby Jesus. Over time, the candy sticks evolved into the candy canes we know today.

Explanation

Candy canes were indeed invented in Germany. The exact origin of candy canes is uncertain, but it is believed that they were first created in the late 17th century by a German choirmaster. He wanted to keep children quiet during long church services, so he asked a local candy maker to create sugar sticks that could be given to children. These sticks were bent into the shape of a shepherd's crook to represent the biblical story of the shepherds visiting baby Jesus. Over time, the candy sticks evolved into the candy canes we know today.

4. In 1947, the FBI issued a memo decrying, It's a Wonderful Life as communist propaganda.

True

False

True. In 1947, the FBI did issue a memo expressing concerns about "It's a Wonderful Life" being considered communist propaganda. The memo suggested that the film's portrayal of bankers and capitalists was too negative and that it could potentially subvert the American way of life. However, these concerns did not lead to any official action against the film, and "It's a Wonderful Life" has since become a beloved classic.

Explanation

True. In 1947, the FBI did issue a memo expressing concerns about "It's a Wonderful Life" being considered communist propaganda. The memo suggested that the film's portrayal of bankers and capitalists was too negative and that it could potentially subvert the American way of life. However, these concerns did not lead to any official action against the film, and "It's a Wonderful Life" has since become a beloved classic.

5. Oliver Cromwell outlawed Christmas in England in 1647, banning Christmas trees, carols, and nativity scenes.

True

False

Cromwell, a Puritan, thought Christmas trees were a pagan tradition and that Nativity scenes inspired the worship of idols. In fact, he thought the word Christmas was taking the Lord's name in vain.

Explanation

Cromwell, a Puritan, thought Christmas trees were a pagan tradition and that Nativity scenes inspired the worship of idols. In fact, he thought the word Christmas was taking the Lord's name in vain.

6. The song "White Christmas" was written by Irving Berlin.

True

False

True. The song “White Christmas” was indeed written by Irving Berlin. It is one of the most popular Christmas songs, especially in the United States, where it has been covered by numerous artists.

Explanation

True. The song “White Christmas” was indeed written by Irving Berlin. It is one of the most popular Christmas songs, especially in the United States, where it has been covered by numerous artists.

7. The National Christmas Tree in DC was not lit from 1942 to 1945 due to security concerns.

True

False

In an unprecedented event, the National Community Christmas Tree remained unlit in 1942, as a measure to conserve power and adhere to security restrictions on outdoor lighting during wartime. It was not illuminated again until the conclusion of the war in 1945 due to security considerations.

Explanation

In an unprecedented event, the National Community Christmas Tree remained unlit in 1942, as a measure to conserve power and adhere to security restrictions on outdoor lighting during wartime. It was not illuminated again until the conclusion of the war in 1945 due to security considerations.

8. Christmas was always celebrated on December 25th.

True

False

The statement is false because Christmas was not always celebrated on December 25th. The exact date of Jesus' birth is unknown, and December 25th was chosen by the early Christian church to coincide with pagan winter solstice celebrations. In some cultures and traditions, Christmas is celebrated on different dates, such as January 7th in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

Explanation

The statement is false because Christmas was not always celebrated on December 25th. The exact date of Jesus' birth is unknown, and December 25th was chosen by the early Christian church to coincide with pagan winter solstice celebrations. In some cultures and traditions, Christmas is celebrated on different dates, such as January 7th in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

9. There are no plums in plum pudding.

True

False

Dates and raisins, which are found in plum pudding, used to be referred to as plums.

Explanation

Dates and raisins, which are found in plum pudding, used to be referred to as plums.

10. Scott Schwartz, who starred as Flick in A Christmas Story, later appeared in the movies New Wave Hookers 5 and Cafe Flesh 2.

True

False

He spent several years in the porn business. He now writes for a sports card magazine.

Explanation

He spent several years in the porn business. He now writes for a sports card magazine.

11. The 12th day of Christmas is January 1st.

True

False

It's January 6th.

Explanation

It's January 6th.

12. Jingle Bells was originally written to be sung on Thanksgiving.

True

False

Jingle Bells was originally written to be sung on Thanksgiving. This means that the song was initially intended to be performed during the Thanksgiving holiday. The explanation suggests that the statement is true, indicating that the song was indeed written with the intention of being sung on Thanksgiving.

Explanation

Jingle Bells was originally written to be sung on Thanksgiving. This means that the song was initially intended to be performed during the Thanksgiving holiday. The explanation suggests that the statement is true, indicating that the song was indeed written with the intention of being sung on Thanksgiving.

13. Nacimientos is the Spanish word for Christmas Eve.

True

False

Noche Buena means Christmas Eve. Nacimientos means "nativity scene."

Explanation

Noche Buena means Christmas Eve. Nacimientos means "nativity scene."

14. A Christmas Carol was the first bestseller that Dickens ever wrote and is the novel that gave him his first taste of fame.

True

False

The Pickwick Papers, written six years earlier, made Dickens rich and famous at age 25.

Explanation

The Pickwick Papers, written six years earlier, made Dickens rich and famous at age 25.

15. Boris Karloff sang, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch."

True

False

Thurl Ravenscroft, best known for doing the voice of Tony the Tiger, sang the song, while Karloff was the Grinch's narrator.

Explanation

Thurl Ravenscroft, best known for doing the voice of Tony the Tiger, sang the song, while Karloff was the Grinch's narrator.

The Ultimate Christmas True Or False Quiz