History of Christmas

When is Christmas Celebrated each year?

• December 21st

• December 25th

• January 1st

• December 24th

What does Christmas celebrate?

• The birth of Jesus Christ

• The menorah in the Jewish temple being lit for 8 nights

• The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ

• The fall of the Roman Empire

The winter solstice has many connections with Christmas, what Scandinavian holiday is celebrated during this time?

• Yule

• The Wild Hunt

• Saturnalia

• The Big Chill

Why did Pope Julius I chose December 25th to celebrate Christmas?

• Because the was the literal date of Jesus' birth

• He hoped to counter the traditions and celebrations of Saturnalia

• He wanted to feel happy in winter time

• He closed his eyes and threw a dart at a calendar

Who attempted to cancel Christmas when he took over England?

• Oliver Cromwell

• Oliver Twist

• John Smith

• Pope Gaius Baltar

Christmas was heavily celebrated in early America

• True

• False

What book by Washington Irving helped revitalize Christmas in the United States?

• The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent.

• The Cask of Amontillado

• Valhalla

• The Wilde Hunt

In the Middle Ages, Christmas was a time of quiet reflection and contemplation

• True

• False

Who wrote A Christmas Carol?

• Charles Dickens

• John Green

• Washington Irving

• Andy Weir

Which Roman holiday did Christmas get many of its traditions (closing businesses, honoring children) from?

• Feralia

• Samhain

• Saturnalia

• Diwali