In the 16th Century, two bakers in the town of Nuremberg, Germany, began crafting elaborate gingerbread houses to mimic the fairy-tale cottages depicted in stories like Hansel and Gretel.

Which country is credited with the tradition of creating the first gingerbread houses?

In the famous ballet "The Nutcracker," who is the heroine who receives the Nutcracker as a gift?

Which of the following holiday-related activities contributes to your stress relief during the festive season?

Christmas pickle. The Christmas pickle is a Eastern European/German-American Christmas tradition. A decoration in the shape of a pickle is hidden on a Christmas tree, with the finder receiving either a reward or good fortune for the next year.

Which festive symbol is associated with good luck in many cultures and is often displayed in homes during the holiday season, especially in Eastern European traditions?

To hold candles on the tree - Tinsel was invented in the 1600s in Germany to replicate the appearance of twinkling stars by reflecting candlelight.

What was the initial purpose of tinsel when it was first invented?

Netherlands - The story goes that in the Netherlands, children would leave their clogs by the fireplace filled with hay for Sinterklaas's (St. Nicholas's) horse, and in return, they'd receive gifts in their shoes.

Which country is credited with the creation of the tradition of hanging stockings for gifts during Christmas?

Ground meat - Early fruitcakes in the Middle Ages often contained ingredients like minced meat alongside fruits and spices.