We were in the Goodman Stadium stands for Lehigh’s loss to Villanova a few weeks ago when something startling happened.
A panicked squirrel suddenly flew past us, touched down on a guy’s shoulder right in front of us and then vaulted farther down into the crowd before disappearing. We had no idea where it came from or ended up.
It all happened too quickly for anyone to faint or scream, “Squirrel!” But I immediately thought about the great scene in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” when the family panics over a squirrel perched in their tree and then springing into — and pretty much wrecking, with the help of Cousin Eddie’s dog — their house, not to mention mauling neighbor Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
If you remember all those details from that scene and other memorable snapshots from Christmas lore, you might just get a passing grade in today’s 25th edition of my Christmas holiday quizzes.
Then again, you might disgrace yourself in front of your family and friends. Best to take it before they arrive.
So pour yourself an eggnog, sharpen your No. 2 pencil — as President Trump reminded us, you’ll only need one, not 37 — and put yourself to the test. If there are kids around, they’ll be helpful for several of these, so get them involved.
Answers at the end. No peeking.
1. The 2024 Christmas movie “Red One” starred Dwayne Johnson as:
A. The North Pole’s chief elf B. Santa’s head of security C. Santa’s enemy D. Tooth Fairy E. Scorpion King.
2. Something the Angel Gabriel did NOT tell Mary was:
A. Do not be afraid B. You are favored by God C. Name your baby Jesus D. Go to Bethlehem. E. God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.
3. In the movie “Elf,” the last straw for Miles Finch was when Buddy:
A. Said, “He’s an angry elf.” B. Said, “You smell like beef and cheese.” C. Got drunk in the mail room. D. Redecorated the Gimbels Christmas display. E. Sang with him while he was showering.
4. What did my true love give to me on the seventh day of Christmas?
A. Swans-a-swimming B. Lords-a-leaping C. Maids-a-milking D. Ladies dancing E. Pipers piping.
5. In “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” who played Scrooge?
A. George C. Scott B. Kermit C. Animal D. Michael Caine E. Alistair Sim.
6. This happened on Dec. 25, 1776.
A. First time “Silent Night” was performed in public B. Birth of Sen. Mitch McConnell C. Washington crossed the Delaware D. British surrender at Yorktown. E. Publication of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
7. This was the first song ever broadcast from space.
A. “Silent Night” B. “Deck the Halls” C. “Jingle Bells” D. “Winter Wonderland” E. “Fly Eagles Fly.”
8. What song do the waiters struggle to sing for Ralphie’s family at the end of “A Christmas Story?”
A. “Blue Christmas” B. “Deck the Halls” C. “Jingle Bells” D. “O Holy Night” E. “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
9. Santa’s main challenge in “The Santa Clause 2,” besides the robot takeover attempt:
A. Foil Jack Frost B. Find a wife C. Avoid arrest by police D. Foggy Christmas Eve E. Not enough Christmas spirit.
10. Ancient dreidels were made from:
A. Tin B. Rocks C. Clay D. Wood E. Styrofoam.
11. Who kept time as the Little Drummer Boy played for Jesus?
A. Joseph B. Horse C. Mary D. Ox and Lamb E. Shepherds.
12. Villain in “Miracle on 34th Street.”
A. Mr. Sawyer B. Mr. Potter C. Mr. Miyagi D. Mr. Shirley E. Mr. Macy.
13. Frosty’s nose was made from:
A. Carrot B. Coal C. Stick D. Button E. Zucchini.
14. In “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Yukon Cornelius’ explanation for how he survived falling off a cliff with the Bumble.
A. Bumbles sink B. Bumbles bounce C. Parachute D. Christmas magic E. Bumbles fly.
15. This carol brings us “tidings of comfort and joy.”
A. “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” B. “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” C. “Deck the Halls” D. “O Come All Ye Faithful” E. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
16. “In the beginning was the Word …” begins the Gospel of:
A. Matthew B. Mark C. Luke D. John.
17. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was first recorded by:
A. Bing Crosby B. Elvis Presley C. Frank Sinatra D. Kate Smith E. Nat King Cole.
18. What the Grinch disliked most about Christmas.
A. Fruitcake B. “Wonderful Christmastime” song C. Noise D. Presents E. Traffic.
19. This Yule classic was the only one here set entirely in December:
A. “Holiday Inn” B. “Die Hard” C. “Miracle on 34th Street” D. ”Santa Clause” E. “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
20. What do kids in Sweden leave for Santa?
A. Rice pudding and coffee B. Milk and cookies C. Candy cane D. Chocolate E. Swiss cheese.
Here are the answers: 1.B 2.D 3.A 4.A 5.D 6.C 7.C 8.B 9.B 10.C 11.D 12.A 13.D 14.B 15.E 16.D 17.A 18.C 19.B 20.A.
How’d you do? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
On the bright side, all the shopping and wrapping are behind you, the goose is in the oven, the rest of the family will be arriving soon, “A Christmas Story” is playing all day on a continuous loop and there’s football, too.
So there’s only one thing left before you settle in for a wonderful Christmas day.
Check your tree for squirrels. You never know.
Bill White can be reached at whitebil1974@gmail.com.
