Top 10 Christmas Quiz Questions Answered
- Imagining History
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
Dreading this year's Christmas quiz? Are you sick of the thought of Uncle Know-It-All gloating about yet another quiz win over Christmas dinner again? Of course he got a full score, he was the one who organised the quiz! The cheeky sneak!
Or perhaps you're a kid who's filled with apprehension at the idea of Mrs Loves-Christmas-Too-Much handing out Christmas quiz papers on the final day of school before Christmas break. It's a "fun festive activity" she claims. But you can see her quietly judging you when you hand your quiz paper back with a score of zero out of ten.
Or maybe you're a grown up and you're filled with a sense of foreboding when you remember how What's-This-Guy's-Name-Again? from accounting loves to embarrass everyone with an on-the-spot festive pop quiz at the work Christmas do.
Well fear not quiz-fearing readers. We're here to put your festive frights to rest. The simplest way to ace the dreaded Christmas quiz this year? Nerd up on all of the answers beforehand, of course:
Top 10 Christmas Quiz Questions Answered
Which country started the tradition of putting up the Christmas tree?
Germany
The modern version of a Christmas tree was very popular in Germany in the 16th century. Although the tradition of bringing fir trees into the home in winter began much earlier in ancient history. And if you get asked who introduced the tradition of Christmas trees to Britain? That was the German-born husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert.
What are the names of Santa's eight original reindeer?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen
The names of Santa's eight pre-Rudolph-era reindeer were introduced in the poem 'Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore. If you want to surprise your quiz-master with extra facts, inform them that Donner and Blitzen should actually be called "Dunder and Blixem" which means Thunder and Lightning. This was how they were named in the first printing of the poem.
When were Christmas crackers first invented?
1847
Christmas crackers were invented by a sweet maker called Tom Smith in 1847 who wrapped up his produce and added a "bang" as an exciting gift at Christmas. Find out more here.
Which English King banned Christmas?
King Charles I
Led by Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans, King Charles I banned Christmas in 1647. There were no Christmas church services and no public celebrations. You couldn't even hold festivities in your own home without getting fined for it. The ban continued until 1660.
When was the first Christmas card sent?
1843
Christmas cards were invented and became popular during the Victorian era. It was started by Sir Henry Cole who asked John Callcott Horsley to design a festive-themed card for him to send out because he was too busy to write Christmas letters. Find out more here.
What truce took place on Christmas Day 1914 during the First World War?
The Christmas Truce
On Christmas day 1914, an unofficial ceasefire spread across the World War 1 trenches on the Western Front when soldiers from opposing sides met in No Man's Land, exchanging gifts and playing a game of football. Find out more here.
Which monarch delivered the first ever Christmas speech?
King George V
The now iconic Royal Christmas Broadcast was kicked off by King George V when the BBC broadcast his speech, written by Rudyard Kipling, over the radio on December 25, 1932.
How many ghosts appear in Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol?
Four
There are four main ghosts in the story: Jacob Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come. If you want some bonus facts to impress your quiz-master with, you could inform them that Dickens originally titled the book "A Christmas Carol. In prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas", it took him just 6 weeks to write it and the first edition sold out in just 6 days! Find more impressive facts here.
What year did Santa Clause first appear in the Coca-Cola Christmas advert?
1931
Haddon Sundblom designed an illustration of Santa Clause based on Clement C. Moore's poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Coca-Cola wanted to boost their winter sales and change their image as a summer-only drink.
What is the best selling Christmas song of all time?
"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby
According to the Guinness World Records, Bing Crosby's festive ditty from 1942 isn't just the biggest selling Christmas song, it's also the biggest selling single of all time with over 50 million copies sold worldwide!
Now you're a whizz at Christmas quizzes, why not test your knowledge with our themed Christmas activities: