Here are the official answers for Round 1 of our True or False Christmas Quiz, each one paired with a short explanation so your quiz master can settle any debates at the table. Tally up your team's score - ten out of twenty is a respectable opener, fifteen or more is impressive, and a perfect twenty is a strong start to the evening. Right-click the list below to print a copy for scoring.
- True: Montgomery Ward published the story in 1939 to give away as a promotional booklet.
- False: It originated in 16th-century Germany.
- True: James Lord Pierpont wrote it in 1857 for a Thanksgiving Sunday school performance.
- True: A partridge in a pear tree is the gift on the first day.
- True: Directed by Jon Favreau, released in November 2003.
- False: It's named after the Christmas boxes of gifts or money given to servants and tradespeople.
- True: Donner is the German word for thunder.
- False: It's a semi-parasitic plant, and it grows across Europe, North America and many other regions.
- True: His 1942 recording is the best-selling single ever.
- False: Christmas Day is the 25th of December. The 24th is Christmas Eve.
- True: It was first published on 19th December 1843.
- True: It was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria.
- True: It grows wild in southern Mexico and Central America.
- False: It was produced in England by Sir Henry Cole in 1843.
- True: He created them in the 1840s, inspired by the French bon-bon wrapper.
- False: It's the other way round — males shed antlers in early winter; females keep theirs through to spring.
- True: The count of thirteen ingredients is the traditional symbolism.
- True: Wassail is a spiced cider drink, and wassailing has been a Christmas custom in England for centuries.
- False: The red-suited Santa pre-dates Coca-Cola — he appeared in Thomas Nast cartoons from the 1880s. Coca-Cola popularised, but did not invent, the look.
- True: Nutmeg is the classic flavouring, usually grated over the top.