Word Power: Test Your Knowledge of Christmas Words
You rarely encounter these Christmas words in everyday life, but you'll hear them sung in timeless carols during the holiday season. May this Word Power quiz strike the right note to put you in the festive spirit!
Christmas Words Quiz
Christmas Word #1: Low
A: Announce
B: Fall into a deep sleep
C: Make a deep sound, as a cow
Answer: C—Make a deep sound, as a cow
As in, “Upon hearing lowing and cowbells outside, Marit knew the herd had come home.”
Don’t miss our countdown of the best Christmas movies of all time.
Christmas Word #2: Seraph
A: Signature
B: Mysterious gift
C: Six-winged angelic being
Answer: C—Six-winged angelic being
As in, “Fuyumi admired the finely drawn feathers on a medieval manuscript’s depiction of a seraph.”
Can you guess which song is the oldest Christmas carol?
Christmas Word #3: Mirth
A: Merry laughter
B: Fragrant resin used as a perfume
C: Wine seasoned with spices
Answer: A—Merry laughter
As in, “The kids’ adorable dance routine caused much mirth among the parents watching the school play.”
Could you use some mirth yourself? These funny holiday jokes should do the trick.
Christmas Word #4: Bobtail
A: Chaperone a date
B: Tail that’s been cut short on an animal
C: Victorian hairstyle
Answer: B—Tail that’s been cut short on an animal
As in, “Once considered stylish, horse bobtails are now banned in many countries.”
Check out these magical sleigh rides across Ontario.
Christmas Word #5: Tidings
A: News
B: Ocean currents
C: Months
Answer: A—News
As in, “The townspeople patiently awaited the arrival of the next ship that would bring supplies, newcomers and tidings from overseas.”
Have you sent your glad tidings yet? Here’s what to write in a Christmas card in case you need help getting started.
Christmas Word #6: Five-and-ten
A: Early-evening meal
B: Shop where the goods cost five or 10 cents
C: Person with an above-average height
Answer: B—Shop where the goods cost five or 10 cents
As in, “Stocking everything from soap to stationery, five-and-tens were the precursors of today’s dollar stores.”
Shopping on a budget? Check out our Canadian gift guide—everything’s under $50!
Christmas Word #7: Hark
A: Listen
B: Feel surprised
C: Worship
Answer: A—Listen
As in, “‘Hark!’ cried one of the snowshoers. ‘Is that the call of a cardinal?'”
Discover more fun facts about Christmas in Canada.
Christmas Word #8: Swathed
A: Frosty
B: Coated in Icing
C: Wrapped in fabric
Answer: C—Wrapped in fabric
As in, “But for her head, the baby was entirely swathed in a cozy wool blanket.”
Don’t miss our countdown of the best Christmas markets across Canada.
Christmas Word #9: Wassail
A: Walk sluggishly after overeating
B: Go from house to house singing Christmas carols
C: Clean up in preparation for receiving guests
Answer: B—Go from house to house singing Christmas carols
As in, “The McLarens’ wassailing garnered them a few cookies and many confused smiles.”
Here are the best Christmas songs of all time—ranked!
Christmas Word #10: Sugar Plum
A: Small, round candy
B: Plum sweetened with syrup
C: Rosy cheek
Answer: A—Small, round candy
As in, “In centuries past, sugar plums were often made by layering coats of boiled sugar onto dried fruits, nuts or seeds.”
Don’t miss these funny holiday stories shared by our readers.
Christmas Word #11: Troll
A: Ring bells
B: Sing happily
C: Travel by train
Answer: B—Sing happily
As in, “The children trolled festive tunes while awaiting Santa’s promised appearance at their party.”
These great Christmas movies on Netflix are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
Christmas Word #12: Behold
A: See
B: Take to heart
C: Keep close
Answer: A—See
As in, “The holiday parade was saturated with colourful lights, and Jai beheld it with excitement.”
Give your brain a further workout with our great Canadian trivia challenge.
Christmas Word #13: Bushel
A: Small decorated tree
B: Large quantity
C: Door wreath
Answer: B—Large quantity
As in, “Abdul surveyed the bushels of leftover food and wondered how he would eat it all.”
Find out what Christmas looks like across Canada.
Christmas Word #14: Welkin
A: Family harmony
B: Warm greetings
C: Sky
Answer: C—Sky
As in, “The welkin rang with cheers of ‘Happy New Year!’ when the clock struck midnight.”
Ready for your annual cookie exchange? Here are 60 all-time favourite Christmas cookie recipes.
Christmas Word #15: Auld Lang Syne
A: Good fortune
B: Times long ago
C: Passing of the old year
Answer: B—Times long ago
As in, “Hannah and her former university roommate met to have a drink and reminisce about auld lang syne.”
Now that you’ve got these Christmas words under your belt, try your hand at these printable crossword puzzles.
