Submitted by Patty O., Arkansas

Idea posted November 14, 2005

Ornament Game: Bring in a small bag with musical ornaments in it. Pass the bag around the circle to the beat using festive music. Stop the music. When the music stops, the student who has the bag puts his/her hand inside and feels for an ornament. The child may not look at the ornament but must tell what s/he has in his/her hand by the form. The child guesses and pulls out the ornament to see if s/he is right or wrong. The child puts the ornament back and play continues.

Christmas Carol Bingo: Make a blank bingo card. Have students write specific carols into each square on the card wherever they wish. (I have had some kids opt to draw the carol instead of writing out the title.) Play two measures of a phrase on the piano. Students must guess which carol has been played and then mark that song off of their card. Play proceeds as with normal bingo.

Holiday Trivia Quiz:

Divide groups into two equal teams, the "Red Team" and "Green Team." The team with the most correct answers wins.

QUESTIONS - RED TEAM:
1. What day is Christmas day?
2. Name the red flower commonly used at Christmas.
3. Who were the Magi?
4. What is the name of the special candlestick used during Hanukkah?
5. Name three of Santa's reindeer.
6. What song contains the phrase "Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la"?
7. What is the name of the famous singing chipmunk?
8. What was Scrooge's favorite saying in "A Christmas Carol"?
9. Name two places Santa puts presents for children.
10. In what country would you wish someone "Joyeux Noel"?
11. What did Mary ride to the stable where she gave birth to Jesus?
12. What is a crèche?
13. In the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," what was sent on the eighth day?
14. What is the Jewish holiday celebrated in December?
15. In one holiday song, a boy claims all he wants for Christmas are two things. What are they?
16. Name the famous Christmas ballet enjoyed by children.
17. What are latkes?
18. What are the two Christmas colors?
19. Where does Santa live?
20. In the Bible story about the first Christmas, why did Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem?
21. What do people hang on their doors at Christmas?
22. What is said that animals do on Christmas Eve?
23. What is "roasting on an open fire" in "The Christmas Song"?
24. What does Santa say when he is happy?
Answers: Red Team
1. December 25
2. Poinsettia
3. Wise Men
4. Menorah
5. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, Rudolph
6. "Deck The Halls"
7. Alvin
8. "Bah, humbug!"
9. Under the tree, inside stockings
10. France
11. Donkey
12. Replica of the stable where Jesus was born
13. Eight maids-a-milking
14. Hanukkah
15. Two front teeth
16. The Nutcracker
17. Potato pancakes which are made during Hanukkah
18. Red and green
19. The North Pole
20. They went to be counted and to pay taxes
21. Wreaths
22. They talk
23. Chestnuts
24. "Ho, ho, ho!"

QUESTIONS - GREEN TEAM
1. What happens when you stand under mistletoe?
2. Who was chosen to guide Santa on Christmas Eve?
3. What do bad boys and girls get for Christmas?
4. What is Santa Claus called in England?
5. In what country would you wish someone "Feliz Navidad"?
6. Who's "nipping at your nose" when you go outside in winter?
7. What is the date of Christmas Eve?
8. What do Dutch children leave out for St. Nicholas to fill with presents?
9. Who are Santa's helpers?
10. How many turtledoves were sent in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas"?
11. What famous snowman do we sing about at Christmas?
12. Name one of the three spirits who visited Scrooge on Christmas Eve.
13. In what country would you find a piñata on Christmas?
14. Name one ingredient in mincemeat pie.
15. Name a food item people often string together to make garlands.
16. Who first saw the star of Bethlehem in the Bible story?
17. How many reindeer does Santa have?
18. Who is Kris Kringle?
19. When is the first day of winter?
20. In the song about "Rudolph," what is the weather like on Christmas Eve?
21. Who is "coming to town" in the popular Christmas Carol?
22. What is the name of the "top" that Jewish children play with?
23. What is the name of the little crippled boy in "A Christmas Carol"?
24. Name one of the gifts brought to Jesus by the Three Wise Men.
Answers - Green Team
1. You get kissed
2. Rudolph
3. Coal in their stockings
4. Father Christmas
5. Mexico or Spain
5. Jack Frost
7. December 24
8. Shoes
9. Elves
10. Two turtle doves
11. Frosty
12. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future
13. Mexico
14. Raisins, apples, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, sugar, and sometimes meats
15. popcorn and cranberries
16. The Three Wise Men
17. With Rudolph, nine
18. Santa Claus
19. December 22
20. Foggy
21. Santa Claus
22. Dreidl
23. Tiny Tim
24. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh