Bah Bah Humbug Trivia Quiz

Answer: Hirohito became Emperor of Japan in 1926

Hirohito, who commenced his sixty-plus year reign over Japan in 1926, was known for being the man in power during the Second World War (and well beyond it). Hirohito's son, Akihito, became Emperor upon his father's death in 1989.

The Berlin Wall actually fell in late 1989, well before Christmas in Germany. Cirque du Soleil, meanwhile, commenced in June 1984 in Quebec, Canada. The first-ever Oscars Ceremony was held in May 1929 in Los Angeles, California.

Answer: Queen Victoria

While 'Christmas Trees' have been around since before the extensive reign of Queen Victoria in the nineteenth century, many credit the monarch with its widespread popularity, at least in Britain and influenced colonies. Early artistic renderings of Christmas trees in the royal palace featured ornaments such as lit candles (you know, for safety), food, and other trinkets while more modern versions usually feature electric lights and glass/plastic ornaments.

It became a tradition across the UK (and beyond), but it actually started much earlier in other European countries.

Answer: Two

While gold would be the obvious non-plant material of the bunch, frankincense and myrrh are both plant-based resins, the former being used in perfumes and for therapeutic purposes and the latter being used as incense. Both frankincense and myrrh clearly have distinct smells; one would hope that the Baby Jesus didn't have allergies. The story of the Three Wise Men is notable, especially around the Christmas season, as it tells of an instance of giving.

The Biblical Magi cross the desert following the brightest start to deliver presents to the child in nativity. Nowadays, they'd probably order it online (and hey, they'd save on shipping).

Answer: Deck the Halls

Originally written as a Welsh tune in the mid-nineteenth century, "Deck the Halls" was quickly rewritten in English, becoming one of the most beloved and (dare I say) repetitive Christmas carols of the holiday season. The English version first appeared in 1862 and the lyrics have since changed time and time again; the common thread is a joyous bout of 'Fa la laing' after nearly every line. "Jingle Bells" predates it by about five years in creation.

Answer: Airplane

The Christmas Bullet, only named as such after its creator, Dr. William Whitney Christmas, was considered flawed from the get-go, mainly because, as an airplane, it failed to have any sort of safety mechanisms and suffered from apparent design flaws. During its first flight, the wings tore off the fuselage (which happens when you intentionally leave out the struts and make them with warpable material) and the plane was destroyed. Count your blessings this Christmas, even if only for the thought that engineering has come a long way since 1919.

Answer: Yes

Sure enough, the name 'egg nog' does refer to the fact that it contains egg. You wouldn't find a yolk floating in it, but yolk is beaten to thicken the drink. Egg nog can often be bought in grocery stores around the holidays, usually non-alcoholic, but it's a drink that often suits rum or brandy and can be bought in an alcoholic version as well. Egg nog is more popular in North America than anywhere else.

What's a nog, you ask? Well...not a drink. The word likely refers to the container the drink would originally be served in.

Answer: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

While there's certainly a cavalcade of different 'traditional' specials that parade their way onto TV screens beginning as early as November, most people will turn towards "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as their favourite, mainly because of its timeless quality.

The special, originally airing on NBC, is a family favourite and has since been made into a stage production. Following Rudolph and an elf who actually wants to be a dentist, the special follows two misfits as they set out as friends to find their place in the world.

Inevitably they end up at an Island of Misfit Toys, meet a prospector named Yukon Cornelius, and encounter a Yeti, all before Santa asks Rudolph to guide his sleigh on Christmas Eve night. The special was narrated by Burl Ives.

Answer: Friday

Black Friday refers to the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving, on whatever date that may fall in any given year, and most often indicates a day of massive sales and markdowns in retail outlets to start off the Christmas season, especially when regarding electronics.

The term and practice first emerged in the United States but, due to its overwhelming popularity and the U.S.' global influence on shopping, it's spread internationally and online. Oddly, the date has also taken on a bad reputation for being dangerous; dozens have been injured and some have died (mostly in the U.S.) trying to take advantage of deals and once-a-year low price points.

Answer: Chinese New Year

While Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve occur on the same day(s) every year (with Kwanzaa occurring from December 26th to the 1st of January and New Year's Eve falling on December 31st), both Hannukah and Chinese New Year shift to accommodate non-Gregorian calendars. Hannukah, for instance, varies based on the Jewish calendar and can fall anywhere between late November and early January over the span of eight nights. Chinese New Year, while it shifts, occurs in January or February, and not December like the others.

Answer: A hooded phantom

Appearing in Stave Four of Dickens' 1843 Christmas ghost story, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is the fourth who appears to the original humbug and old coot, Ebenezer Scrooge, and who ultimately forces him to look towards his own mortality. A grim spectre who seems to personify death, this ghost wears a black cloak and brings Scrooge to his own grave before the night comes to an end. Scrooge is also visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Jacob Marley.

One year I asked for a ghost and I didn't even get one-- he should be considering himself fortunate!