The holiday season is celebrated in so many unique ways across the globe. From unusual foods to peculiar customs, each country has its own special way of celebrating. Think you know your global holiday traditions? Test your knowledge and have fun with our annual holiday quiz!
- 1.) In Japan, what unusual meal is a popular Christmas tradition?
A) Sushi
B) Fried Chicken
C) Tempura
D) Ramen
- Answer: B) Fried Chicken
In Japan, eating KFC on Christmas has become a beloved holiday tradition. This started in the 1970s after a successful marketing campaign by KFC, and now people even reserve their meals weeks in advance! - 2.) In Norway, what household item do people hide on Christmas Eve to keep it safe from mischievous spirits?
A) Shoes
B) Brooms
C) Mirrors
D) Keys
- Answer: B) Brooms
In Norway, people hide their brooms on Christmas Eve to prevent witches and other spirits from stealing them for a night of mischief. - 3.) In which country do people celebrate Christmas with a giant lantern festival called Ligligan Parul?
A) Philippines
B) Thailand
C) India
D) Malaysia
- Answer: A) Philippines
In the Philippines, Ligligan Parul, or the Giant Lantern Festival, takes place every December and features enormous, colorful lanterns in a dazzling display of light and creativity. - 4.) In Ukraine, it’s customary to decorate Christmas trees with what unusual item?
A) Straw
B) Spiderwebs
C) Feathers
D) Seashells
- Answer: B) Spiderwebs
Ukrainians decorate Christmas trees with artificial spiderwebs for good luck, based on a legend where spiders wove webs around a poor family’s tree, turning them into silver and gold. - 5.) In Venezuela, many people travel to Christmas Mass in which unusual way?
A) On bicycles
B) By horse-drawn carriages
C) Roller-skating
D) On scooters
- Answer: C) Roller-skating
Across Venezuela, particularly the capital city of Caracas, it’s a Christmas tradition to attend early morning Mass by roller-skating through the streets, which are even closed to traffic for the event! - 6.) In Finland, what do families traditionally do to honor the memory of their loved ones on Christmas Eve?
A) Set a place at the table
B) Visit cemeteries and light candles
C) Sing carols at home
D) Write letters to ancestors
- Answer: B) Visit cemeteries and light candles
On Christmas Eve, Finnish families visit cemeteries to light candles on the graves of their loved ones, creating a serene and glowing display of remembrance. - 7.) In which country do children place their shoes by the fireplace instead of hanging stockings for Christmas?
A) France
B) Portugal
C) Brazil
D) Austria
- Answer: A) France
In France, children leave their shoes by the fireplace, and Père Noël (Father Christmas) fills them with gifts and treats on Christmas Eve. - 8.) In Iceland, which mythical creatures visit children during the 13 days leading up to Christmas?
A) Santa’s Reindeer
B) Christmas Cats
C) Yule Lads
D) Snow Fairies
- Answer: C) Yule Lads
Icelandic children are visited by the Yule Lads, 13 mischievous creatures who bring small gifts (or potatoes for the naughty ones!) on each of the 13 nights before Christmas. - 9.) In Spain, what is traditionally eaten at midnight on New Year’s Eve for good luck?
A) 12 grapes
B) A slice of cake
C) Lentils
D) A piece of garlic
- Answer: A) 12 grapes
In Spain, people eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve — one for each chime of the clock — to bring good luck for each month of the coming year.
However you celebrate the holiday season, may it be filled with joy and laughter!