The 2024 SYSK Christmas Extravaganza!
Stuff You Should Know
Deep Dive
Why did Holly Eitenmiller name her holiday cocktail 'Grandma's Christmas Breath'?
The name 'Grandma's Christmas Breath' likely plays on the common portrayal of grandmas as being a bit tipsy during the holidays, especially with drinks like whiskey and rum. The drink is a festive, boozy holiday cocktail.
Why did the King of Siam give an albino elephant as a gift if he didn't like someone?
The King of Siam would give an albino elephant as a gift to someone he didn't like because, while it was a lavish and prestigious gift, it was also a significant burden. Albino elephants were expensive to maintain and required a lot of care, effectively creating a long-term problem for the recipient.
Why did the White Elephant game originate in Siam?
The White Elephant game originated in Siam (now Thailand) from the practice of the King giving an albino elephant as a gift to courtiers he disliked. The elephant was a prestigious but burdensome gift, leading to the modern game where participants exchange unwanted or humorous gifts.
Why is the dollar limit important in the White Elephant game?
Setting a dollar limit in the White Elephant game ensures that gifts are affordable and encourages creativity. It prevents some players from showing off with expensive gifts and keeps the game fair and fun for everyone.
Why did the first Christmas tree in the White House use real candles?
The first Christmas tree in the White House, set up in 1889 during the Benjamin Harrison administration, used real candles to delight the grandchildren. This was before electricity was installed in the White House in 1891.
Why did Franklin Roosevelt continue to use candles on his Christmas tree despite the danger?
Franklin Roosevelt continued to use candles on his Christmas tree despite the danger because he preferred the traditional and nostalgic aspect of it, even though electric lights were available.
Why did Teddy Roosevelt not have a Christmas tree in the White House?
Teddy Roosevelt did not have a Christmas tree in the White House because it was not part of his family's tradition. This has been misinterpreted over the years as a ban due to his conservationist beliefs, but it was simply a personal preference.
Why did the Obamas set a record for the most Christmas trees in the White House?
The Obamas set a record for the most Christmas trees in the White House by bringing in 62 trees in 2015, surpassing the previous record of 47 trees set by the George W. Bush administration.
Why is the first Christmas movie considered groundbreaking?
The first Christmas movie, 'Santa Claus' (1898), directed by George Albert Smith, is considered groundbreaking because it was one of the earliest narrative films and featured special effects like a circular insert showing Santa climbing down a chimney, which was highly innovative for the time.
Why did 'Ziggy's Gift' win the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program in 1982?
Ziggy's Gift' won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program in 1982 due to its exceptional animation, which used nearly 140,000 drawings, and its well-crafted, sweet, and funny plot that resonated with audiences.
- Recipe for Grandma's Christmas Breath: Captain Morgan gingerbread rum, Grand Marnier, orange juice
- The drink is described as orangey and sweet, potentially improved by adjusting the ratio of ingredients.
- The hosts contemplate serving the cocktail as a punch, potentially with added soda water or other mixers.
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