Christmas Riddles

I'm a sparkling adornment, hung high with festive cheer, Blinking in the night, making darkness disappear. What am I?

I'm a word of cheer, often sung with glee, A melody of the season, bringing joy to you and me. What am I?

Answer explanation

The word carol comes from the old French word 'carole', which meant a popular circle dance accompanied by singing. Carols used to be written and sung during all four of the seasons. There used to be May carols and harvest carols, but it is only the tradition of singing them at Christmas which has really survived.

I'm a tasty delight, wrapped in a flaky crust. Filled with fruits and spices, a dessert you can trust. What am I?

Answer explanation

A mince pie is a sweet pie of English origin filled with mincemeat, being a mixture of fruit, spices and suet. The pies are traditionally served during the Christmas season in much of the English-speaking world.

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I'm a popular beverage, warm and spiced just right, sipped by the fire on a cold winter night. What am I?

Answer explanation

Made from ground up cocoa seeds mixed with water, cornmeal, and chili peppers, the Mayans were drinking chocolate as early as 500 BC. They would pour the drink back and forth from a cup to a pot until a thick foam developed. The drink was then enjoyed cold.

I'm a famous reindeer, with a nose that glows bright, guiding Santa's sleigh in the night. Who am I?

Answer explanation

Rudolph, the star of the reindeer, first made an appearance in 1939 in a book written by Robert L May. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was published by Montgomery Ward and has since been adapted into numerous versions including a feature film that has become an annual tradition for many families around the world.

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I'm a cozy spot, often by the Christmas tree. People gather around me, and I give them a feeling as warm as it can be. What am I?

Answer explanation

A fireplace is a brick or metal structure used to hold a fire. Fireplaces are most often used for heating but they can also be used for cooking. The part of the fireplace that holds the fire is called a firebox or a firepit. There is a chimney or flue above the firebox that lets the smoke from the fire go outside.

I'm a symbol of the season, often perched high and bright. You'll find me on houses, sparkling through the night. What am I?

Answer explanation

Did you know that a theme park in Japan holds the record for the “most lights on an artificial Christmas tree"? Universal Studios Japan, in Osaka, smashed its own Guinness World Record for the most lights on an artificial Christmas tree in November 2022. It’s eye-popping display contained 612,000 lights.

I'm a sweet indulgence, shaped like a man. Often adorned with icing, enjoyed in a holiday plan.

What am I?

Answer explanation

Gingerbread has special meaning in European countries. For example, Germany’s Lebkuchen was once used to play taxes. Wouldn’t it be nice to pay taxes in cookies? In Sweden, Pepparkakor could bring good luck. If the cookie breaks into three pieces when tapped in the palm of your hand, your wish is said to be granted. Wonder how many do-overs are eaten in the process?

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I'm a cozy item, often worn in December's cold. Made of wool or cotton, in various colors bold. What am I?

Answer explanation

Other names for sweaters are pullover, jersey, or jumper. Sweaters that open in the front are often called cardigans. They are named after James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, a British general during the Crimean War, who led the famous charge of the Light Brigade. Sweaters without sleeves are often called vests. Sweaters can be worn all year long for comfort and warmth.

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We are found in the Harry Potter books and in Lord of The Rings too. We also make Christmas gifts that Santa brings to you. Who are we?

Answer explanation

Elves take many forms. For starters, there’s the diminutive, pointy-eared elf that often appears in fairy tales. In fantasy literature like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and many role-playing games, elves are human-sized, willowy, and wise. In Northern European folklore, they’re clever, supernatural tricksters.