This puzzle is about Christmas celebrations around the world and some of the things poor Santa has to put up with as he tries to deliver toys to all the good little boys and girls. How much do you know about other countries and their celebrations?
1. In what part of the world is it traditional to hang a spider decoration on the Christmas tree? Ukraine; Spain; Greenland; India.
2. In what country do Jonkunnu dancers celebrate Christmas? Jamaica; Philippines; Argentina; New Zealand.
3. Where do celebrants wish each other a Joyeux Noel at Christmas time? France; Spain; Russia; Serbia.
4. Where is turron (a nougat confection) served as a Christmas treat? Portugal; Spain; Caribbean; Canada.
5. In what country was mistletoe first hung as a Christmas decoration? Britain; United States; Canada; Spain.
6. Where does St. Nicholas deliver presents to children on December 5? Ireland; France; Holland; Switzerland.
7. Where do jólasveinarnir, or “Christmas lads,” deliver presents? Iceland; Sweden; Denmark; Norway.
8. Where does the Christkind deliver gifts at Christmas? Britain; Bulgaria; Poland; Germany.
9. Where is the traditional Christmas meal known as Wigilia? Russia; Poland; France; Turkey.
10. Where do people refer to Santa Claus as Papai Noel? Mexico; Spain; Brazil; Norway.
11. Where do children leave their shoes (filled with carrots and treats) by the fire on Christmas Eve as a gift from “Père Noel?” Brazil; Greece; France; Italy.
12. Where does Babouschka bring gifts to children? Czech Republic; Russia; The Netherlands; Spain.
13. Where is Santa Claus known as Kanakaloka? France; Belgium; Greece; Hawaii.
14. Where are children’s presents left next to their pillow on Christmas night? Norway; Finland; Japan; Russia.
15. Where is Christpsomo a traditional dish eaten at Christmas time? England; Greece; Italy; India.
16. Where is Santa’s sleigh pulled by “six white boomers?” Mexico; Canada; New Zealand; Australia.
17. In what country did tinsel originate? Scotland; France; U.S.; Australia.
Answers
1. Ukraine. 2. Jamaica. 3. France. 4. Spain. 5. Britain. The traditional custom was that if, while out in the woods, you found yourself standing under mistletoe upon encountering a foe, you both had to lay down your arms until the following day. This Scandinavian custom led to the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe. 6. Holland. 7. Iceland. 8. Germany. 9. Poland. Wigilia is the traditional Christmas Eve vigil supper that often goes into Christmas day. The word derives from the Latin verb vigilare (to watch) and literally means “eve.” 10. Brazil. 11. France. 12. Russia. 13. Hawaii. 14. Japan. 15. Greece. Christopsomo, or Christ’s Bread, is considered a sacred tradition in many Greek Orthodox homes, and the care with which it is made is said to ensure the well-being of the home in the year to come. 16. Australia. 17. United States.