Contributor Leaderboard

No, Covid hasn't taken a grip on us again (yet), I just thought you should have something to keep you out of mischief while I'm celebrating Christmas here today, one day earlier than you, as is the tradition. It might even keep you out from under the feet of those slaving away in the kitchen up to their eyes in brussel sprouts, mince pies and turkey giblets. There is no (well, not much) Covid but you're still allowed to use the internet so get yourself a drink, put your feet up and get cracking! Christmas special: In which century was the term ‘Xmas’ coined? Which saint is celebrated on 26th December? How many reindeer feature in the poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’? What is the name of the last ghost to visit Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’? Why did the other reindeer laugh at Rudolph? Stollen is the traditional fruit cake of which country? In which direction should you stir sweet mincemeat for good luck? What is a female turkey called? Before turkey, a traditional English Christmas dinner included a pig’s head smothered in mustard. True or false? Part of the Christmas celebrations in Oaxaca City, Mexico, is Noche de Rábanas. Which food gives the festival its name? Which Christmas food is considered to bring good luck if eaten on all of the twelve days of Christmas? Who designed the first Christmas card, sent in 1843? Which country is the largest exporter of Christmas trees? How many days do we have between Christmas and the Epiphany? Which of the following was NOT a gift given by the wise men to the baby Jesus: Frankincense, silver, myrrh, gold? Is there a Mrs Santa Clause? Which country is credited with the Christmas beverage Eggnog? From which country is the Christmas tree, traditionally placed in Trafalgar Square, London, a gift? Who tracks Santa’s location on Christmas Eve? Bonus point for when it started. In 1946 Nat King Cole recorded a song about “chestnuts roasting on an open fire”. What was the name of the song? I’ll bet you didn’t know …. Prior to the turkey being introduced as Christmas fayre, people ate geese, boar’s head and even peacocks at Christmas. Henry VIII was the first to enjoy a turkey on Christmas day. Answers on Thursday next week.