Holiday Crossword

2. A festive song or hymn sung at Christmas.
6. A nine-branched candelabrum used during Hanukkah.
7. Pronounced poyn-seh-tee-uh, this Mexican shrub was first used as a Christmas decoration by Franciscan friars in the 17th century.
9. Magical, pointy-eared creatures who build toys for well-behaved children at the behest of Santa.
10. A pagan festival celebrating rebirth and renewal held on the Winter Solstice.
12. A small, decorative sphere hung from a Christmas tree.
14. A seven-day festival celebrating African American cultural heritage, created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Festivities include candle lighting, singing, storytelling, poetry reading, and feasting.
16. Cheerful and good-humored.
17. A four-sided top used by children to play a game during Hanukkah.
18. A candle holder for the seven candles lit during Kwanzaa.
19. The eight-day “festival of lights” commemorating the rededication of the Jewish temple around 200 B.C. The holiday is celebrated by lighting candles, eating fried foods, playing games, and giving gifts.

1. A religious and cultural festival celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth that is typically observed on December 25th.
3. The Christian season of expectant waiting and preparation beginning four Sundays before Christmas. Many people count down to the holiday with festive calendars made specifically for this purpose
4. A British holiday celebrated the day after Christmas; traditionally when servants and tradespeople were given a “Christmas Box” by employers.
5. A cookie made with molasses and ginger.
8. A Spanish phrase meaning “Happy Christmas.”
11. A phonetic translation of “Merry Christmas” into the Hawaiian language.
13. The first day of winter and the shortest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere).
15. An evergreen bush with red berries and prickly leaves used as a winter holiday decoration in pagan and Christian traditions.
18. A half-goat, half-demon character of European folklore who punishes misbehaving children during Christmas.