[Childcare] Quiz collection to enjoy in December!

reindeer

It’s said that Santa Claus and reindeer live in the same place, and on Christmas Day, the reindeer are the dependable ones who pull the sleigh carrying Santa and the presents. Reindeer are members of the deer family and grow new antlers every year, but male reindeer shed their antlers from autumn to winter, so the reindeer that have antlers in winter are females. That means the reindeer pulling the sleigh are female!

red

Santa Claus wears a red outfit, right? It’s said that the color was modeled after the garments worn by Saint Nicholas—the person believed to be the model for Santa—during church ceremonies in the past. By the way, a Santa dressed in black, which was one of the choices, is called Black Santa and is said to appear before naughty children.

star

The sparkling ornament at the top of the Christmas tree is a star. It is said to represent the star that long ago announced the birth of Jesus Christ to people far away. This star is called by various names, such as the “tree topper,” “top star,” or the “Star of Bethlehem.”

New Year’s Eve

The last day of the year is called Ōmisoka (New Year’s Eve). Ōmisoka is the day to finish preparations for the new year, and in the past people would stay up all night to welcome the Toshigami (the New Year deity). Although customs have changed over time, the practices of doing a thorough year-end cleaning and eating toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodles) still remain.

Santa Claus

Christmas is something children look forward to. And of course, the one who comes on that day is Santa Claus! Santa delivers presents to well-behaved children, leaving them in the stockings by their pillows. These days, some families even prepare milk and cookies for Santa, who might be hungry.

New Year’s Eve soba (toshikoshi soba)

The soba noodles eaten on New Year’s Eve are called toshikoshi soba. They carry wishes such as “may we live long and slender like the noodles” and “may we cut off bad luck and greet the New Year.” This is said to be a custom that began in the Edo period.

tree

Bûche de Noël is a classic French Christmas cake. It’s shaped like a log laid on its side. In French, bûche means “log,” and Noël means “Christmas.” When you visit a cake shop, be sure to look for Bûche de Noël!