Know Your Carol Lyrics? Take the Christmas Song Quiz!

Let's see how finely in tune you are with the lyrics of some of the most popular Christmas carols!

Several years ago, the Chicago Tribune had this entertaining quiz in a holiday edition and I thought you might like to give it a try.  Somehow I managed to get four wrong and I play these songs on the radio for 4 hours every morning.  Good luck!

(See the correct answers at the bottom)

1. "The Christmas Song" refers to "folks dressed up like---

A. Elves  B. Angels C. Eskimos  D. Chewbacca

2. What were the last words of Frosty the Snowman?

A. "Hold my beer and watch this."  B. "Catch me if you can!"  C. "Ahh, I can't wait to get in that hot shower."   D. "I'll be back again someday."

3. In "Joy to the World," Jesus is said to rule the world with ---

A. Truth and grace  B. Love and hope   C. Mercy and care   D. Clout and cash

4. In "The Little Drummer Boy," how does Baby Jesus react to the stylings of the impoverished percussionist?

A. He smiles  B. He nods and keeps time with the ox and lamb  C. He sleeps in heavenly peace  D. He weeps inconsolably because, like almost everybody else, he too hates "The Little Drummer Boy."

5. When the angels proclaim the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in "Angels We Have Heard on High," they sing, "Gloria, in excelsis Deo." This is Latin for:

A. Fa la la  B. Such a glorious day!  C. Gloria is with Mary in the stable   D. Glory to God in the highest

6. In a 1955 seasonal hit, the singer confesses to having broken a bat over his friend's head. What is he therefore getting for Christmas?

A. His two front teeth  B. A lump of coal in his stocking   C. 3 months in juvvy    D. Nuttin'

7. In "Carol of the Bells," what is it that the "sweet silver bells" seem to be saying?

A. Merry Christmas  B. Christ is born of Mary   C. Throw cares away  D. Let's eat!

8. "Up on the Housetop" contains a reference to Santa bringing several toys that would not pass muster with child-safety watchdog groups. Which of the following gifts is NOT mentioned in the song?

A. A whip  B. A hammer  C. Tacks   D. An asbestos teddy bear

9. In "Jingle Bells," the singer says that one day he went out on the snow and fell on his back. A gentleman then came by in a one-horse open sleigh. What does he do?

A. He sings a song  B. He lifts the fallen man and carries him inside   C. He alights from his sleigh and falls down himself  D. He laughs and rides away

10. In "Winter Wonderland," the singers build a snowman, and pretend that he is Parson Brown. What is their answer when this fictional clergyman asks if they are married?

A. Oh, yes!  B. No, man!  C. Get lost!  D. As if!

11. In "Let it Snow," which consumable product does the singer offer as an inducement to his love interest to stay by the fire?

A. Wine for drinking  B. Cheese for slicing  C. Chips for dipping  D. Corn for popping

12. In "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," what is it that the kids in Girl and Boy Land will have?

A. A jubilee  B. A holly, jolly Christmas  C. A gay old time  D. Whatever their hearts desire

13. Complete this line: "I'll be home for Christmas / If only --"

A. you'll lend us a couple of bob `til Thursday  B. you're there, too  C. in my dreams D. for the gifts

14. Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch. "Silver Bells”"describes pre-holiday excitement and refers to Santa's big---

A. Belly  B. Scene  C. Opportunity   D. Headache

15. Which of the following lyrics do NOT appear in a Christmas song?

A. Ho ho ho  B. Fa la la la la  C. Pa rum pa pum pum  D. Sha la la  E. Turelurelu   F. Patapatapan   G. Lullay lullay  H. Fum fum fum

(Answers below.....)

[1-(C) Eskimos; 2-(D) I'll be back...; 3- (A) Truth and grace; 4-(A) He smiles; 5-(D) Glory to God...6-(D) Nuttin; 7-(C) throws cares away; 8-(D) asbetos teddy bear; 9-(D) He laughs and rides away; 10- (B) No, Man! ; 11-(D) Corn for popping; 12(A) a jubilee; 13- (C) in my dreams; 14-(B) Scene; 15(D) Sha la la]