Christmas Tree Traditions - Christmas Trees and More - University of Illinois Extension University of Illinois Extension You may also like: Christmas Tree Traditions The decorated Christmas tree can be traced back to the ancient Romans who during their winter festival decorated trees with small pieces of metal during Saturnalia, a winter festival in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture. An evergreen, the Paradise tree, was decorated with apples as a symbol of the feast of Adam and Eve held on December 24th during the middle ages. Christmas trees were sold in Alsace in 1531. Alsace was at that time a part of Germany. Today it is part of France. The trees were sold at local markets and set up in homes undecorated. In the Ammerschweier in Alsace there was an ordinance that stated no person "shall have for Christmas more than one bush of more than eight shoe lengths." Sixteenth century folklore credited Martin Luther as being the first to decorate an indoor tree. After a walk through a forest of evergreens with shining stars overhead, Luther tried to describe the experience to his family and showed them by bringing a tree into their home and decorating it with candles.

Some historians state that the first evidence of a lighted tree appeared more than a century after Martin Luther's death in 1546. The oldest record of a decorated Christmas tree came from a 1605 diary found in Strasburg, France (Germany in 1605). The tree was decorated with paper roses, apples and candies. In Austria & Germany during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the tops of evergreens were cut and hung upside down in a living room corner. They were decorated with apples, nuts and strips of red paper. The first record of Christmas trees in America was for children in the German Moravian Church's settlement in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Christmas 1747. Actual trees were not decorated, but wooden pyramids covered with evergreen branches were decorated with candles. The custom of the Christmas tree was introduced in the United States during the War of Independence by Hessian troops. An early account tells of a Christmas tree set up by American soldiers at Fort Dearborn, Illinois, the site of Chicago, in 1804. Most other early accounts in the United States were among the German settlers in eastern Pennsylvania.

In 1834, Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, was credited with bringing the first Christmas tree to Windsor Castle for the Royal Family. Some historians state that in actuality Queen Charlotte, Victoria's grandmother, recalled that a Christmas tree was in the Queen's lodge at Windsor on Christmas Day in 1800. Charles Minnegrode introduced the custom of decorating trees in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1842. By 1850, the Christmas tree had become fashionable in the eastern states. Until this time, it had been considered a quaint foreign custom. Mark Carr brought trees from the Catskills to the streets of New York in 1851, and opened the first retail Christmas tree lot in the United States. Franklin Pierce was the first president to introduce the Christmas tree to the White House in 1856 for a group of Washington Sunday School children. The first national Christmas Tree was lighted in the year 1923 on the White House lawn by President Calvin Coolidge.

The White House Christmas Trees The White House Christmas Trees The Christmas Tree has been a tradition in the White House since 1835 when Andrew Jacksonï¿½s French chef make him a sugar-frosted pine tree, surrounded with toy animals made out of flavored ices. Jackson, it is reported, loved Christmas and made a great feast of it. President Franklin Pierce, our 14th President erected a Christmas tree to the White House in 1856 for a group of Washington Sunday School children, while caroler's sang "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing." In 1895, President Grover Cleveland became the first President to use electric lights on a White Christmas Tree. There was almost a break in the tradition during the tenure of President Theodore Roosevelt. The story is that in 1902 the president, an ardent conservationist, forbad his children to have a Christmas tree on the grounds that it would undermine his conservation program [1] ; often, the children in question are identified as Archie and Quentin. [2] Roosevelt is reported to have said "It's not good to cut down trees for mere decoration.

We must set a good example for the people of America." However when the matter was broached with Gifford Pinchot, a cabinet member and founder of the Yale School of Forestry, the President relented. Pinchot assured the President that thinning the forest by cutting down Christmas trees actually helped the forest thrive. It is reported that after this episode, the Roosevelts had a small tree each year. Roosevelt, in a letter to Master James A. Garfield, dated December 26, 1902, wrote: Yesterday morning at a quarter of seven all the children were up and dressed and began to hammer at the door of their mother's and my room, in which their six stockings, all bulging out with queer angles and rotundities, were hanging from the fireplace. So their mother and I got up, shut the window, lit the fire, taking down the stockings, of course, put on our wrappers and prepared to admit the children.

But first there was a surprise for me, also for their good mother, for Archie had a little Christmas tree of his own which he had rigged up with the help of one of the carpenters in a big closet; and we all had to look at the tree and each of us got a present off of it. [Emphasis added.] There was also one present each for Jack the dog, Tom Quartz the kitten, and Algonquin the pony, whom Archie would no more think of neglecting than I would neglect his brothers and sisters. Then all the children came into our bed and there they opened their stockings. Afterwards we got dressed and took breakfast, and then all went into the library, where each child had a table set for his bigger presents. Quentin had a perfectly delightful electric railroad, which had been rigged up for him by one of his friends, the White House electrician, who has been very good to all the children. [3] In a letter to his sister, Mrs. Douglas Robinson, Dec.

26, 1903, President Roosevelt wrote: We had a delightful Christmas yesterdayï¿½just such a Christmas thirty or forty years ago we used to have under Father's and Mother's supervision in 20th street and 57th street. At seven all the children came in to open the big, bulgy stockings in our bed; Kermit's terrier, Allan, a most friendly little dog, adding to the children's delight by occupying the middle of the bed. From Alice to Quentin, each child was absorbed in his or her stocking, and Edith certainly managed to get the most wonderful stocking toys. Bob was in looking on, and Aunt Emily, of course. Then, after breakfast, we all formed up and went into the library, where bigger toys were on separate tables for the children. I wonder whether there ever can come in life a thrill of greater exaltation and rapture than that which comes to one between the ages of say six and fourteen, when the library door is thrown open and you walk in to see all the gifts, like a materialized fairy land, arrayed on your special table?

[4] Roosevelt wasnï¿½t against Christmas, however, in two works published in 1913, he wrote about Christmas customs observed by the Roosevelt family. In ["The Yale Book of American Verseï¿½s"] the anthology of hymns, for instance, besides all the great hymns, from Bernard of Morlais to Cowper and Wesley and Bishop Heber, I would like to put in some hymns as to which I know nothing except that I like them. Every Christmas Eve in our own church at Oyster Bay, for instance, the children sing a hymn beginning "Its Christmas Eve on the River, its Christmas Eve on the Bay." Of course the hymn has come to us from somewhere else, but I do not know from where; and the average native of our village firmly believes that it is indigenous to our own soilï¿½which it can not be, unless it deals in hyperbole, for the nearest approach to a river in our neighborhood is the village pond. [5] In his Autobiography, he elaborated. My children, when young, went to the public school near us, the little Cove School, as it is called.

For nearly thirty years we have given the Christmas tree to the school. Before the gifts are distributed I am expected to make an address, which is always mercifully short, my own children having impressed upon me with frank sincerity the attitude of other children to addresses of this kind on such occasions. There are of course performances by the children themselves, while all of us parents look admiringly on, each sympathizing with his or her particular offspring in the somewhat wooden recital of "Darius Green and his Flying Machine" or "The Mountain and the Squirrel had a Quarrel." But the tree and the gifts make up for all shortcomings. We had a sleigh for winter; but if, when there was much snow, the whole family desired to go somewhere, we would put the body of the farm wagon on runners and all bundle in together. We always liked snow at Christmas time, and the sleigh-ride down to the church on Christmas eve.

One of the hymns always sung at this Christmas eve festival begins, "It's Christmas eve on the river, it's Christmas eve on the bay." All good natives of the village firmly believe that this hymn was written here, and with direct reference to Oyster Bay; although if such were the case the word "river" would have to be taken in a hyperbolic sense, as the nearest approach to a river is the village pond. I used to share this belief myself, until my faith was shaken by a Denver lady who wrote that she had sung that hymn when a child in Michigan, and that at the present time her little Denver babies also loved it, although in their case the river was not represented by even a village pond. [6] The song Roosevelt was referring to is called It Is Christmas Day . In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge established the National Community Christmas Tree and The Tree Lighting Ceremony Tradition on the White House lawn when he lit the first presidential tree illuminated by electric lights on the White House lawn. Since then, each year a tree is chosen from a different State, so each State has their turn for the honor of providing the National Tree.

Part of the decorations is 50 special ornaments, one for each State. When the President turns on the lights it signals to everyone the Christmas Season has started. The White House usually has two Christmas Trees Inside, one on the first floor and one upstairs in the First Family's living quarters. In some years, however, that number can grow considerably. Since 1966, members of the National Christmas Tree Association have presented a fresh Christmas Tree to the President and first family. This Tree is displayed each year in the Blue Room of the White House. Footnotes 1. During Theodore Rooseveltï¿½s tenure in the White House from 1901 to 1909, he designated 150 National Forests, the first 51 Federal Bird Reservations, 5 National Parks, the first 18 National Monuments, the first 4 National Game Preserves, and the first 21 Reclamation Projects. Altogether, in the seven-and-one-half years he was in office, he provided federal protection for almost 230 million acres, a land area equivalent to that of all the East coast states from Maine to Florida.

Source: "Theodore Roosevelt: A Brief Biography by Tweed Roosevelt" Return 2. Irena Chalmers, The Great American Christmas Almanac (New York: Viking, 1988). Quentin, Roosevelt's youngest son, was killed in July 1918 while flying on a mission behind enemy lines - only four months before the war ended. Two other sons, Archie and Ted, were wounded in the war. The death of Quentin was a severe blow for Roosevelt. Source: "Theodore Roosevelt: Family Man," Return 3. This episode became the basis of a childrenï¿½s novel, A Christmas Tree in the White House, by Gary Hines, Alexandra Wallner (Illustrator) (New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1998). Return 4. From Theodore Rooseveltï¿½s Letters to His Children. 1919. Return 5. Theodore Roosevelt (1858ï¿½1919). History as Literature, Chapter VI, Productive Scholarship, 1913. Return 6.

Theodore Roosevelt (1858ï¿½1919), An Autobiography, Chapter IX, Outdoors and Indoors, 1913. Return Sources: "Christmas Trees and More," Christmas Traditions , which contains considerable information about Christmas trees, greens, and other material.

Name the original 8 reindeer Comet, Cupid, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Donner, Blitzen From which country does the poinsettia plant originate Mexico What is the chemical formula of snow H2O US President Franklin Pierce introduced what to White House Christmas tradition in 1856 Christmas tree Brandy is made from distilling what Wine Pine needles are said to be a good source of which vitamin C What is the birth sign of people born on 25 December Capricorn Which poem written by Clement Moore was originally titled A Visit from Saint Nicholas The Night Before Christmas What was Queen's 1984 Christmas single called Thank God it's Christmas Who is the central businessman character in the film It's a Wonderful Life George Bailey (played by James Stewart) What Christmas item takes its name from the old French word estincelle, meaning spark Tinsel In which country is it a tradition to hide all brooms in the house on Christmas Eve Norway Which US President banned Christmas trees from the White House Theodore Roosevelt In the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, how many pipers are there Eleven Who are the three ghosts in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol Christmas Past, Christmas Present, Christmas Yet to Come

 Which river did George Washington cross on Christmas night in 1776 in the American Revolutionary War Delaware How many gifts are given in total in the song The Twelve Days of Christmas 364 What is Clark Griswald's middle initial W What is Uncle Eddie's dog's name Snot How many Italian twinkle lights does Clark use on the house 25,000 What kind of Christmas does Elvis Presley sing about Blue Which reindeer is Rudolph's Dad Donner What Christmas Ballet is the most famous of all Nutcracker What was Scrooge’s first name Ebenezer In the song “Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer” what did Grandma go to get Her medication What is the name of the little girl in most versions of The Nutcracker Clara What did the traffic cop holler to Frosty Stop What Saturday Evening Post artist was known for his whimsical pictures of Santa Claus Norman Rockwell Where did there arise such a clatter On the lawn What is Frosty’s nose made of A button In The Christmas Story, what was Ralphie's little brother's name Randy What did Ralphie's Mom give his Dad for Christmas Bowling Ball On the Island of Misfit Toys, why was the cowboy a misfit

 toy He rode an ostrich The Grinch is as cuddly as what Cactus CHRISTMAS JEOPARDY Jeopardy Template What is a Christmas tree?

US President Franklin Pierce introduced this Christmas tradition to the White House in 1856. 100 What is Max? It's the name of the dog that belonged to the Grinch in Dr. Seuss' book How the Grinch stole Christmas. It's also the greatest quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, etc. 100 At Christmas time, this is the plant under which it is customary to exchange kisses. 100 What is the Star of Bethlehem? It's the name of the star that led the magi to Jesus. 100 While Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, these are roasting on an open fire. 200 What are Alabama and Oklahoma? These two American states were the first and last to make Christmas an official holiday. The prior also introduced Mardi Gras to the western world, and the latter became a Rogers and Hammerstein famous musical. 200 What is Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Clause? In an edition of The (New York) Sun, this editorial appearing September 21, 1897 spurred a part of popular Christmas folklore for its famous response by Francis Pharcellus Church. 200 What is Eggnog?

It is debated whether this traditional Christmas beverage originated in East Anglia or simply developed from 'posset' a medieval European beverage made with hot milk. 200 What is Immanuel? In Isaiah, the prophet proclaims that the Lord himself will give the people a sign, 'the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him' this. 200 What are 10 Lords-a-Leaping? In the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" this is what is given on the tenth day. 300 It was the year that Electric Christmas tree lights were first used. 300 This man was Scrooge's dead business partner in A Christmas Carol. 300 What are poinsettias? This plant follows a 16th-Century Mexican legend wherein a girl was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. Inspired by an angel she gathered weeds from the roadside and placed them in front of the church altar. The weeds then sprouted into these. 300 Who is Caesar Augustus? By orders of this man that the people go back to the city of their forefathers, Mary and Joseph returned to Bethlehem.

300 What is Carol of the Bells? This song is based on a traditional folk chant in which the original Ukrainian text tells the tale of a swallow flying into a household to proclaim the plentiful and bountiful year that the family will have. It was also recording in a 1995 medley titled "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24" 400 What are Arizona and Florida? These two U.S. states actually have towns called Christmas. 400 What is A Visit From Saint Nicholas? It is the original title for the poem commonly known as 'Twas The Night Before Christmas. 400 What is Wassailing? The name of this Christmas tradition is a word derived from the Old Norse "ves heil", meaning "be in good health", and includes going to visit neighbors and receiving goodies. 400 Who is Gabriel? Though it does not say who this angel is specifically in Matthew 1:21, it is assumed to be this particular angel since he was the one mentioned as the messenger to Zacharias is Luke 1. 400 What is I Saw Three Ships?

Though we know that Mary and Joseph would never have traveled to Bethlehem in this manner, this Christmas song's most common version says "Our Savior Christ and His Lady" came by way of jib and genoa. 500 It is what is pictured on the first stamp printed for the Christmas season. 500 Who is Robert Louis Stevenson? In on particular "Strange Case" this author gave his birthday by formal deed to Anne Ide because she disliked her own birthday of December 25th. 500 What are shoes? Hanging stockings by the fireside has become a popular Christmas tradition, but before stockings, Dutch children actually hung these. 500 What is Isaiah? The oratorio "The Messiah" by George Handel includes many direct quotes concerning the birth of Christ from this book, purportedly having the most to say about the birth of Christ in the Old Testament. 500 What is Silent Night? The words of this Christmas song were written by a Priest called Fr. Joseph Mohr in Mariapfarr, Austria, in 1816. The music was added in 1818, by his school teacher friend Franz Xaver Gruber, for the Christmas service at St.

Nicholas church in Oberndorf, Austria. January 6, 1853: Franklin Pierce’s Son Killed in Train Accident » Aaron Tallent's Day in History January 6, 1853: Franklin Pierce’s Son Killed in Train Accident Categories: U.S. History January 6, 2013 On this day in 1853, a train carrying President-elect Franklin Pierce, his wife Jane and their son Benjamin derailed and toppled off an embankment near Andover, MA. Franklin and Jane suffered minor injuries, but 11-year-old Bennie was killed in the accident. The train had been carrying the New Hampshirite Pierces to Washington for the inauguration and the death of his last son would have him enter the White House on March 4 grief-stricken and nervously exhausted. Their first son, Franklin Pierce, Jr. died at birth and their second, Frank Robert Pierce, died when he was four years from epidemic typhus. Jane would write letters to her son throughout her time in the White House. The excerpt from this heart-breaking letter housed with President Pierce’s papers in the New Hampshire Historical Society is one of many that she wrote.

“oh had you but been within reach of your dear father – in a moment changed my dear boy bright form into a lifeless one insensible to your parents’ agony – But you spirit yourself, my dear one – was not your redeeming savior ready to receive you? Your sweet little brother? Your dear Uncle Lawrence? – but you are beyond my knowledge at once – Ah, I trust in joy, but I would fain have kept you here – I know not how to go on without you – you were my comfort dear – far more than you thought.” It’s impossible to imagine how President Pierce even coped with this tragedy or how it may have truly impacted his presidency, but two changes are apparent. First, he became the only U.S. president to choose to affirm the oath of office rather than swear. A 1985 New York Times letter to the editor by Thomas Vinciguerra states that President Pierce did this because he believed that the death of his son was punishment for his sins and did not use a Bible for the inauguration.

The second is that in 1856, President Pierce became the first president to have a decorated Christmas tree placed in the White House in an attempt to cheer up Jane who was still mourning the death of Bennie. The tradition has remained uninterrupted to this day. Across 3. American cartoonist Thomas Nast is credited with creating the traditional image of which popular Christmas character? 6. From which country does the poinsettia plant originate? 7. According to a study done in 2005, which Canadian Province spends the most in retail stores on Christmas? 9. In Japan, which fast food restaurant is hugely popular on Christmas Eve due to a successful marketing campaign? In fact it is so popular that the chain recommends customers make their orders 2 months in advance 12. It was once believed that any woman who went up this plant and were not kissed would not marry to coming year 13. Brandy is made from distilling what? 14. This Santa tracker started from an error in a newspaper ad 19. Statistics say avid Christmas shoppers are ______________ at least three times while shopping 22. How do you say “Merry Christmas” in Spanish? 25. Which continent is the turkey from?

28. What toy was a non-working prop in the hit movie “Home Alone”, but was brought into a retail version after a massive letter-writing campaign by young fans of the film? 29. What American state was the first to officially recognize Christmas? 30. What Christmas food is made from “marsh-whorts”? 31. This Company was the first to advertise with Santa Claus for their winter promotions 32. Which poem written by Clement Moore was originally titled "A Visit from Saint Nicholas"? 36. What Christmas item takes its name from the old French word estincelle, meaning sparkle? 37. Has a bowl full of jelly 40. The Federal Accountability Act of 2006 states that the ________ ________ of Canada cannot accept monetary presents, gift cards or perishable items such a Christmas cookies or cakes 41. Which ocean is Christmas Island in? 43. What was the song "Silver Bells" originally called? 45. The best-selling Christmas song ever 46. In Frosty the Snowman, what was the name of the magician with the "Magic Hat"? 50.

Since 1982 Santa's Post Office has employed mail room ________ from Canada, and he has received more than 20 million letters from children around the world. Canada Post volunteers donate over 200,000 hours of their time each year to help Santa respond to every letter that arrives 51. This word entered the English language in the late 1300's and originated from the Latin word "natalis", which means 'day of birth' 53. The creature with a heart that's two sizes too small dwells here 56. What festive drink is made from milk, cream, sugar and beaten eggs? 57. The tradition that bad children receive a lump of coal for Christmas came from which country? 58. Which author best known for creating the Headless Horseman also created the iconic image of Santa flying in a sleigh? Down 1. More _________ are purchased (31%) at Christmas time than any other holiday or occasion during the year 2. Santa must visit approximately 842,000,000 of these on Christmas Eve 4. Which country traditionally has "six white boomers" 5.

How many gifts would you receive if you received all of the gifts in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas"? (answer is a number spelled out) 8. What environmental American president banned Christmas Tree's from the White House in 1912? 10. What popular magazine once declared Santa the world’s richest man? 11. An artificial Christmas tree would have to be ____________ for more than 20 years to be “greener” than buying a fresh-cut tree annually 15. A big part of the Christmas celebrations in Germany is? 16. One of the first commercially sold artificial Christmas trees was made from what? 17. How many times does Santa check his list? 18. The largest Christmas Angel ornament to ever be made was created in Mexico, over 18 feet high and 8 feet wide. What was it made out of? 20. In 1965 what song did two astronauts play to mission control during a prank with a harmonica and bells? This was the first song ever played in space 21. Who was the author of "A Christmas Carol"? 23. What popular Christmas candy has legends saying it represents the Shepherd’s Staff? 24.

More than 3 billion of these are sent in the United States every year at Christmas time 26. What Christmas ornament symbolizes a sign of welcome and long life for all who enter? 27. The popular song "Jingle Bells" was originally made for what holiday (hint: not Christmas)? 31. US President Franklin Pierce introduced what to White House Christmas tradition in 1856? 33. On the eleventh day of Christmas, what did my true love send to me? 34. Who is the famous child actor who played the character Kevin McCallister? 35. Before stockings what did Dutch children hang by the fireside? 36. Who played Santa in “The Santa Clause” movie? 38. These type of leftovers are responsible for 400,000 cases of post Christmas associated illnesses 39. Who narrated the original 1966 TV show "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"? 42. What type of Christmas tree has sold more since 1991? Artificial or Real? 44. What is the earliest known Christmas tree decoration? 47.

Amazon.co.uk: Customer Discussions: The Sunshine Quiz The Sunshine Quiz Sort: Oldest first | Newest first Showing 201-215 of 215 posts in this discussion Posted on 6 May 2011 15:26:32 BDT BOF © says: I was talking to a golf fanatic (who bored me sh*tless) in the cricket club over the weekend and the question of how many clubs came up I answered 18 he came back with 14, as I had put 14 on your quiz and been told 18 on the answers I had thought no more about it but his reply made me check up. I got this from 'wiki' "A maximum of fourteen clubs is allowed in a player's bag at one time during a stipulated round. The choice of clubs is at the golfer's discretion, although every club must be constructed in accordance with parameters outlined in the rules. (Clubs which meet these parameters are usually called 'conforming'.) Violation of these rules can result in disqualification." Methinks I need an extra point (and anyone else who answered 14). best bones K I love you - no sweat.

;-) best bones Mistress K asks the questions so the answers are as per her definition so there, cut the whinging. No complaints from me K, I've maintained my position in the pecking order. Toffeeman says: One last point...just try singing Happy Birthday with all three names.... And on a related subject, the song Happy Birthday by Altered Images is thirty this year..now how old do you feel. Try not to have a heart attack... but here's a Christmas Quiz. Answers are as per my answer sheet so no quibbling. Answers to me by 12pm on 21/12/11. Christmas Quiz 2011 Music 1. Child star Jimmy Boyd sang which hugely popular 1950's Christmas song, which was initially banned by the Catholic Church in Boston because it supposedly mixed sex and Christmas? 2. What is the English title of the carol written in 1818 by Austrian priest Josef Mohr originally called Stille Nacht? 3. The words "Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes of life, of gathering gloom..." come from which Christmas carol? 4.

'And all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas day in the morning...' is from which Christmas carol? 5. In Coldplay's 2010 Christmas single video, the Latin phrase Credo Elvem Etiam Vivere (seen above the stage) loosely means what? (combining an ironic rock'n'roll myth, with a seasonal sentiment popularised by Greg Lakes's 1975 Christmas hit - and for two bonus points: name the Greg Lake song, and the Coldplay 2010 Christmas single)? 6. Who composed the music known as The Nutcracker Suite, for the Christmas themed ballet The Nutcracker, premiered in St Petersburg, 1892? 7. In the song 'The Twelve Days Of Christmas', how many swans were a-swimming? 8. Driving Home For Christmas was a 1988 hit single for which singer? 9. In which Christmas carol does this line feature: "Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither"? 10. What was Queen's 1984 Christmas single called? 11. What Christmas-time song did James Pierpont compose in 1857? 12.

What is the title of biggest selling Christmas single, globally? 13. What Paul McCartney hit song video featured the First World War Christmas Truce meeting of German and British soldiers in no-man's land between the front line trenches? 14. Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics '...To save us all from Satan's power, when we were gone astray..'? 15. In what year was Band-Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas the UK Christmas chart-topping record? 16. How many gifts are given in total in the song The Twelve Days of Christmas? 17. What did Frosty The Snowman have for a nose? 18. In the song `Winter Wonderland', who do we pretend the snowman is? 19. In the traditional song, `Go Tell It On The Mountain', what are you supposed to go tell? 20. According to the song, `Frosty The Snowman', what kind of soul does Frosty have? Film and Television 1. Who was the first British monarch to broadcast a Christmas message to the nation? 2. Peter Auty sang Walking In The Air in what film? 3.

What is the surname of the family in the 1989 film 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'? 4. Who is the narrator in the 1966 TV special How The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? 5. What was the title of the first Christmas TV special Peanuts cartoon? 6. Christmas Crackers was the first Christmas edition of which popular UK comedy series? 7. Who is the central businessman character in the film It's a Wonderful Life? 8. What is the name of Dorothy Gale's dog in The Wizard of Oz? 9. What is Virgil Hilts' nickname in the film The Great Escape? 10. The character Jack Skellington appears in which 1993 Tim Burton film? 11. In the movie, `Miracle On 34th Street', a man is on trial for claiming to be Santa Claus. What convinces the judge to rule in the man's favor? 12. The lyrics, "There's children throwing snowballs instead of throwing heads" are from which Christmas movie? Literature 1. Who are the four ghosts in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol? (one point for each correctly named ghost, and a bonus point for all four) 2.

Which popular poem was alternatively known as A Visit from St Nicholas? 3. Which American-born English poet, having first names Thomas Stearns, wrote the poem The Cultivation Of Christmas Trees? 4. 'Olive the Other... (what?)', is a Christmas book by Vivian Walsh and J Otto Seibold: Reindeer; Snowman; Otter; or Orangutan? 5. Complete the famous rhyming line which follows: "At Christmas play and make good cheer, ... ? 6. In Charles Dickens' novel A Christmas Carol, who was Scrooge's dead business partner? 7. Name the original eight reindeer from the 'Twas the night Before Christmas' poem? 8. Who wrote How the Grinch Stole Christmas? 9. Who wrote Auld Lange Syne? 10. What is the name of Tiny Tim's father in the novel, `A Christmas Carol'? Food and Drink 1. What liqueur goes into making a 'snowball' cocktail? 2. Traditional in Germany at Christmas, what sort of food is stollen? 3. Which Christmas condiment is made from fruit sometimes referred to as marshworts? 4.

In the UK it is traditionally believed that eating what each day of the twelve days of Christmas brings happiness the following year: Sausage; Mince pie; Carrot; or Christmas cake? 5. Brandy is made from distilling what? 6. What is a baby Turkey more correctly called, other than a chick? Religion 1. On which date is Epiphany celebrated in the traditional Western calendar? 2. Which of the Wise Men was said to have brought the gift of gold for the baby Jesus? 3. 'Three Kings Day' is known by what numerical name in Britain? 4. The Latin word meaning 'coming' gave us what term which still refers to the Christmas period, and also to a particular tradition popular with children? 5. The early pagan religious winter festival celebrated by archaic Scandinavian and Germanic people, later absorbed into Christmas celebrations, is still referred to in what alternative word for the Christmas season? 6. The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus on or around 1 January celebrates specifically what happening to the baby Jesus? 7. Who is regarded as the first Christian martyr? 8. Who was said to have presented the baby Jesus with Frankincense? 9. What date is St Stephen's Day? 10.

True or false: Joseph was the one that told Mary she was going to have a baby. Pop Culture Christmas 1. Which Christmas slogan was introduced by Clarissa Baldwin of Dogs Trust in 1978? 2. Which charity in 1949 was the first to produce a Christmas card? 3. Which author and creator of Jekyll and Hyde, gave his birthday by formal deed to Anne Ide because she disliked her own birthday of December 25th? 4. Which hugely popular actor was born on Christmas day 1899? 5. American cartoonist Thomas Nast is credited with creating the traditional image of which popular Christmas character? 6. Which actress singer who charted with Santa Baby and starred as Catwoman died on Christmas day 2008? History 1. Who banned Christmas in England between 1647 and 1660? 2. Which river did George Washington cross on Christmas night in 1776 in the American Revolutionary War? 3. What changed in 1752 which caused England to have a White Christmas less frequently thereafter? 4. The Christmas period of 1813-14 saw the last what in London? 5.

Yorkshireman William Strickland is believed to have brought the first what to Britain from North America in 1526? 6. In Victorian England what people were popularly called robins because of their red uniforms? 7. US President Franklin Pierce introduced what to White House Christmas tradition in 1856? 8. In which city was the Salvation Army founded? 9. Which US President banned Christmas trees from the White House? 10. What Christmas item was invented by London baker and wedding-cake specialist Tom Smith in 1847? 11. John Callcott Horsley designed what first commercial Christmas item in 1843? 12. Which traditional Christmas plant was once so revered by early Britons that it had to be cut with a golden sickle? Christmas Around The World 1. Which US state in 1907 was the last to declare Christmas a legal holiday? 2. The North Pole, said to be Santa's home, is located in which ocean? 3. In which country, the largest of its continent, is it said that finding a spider web on Christmas morning brings good luck, and so Christmas trees are decorated with artificial spider webs? 4.

In Mexico, it is said that wearing what colour/color underwear on New Year's Eve ensures finding new love the following year: Yellow; Green; Red; or Brown? 5. In which country does Santa have his own personal postcode HOH OHO? 6. In 2004, the post office of which country gave away twenty million free scented stickers, to make Christmas cards smell like fir trees, cinammon, gingerbread or honey wax? 7. Which two states in the US have towns called Christmas? 8. Before the tradition of hanging stockings up at Christmas what did Dutch children hang by the fireside? 9. In which country is it a tradition to hide all brooms in the house on Christmas Eve? 10. London's Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is traditionally given by which country? 11. What is New Year's Eve called in Scotland? 12. Which country did St Nicholas come from? Generally Christmas 1. Christmas Crackers is cockney rhyming slang for which part of anatomy? 2. What is the chemical formula of snow? 3. What red-blooming Christmas plant came originally from Mexico? 4. What is the birth sign of people born on 25 December? 5.

'Nadolig Llawen' means Merry Christmas in which western European language? 6. What Christmas item takes its name from the old French word estincelle, meaning spark? 7. From what does the month of December take its name? 8. What colour are the berries of the mistletoe plant? Krytical says: I'm sure the meager few of you who decided to brave it are eager for the answers... so here they are: Christmas Quiz 2011 Music 1. Child star Jimmy Boyd sang which hugely popular 1950's Christmas song, which was initially banned by the Catholic Church in Boston because it supposedly mixed sex and Christmas? I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus 2. What is the English title of the carol written in 1818 by Austrian priest Josef Mohr originally called Stille Nacht? Silent Night 3. The words "Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes of life, of gathering gloom..." come from which Christmas carol? We Three Kings of Orient Are (composed by Rev John Henry Hopkins, 1857) 4.

'And all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas day in the morning...' is from which Christmas carol? I Saw Three Ships 5. In Coldplay's 2010 Christmas single video, the Latin phrase Credo Elvem Etiam Vivere (seen above the stage) loosely means what (combining an ironic rock'n'roll myth, with a seasonal sentiment popularised by Greg Lakes's 1975 Christmas hit - and for two bonus points: name the Greg Lake song, and the Coldplay 2010 Christmas single)? I Believe Elvis Lives (Greg Lake's song - I Believe In Father Christmas; Coldplay's 2010 Xmas single - Christmas Lights) 6. Who composed the music known as The Nutcracker Suite, for the Christmas themed ballet The Nutcracker, premiered in St Petersburg, 1892? Tchaikovsky 7. In the song 'The Twelve Days Of Christmas', how many swans were a-swimming? Seven 8. Driving Home For Christmas was a 1988 hit single for which singer? Chris Rea 9.

In which Christmas carol does this line feature: "Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither"? Good King Wenceslas 10. What was Queen's 1984 Christmas single called? Thank God it's Christmas 11. What Christmas-time song did James Pierpont compose in 1857? Jingle Bells (or, One Horse Open Sleigh) 12. What is the title of biggest selling Christmas single, globally? White Christmas (by Bing Crosby) 13. What Paul McCartney hit song video featured the First World War Christmas Truce meeting of German and British soldiers in no-man's land between the front line trenches? Pipes of Peace 14. Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics '...To save us all from Satan's power, when we were gone astray..'? God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 15. In what year was Band-Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas the UK Christmas chart-topping record? 1984 16. How many gifts are given in total in the song The Twelve Days of Christmas? 364 17. What did Frosty The Snowman have for a nose?

Button 18. In the song `Winter Wonderland', who do we pretend the snowman is? Parson Brown 19. In the traditional song, `Go Tell It On The Mountain', what are you supposed to go tell? That Jesus Christ is born 20. According to the song, `Frosty The Snowman', what kind of soul does Frosty have? A jolly happy one Film and Television 1. Who was the first British monarch to broadcast a Christmas message to the nation? George the Fifth (in 1932) 2. Peter Auty sang Walking In The Air in what film? The Snowman 3. What is the surname of the family in the 1989 film 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'? Griswold 4. Who is the narrator in the 1966 TV special How The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? Boris Karloff 5. What was the title of the first Christmas TV special Peanuts cartoon? A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) 6. Christmas Crackers was the first Christmas edition of which popular UK comedy series? Only Fools and Horses 7.

Who is the central businessman character in the film It's a Wonderful Life? George Bailey (played by James Stewart) 8. What is the name of Dorothy Gale's dog in The Wizard of Oz? Toto 9. What is Virgil Hilts' nickname in the film The Great Escape? The Cooler King 10. The character Jack Skellington appears in which 1993 Tim Burton film? The Nightmare before Christmas 11. In the movie, `Miracle On 34th Street', a man is on trial for claiming to be Santa Claus. What convinces the judge to rule in the man's favor? The Post Office give all the mail addressed to Santa Claus to Kris Kringle 12. The lyrics, "There's children throwing snowballs instead of throwing heads" are from which Christmas movie? The Nightmare Before Christmas Literature 1. Who are the four ghosts in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol? Christmas Past, Christmas Present, Christmas Yet to Come, and Jacob Marley (one point for each correctly named ghost, and a bonus point for all four) 2. Which popular poem was alternatively known as A Visit from St Nicholas? 'Twas The Night before Christmas 3.

Which American-born English poet, having first names Thomas Stearns, wrote the poem The Cultivation Of Christmas Trees? T S Eliot 4. 'Olive the Other... (what?)', is a Christmas book by Vivian Walsh and J Otto Seibold: Reindeer; Snowman; Otter; or Orangutan? Reindeer 5. Complete the famous rhyming line which follows: "At Christmas play and make good cheer, ... ? For Christmas comes but once a year 6. In Charles Dickens' novel A Christmas Carol, who was Scrooge's dead business partner? Jacob Marley 7. Name the original eight reindeer from the 'Twas the night Before Christmas' poem? Comet, Cupid, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Donner, Blitzen (or Dunder and Blixem - Incidentally Donner and Blizten mean Thunder and Lightning in German.) 8. Who wrote How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Dr Seuss 9. Who wrote Auld Lange Syne? Robert Burns 10. What is the name of Tiny Tim's father in the novel, `A Christmas Carol'?

Bob Cratchett Food and Drink 1. What liqueur goes into making a 'snowball' cocktail? Advocaat (or advokatt, pronounced 'advocar' - normally a blend of brandy, egg yolks, vanilla and sometimes other ingredients.) 2. Traditional in Germany at Christmas, what sort of food is stollen? Cake 3. Which Christmas condiment is made from fruit sometimes referred to as marshworts? Cranberry sauce 4. In the UK it is traditionally believed that eating what each day of the twelve days of Christmas brings happiness the following year: Sausage; Mince pie; Carrot; or Christmas cake? Mince pie 5. Brandy is made from distilling what? Wine 6. What is a baby Turkey more correctly called, other than a chick? Poult Religion 1. On which date is Epiphany celebrated in the traditional Western calendar? 6th January 2. Which of the Wise Men was said to have brought the gift of gold for the baby Jesus? Melchior 3. 'Three Kings Day' is known by what numerical name in Britain? Twelfth Night 4.

The Latin word meaning 'coming' gave us what term which still refers to the Christmas period, and also to a particular tradition popular with children? Advent 5. The early pagan religious winter festival celebrated by archaic Scandinavian and Germanic people, later absorbed into Christmas celebrations, is still referred to in what alternative word for the Christmas season? Yule (or Yule-tide) 6. The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus on or around 1 January celebrates specifically what happening to the baby Jesus? Circumcision 7. Who is regarded as the first Christian martyr? St Stephen 8. Who was said to have presented the baby Jesus with Frankincense? Balthazar 9. What date is St Stephen's Day? 26th December 10. True or false: Joseph was the one that told Mary she was going to have a baby. False Pop Culture Christmas 1. Which Christmas slogan was introduced by Clarissa Baldwin of Dogs Trust in 1978? A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas 2. Which charity in 1949 was the first to produce a Christmas card? UNICEF 3.

Which author and creator of Jekyll and Hyde, gave his birthday by formal deed to Anne Ide because she disliked her own birthday of December 25th? Robert Louis Stevenson 4. Which hugely popular actor was born on Christmas day 1899? Humphrey Bogart 5. American cartoonist Thomas Nast is credited with creating the traditional image of which popular Christmas character? Santa Claus (Father Christmas) 6. Which actress singer who charted with Santa Baby and starred as Catwoman died on Christmas day 2008? Eartha Kitt History 1. Who banned Christmas in England between 1647 and 1660? Oliver Cromwell 2. Which river did George Washington cross on Christmas night in 1776 in the American Revolutionary War? Delaware 3. What changed in 1752 which caused England to have a White Christmas less frequently thereafter? The calendar (the English adoption of the Gregorian calendar, replacing the Julian calendar, shifted Christmas day back 12 days - and all the other days too of course - 11 days were skipped in 1752 and a further day in 1800.) 4.

The Christmas period of 1813-14 saw the last what in London? Christmas Fair on a frozen River Thames (known as a Frost Fair) 5. Yorkshireman William Strickland is believed to have brought the first what to Britain from North America in 1526? Turkey 6. In Victorian England what people were popularly called robins because of their red uniforms? Postmen 7. US President Franklin Pierce introduced what to White House Christmas tradition in 1856? Christmas tree 8. In which city was the Salvation Army founded? London (1865, originally the Christian Mission, by William Booth) 9. Which US President banned Christmas trees from the White House? Theodore Roosevelt 10. What Christmas item was invented by London baker and wedding-cake specialist Tom Smith in 1847? Christmas cracker 11. John Callcott Horsley designed what first commercial Christmas item in 1843? Christmas card 12. Which traditional Christmas plant was once so revered by early Britons that it had to be cut with a golden sickle? Mistletoe Christmas Around The World 1.

Which US state in 1907 was the last to declare Christmas a legal holiday? Oklahoma 2. The North Pole, said to be Santa's home, is located in which ocean? Arctic Ocean 3. In which country, the largest of its continent, is it said that finding a spider web on Christmas morning brings good luck, and so Christmas trees are decorated with artificial spider webs? Ukraine 4. In Mexico, it is said that wearing what colour/color underwear on New Year's Eve ensures finding new love the following year: Yellow; Green; Red; or Brown? Red 5. In which country does Santa have his own personal postcode HOH OHO? Canada 6. In 2004, the post office of which country gave away twenty million free scented stickers, to make Christmas cards smell like fir trees, cinnamon, gingerbread or honey wax? Germany 7. Which two states in the US have towns called Christmas? Arizona and Florida 8. Before the tradition of hanging stockings up at Christmas what did Dutch children hang by the fireside? Shoes 9. In which country is it a tradition to hide all brooms in the house on Christmas Eve?

Norway (according to legend, witches would steal them otherwise) 10. London's Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is traditionally given by which country? Norway 11. What is New Year's Eve called in Scotland? Hogmanay 12. Which country did St Nicholas come from? Turkey Generally Christmas 1. Christmas Crackers is cockney rhyming slang for which part of anatomy? Testicles 2. What is the chemical formula of snow? H2O 3. What red-blooming Christmas plant came originally from Mexico? Poinsettia (Euphorbia Pulcherrima) 4. What is the birth sign of people born on 25 December? Capricorn 5. 'Nadolig Llawen' means Merry Christmas in which western European language? Welsh 6. What Christmas item takes its name from the old French word estincelle, meaning spark? Tinsel 7. From what does the month of December take its name? Ten (Latin, decem - it was the tenth month of the early Roman calendar) 8. What colour are the berries of the mistletoe plant?

White Christmas Tree Facts - Christmas Trees and More - University of Illinois Extension University of Illinois Extension Christmas Tree Facts Great Moments in Christmas Tree History The use of evergreen trees to celebrate the winter season occurred before the birth of Christ. The first decorated Christmas tree was in Riga, Latvia in 1510. The first printed reference to Christmas trees appeared in Germany in 1531. Besides evergreens, other types of trees such as cherry and hawthorns were used as Christmas trees in the past. Using small candles to light a Christmas tree dates back to the middle of the 17th century. Thomas Edison's assistant, Edward Johnson, came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas trees in 1882. Christmas tree lights were first mass-produced in 1890. In 1900, large stores started to erect big illuminated Christmas trees. The tradition of an official Chicago Christmas tree was initiated in 1913 when one was first lit by Mayor Carter H. Harrison in Grant Park. The official Christmas tree tradition at Rockefeller Center began in 1933. Since 2004 the tree has been topped with a 550-pound Swarovski Crystal star.

And since 2007, the tree has been lit with 30,000 energy-efficient LED's which are powered by solar panels. Every year since 1947, the people of Oslo, Norway have given a Christmas tree to the city of Westminster, England. The gift is an expression of good will and gratitude for Britain's help to Norway during World War II. Since 1971, the Province of Nova Scotia has presented the Boston Christmas tree to the people of Boston, in gratitude for the relief supplies received from the citizens of Boston after a ship exploded in 1917 following a collision in the Halifax, Nova Scotia Harbor. Part of the city was leveled, killing and injuring thousands. Presidential Christmas Trees In 1856 Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, was the first President to place a Christmas tree in the White House. President Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the White House lawn in 1923. Teddy Roosevelt banned the Christmas tree from the White House for environmental reasons.

From 1948 to 1951, President Truman spent Christmas at his home in Independence, Missouri, and lit the National Community Christmas Tree by remote control. Truman agreed to stay at the White House for Christmas 1952, and personally lit the tree. In 1963, the National Christmas Tree was not lit until December 22nd, because of a national 30-day period of mourning following the assassination of President Kennedy. Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has given a Christmas tree to the President and first family for display in the Blue Room. In 1979, the National Christmas Tree was not lit except for the top ornament. This was done to honor the American hostages in Iran. In 1984, the National Christmas tree was lit on December 13thwith temperatures in the 70's, making it one of the warmest tree lightings in history. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, and Elsewhere Nineteenth century Americans cut their trees in nearby forests. Today most real Christmas trees are grown on farms as sustainable crops like corn or pumpkins.

98 percent of all Christmas trees are grown on farms, while only 2% are cut from the wild. To ensure enough trees for harvest, growers plant one to three seedlings for every tree harvested. In 2012, 46 million Christmas tree seedlings were planted by U.S. growers. More than 2,000 trees are usually planted per acre. On average 1,000-1,500 of these trees will survive. In the northern part of the country, perhaps 750 trees will remain. Almost all trees require shearing to attain the Christmas tree shape. At six to seven feet, trees are ready for harvest. It takes six to ten years of fighting heavy rain, wind, hail and drought to get a mature tree. Most Christmas trees are cut weeks before they get to a retail outlet. It is important to keep them watered thoroughly when they reach your home. In the first week, a Christmas tree in your home will consume as much as a quart of water per day. Is It or Isn't It? Artificial Christmas trees were developed in Germany during the 19th century and later became popular in the United States.

These "trees" were made using goose feathers that were dyed green and attached to wire branches. The wire branches were then wrapped around a central dowel rod that acted as the trunk. In 1930 the U.S.-based Addis Brush Company created the first artificial Christmas tree made from brush bristles. The company used the same machinery that it used to manufacture toilet brushes, but they were dyed green. Artificial Christmas trees made largely from aluminum were manufactured in the United States, first in Chicago in 1958. Today, most artificial Christmas trees are made from PVC plastic. PVC trees are fire-retardant but not fire-resistant. Eighty percent of artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China. 10.9 million artificial trees were purchased in the United States in 2012. To Market to Market Live Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since about 1850. The first Christmas tree retail lot in the United States was started by Mark Carr in New York, in 1851.

From 1887-1933 a fishing schooner called the "Christmas Ship" would tie up at the Clark Street Bridge in Chicago and sell spruce trees from Michigan to Chicagoans. In 2012, 35% of real Christmas trees sold were from chain stores or garden centers/nursery, 24% from cut and harvest farms, 15% from retail tree lots, and 15% from non-profit groups. In 2012, 85% of the Christmas trees purchased were pre-cut, and 14% were cut-your-own. An estimated 175,000 real Christmas trees are sold via e-commerce or catalogue and shipped mail order. The most popular Christmas trees are: Scotch pine, Douglas fir, noble fir, Fraser fir, balsam fir, Virginia pine and white pine. Christmas trees are baled to protect the branches from damage during shipping. Helicopters help to lift harvested Christmas trees from farms. The United States of Trees In the United States, there are more than 15,000 Christmas tree farms. There are approximately 350 million Christmas trees growing on U.S. farms.

Approximately 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the Christmas tree industry. 24.5 million farm-grown Christmas trees were purchased in the United States in 2012, with a real market value of $1.01 billion. The mean average purchase price of a live tree in 2012 was $41.30. Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Washington, New York, and Virginia are the top Christmas tree producing states. 350,000 acres of land in the United States are in production for growing Christmas trees. Christmas trees are grown and harvested in all 50 states. Michigan ranks third among all states in the production of real Christmas trees, but grows a larger variety of Christmas trees than any other state. Make Your Christmas Really Green 93% of real Christmas tree consumers recycle their tree in community recycling programs, their garden or backyard. In the United States, there are more than 4,000 Christmas tree recycling programs. Recycled real Christmas trees have been used to make sand and soil erosion barriers and been placed in ponds for fish shelter. Growing Christmas trees provides a habitat for wildlife.

Christmas trees can remove dust and pollen from the air. Cook County, IL uses old Christmas trees to rebuild housing structures for natural wildlife that has been destroyed through development. Artificial trees will last for six years in your home, but for centuries in a landfill. An acre of Christmas trees provides the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people. You should not burn your Christmas tree in the fireplace; it can contribute to creosote buildup. Live Christmas trees are involved in less than one-tenth of one percent of residential fires, and mostly when ignited by some external ignition sources. The major factors involved in Christmas tree fires are electrical problems, decorative lights, candles, and a heat source too close to the tree. In 1971 the government concluded that Christmas tree tinsel made of lead was a health risk and convinced manufactures to voluntarily stop producing lead tinsel. It is now made of plastic. Sources: National Christmas Tree Association, USDA Census of Agriculture, PolitiFact.com, Christmas Tree Farm Network, Christmas Trees Magazine, Forestry.about.com, Facts about Treecycling, U.S. Commerce Dept., NFPA Fire Analysis and Research. Special thanks to Rick Dungey of the NCTA for his assistance.

Updated by: University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners Janice Byron, Carol Stitzer, and MaryAnne Spinner

Question: US President Franklin Pierce introduced what to White House Christmas tradition in 1856?
Answer: Christmas tree