Some Christmas Trivia and Fun Facts

There's no holiday like Christmas.  A recent river cruise of the 'Christkindlmarkt' in Germany and Austria revealed many things to me.  First, the local cable station there had one movie channel that played 'It's A Wonderful Life' at least three times daily.  This was well received by my wife who is in love with this 1946 classic. As for me, I can now attest to the statement that I know more about this holiday movie classic and German Christmas traditions than I did before.  Here is a potpourri of various Christmas trivia and fun facts to test your mettle.

• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was a marketing promotion for what U.S. company in 1930?  (MontgomeryWard)
• In Australia Christmas comes in the middle of summer.  Outdoor barbecues are a main part of the day's events.
• Which ocean calls Christmas Island its own?  (indian)
• According to Irish legend the Gates of Heaven open at midnight on what day?  (christmas eve)
• The first artificial Christmas trees appeared in Germany.  They were made of goose feathers and dyed green.
• "It's A Wonderful Life(1946) appears on television more than 300 times per year.
• In the Charlie Brown  television Christmas classic, how much does Lucy charge for her pyschiatric services?  (five cents)
• Greensleeves is another name for which Christmas song?  (What Child is This?)
• Who was the first U.S. President to decorate the White House Christmas Tree?  ( Franklin Pierce)
• The Gingerbread House has its origins in this country?  (Germany)
• How many Wise Men are there according to the Bible?  (it does not say)
• England created eggnog.  Which U.S. city was the first to try it? (Jamestown in1607)
• Electric Christmas lights first appeared in 1895.  Flashing lights became popular in the 1930's.
• El Nino, a weather condition got its name because it starts right after Christmas.
• It wasn't until the 4th century that December 25th became the official date of the Christmas celebration.
• What was the original name of the classic song 'Jingle Bells'?  (one horse open sleigh)
• $1.87 begins what famous holiday story by O'Henry?  (gift of the magi)