A Christmas Quiz

Test Your Knowledge of Christmas

INSTRUCTIONS: Java required! It's easy. Just read each question
and click on the button in front of your answer.
The computer will keep score for you. Try to get at least 7 points.
To find the answers read the The Real History of Christmas page or go here. Good luck!

1. When was Christmas first celebrated?
   The year after Jesus was crucified
   Around 100 AD
   In the 4th Century
   1935

2. Where did the Christmas tree tradition originate?
   Germany
   Israel
   New England
   Scandinavia

3. Why was December 25th chosen as Christmas Day?
   That's when Jesus was born
   To compete with a pagan celebration
   That's when Christmas trees are in season
   That's when the Bible says to celebrate it

4. How did the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe develop?
   Eating it makes your mouth pucker
   It was associated with the Scandinavian love goddess
   The Druids used it in marriage ceremonies
   It was used to make love potion in ancient times

5. What significance is holly in celebrating Christmas?
   The pointed leaves represent the Star of Bethlehem
   It was mistaken for mistletoe
   The red berries are a Christmas color
   The early church banned mistletoe, so holly was substituted

6. What country did poinsettias originally come from?
   The U.S.
   Cuba
   Mexico
   Brazil

7. Who probably was the first man to illuminate a Christmas tree with candles?
   Alexander the Great
   Pope John I
   Martin Luther
   Emperor Constantine

8. Celebrating Christmas was once against the law in?
   Holland
   Indiana
   Massachusetts
   Japan

9. St. Nicholas was born in what country?
   The North Pole
   Holland
   Germany
   Turkey

10. The candy cane legend says that it originated with a candy maker from where?
   Indiana
   Mexico
   Germany
   Turkey


      Answers