Mental Floss

CHRISTMAS

See if you can decipher this twisted tune.

It’s time to play Tune Twist, where we translate the lyrics of popular songs into multiple languages and then back into English. Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it?

mentalfloss .com




Illustration of people enjoying wassail, circa 1800.

Here‘s everything you need to know about this beloved Christmas tradition, from how it evolved to a fun guide for doing it yourself.

Lucas Reilly




‘The Polar Express’

Based on the classic 1985 children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, the movie follows a young Santa Claus skeptic on a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

Michele Debczak


A holly sprig is considered a traditional part of the garnish.

Figgy pudding might be a fixture in Christmas carol lyrics, but you've probably never seen it in person. So just what is this British dish we've been singing about for all these years?

Michele Debczak






See if you can decipher this twisted tune.

It’s time to play Tune Twist, where we translate the lyrics of popular songs into multiple languages and then back into English. Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it?

mentalfloss .com








Michael Putland/Getty Images

Over the course of his illustrious career, George Michael gave the world many gifts. One that keeps on giving is “Last Christmas,” the 1984 holiday classic by Wham!, Michael's pop duo with Andrew Ridgeley.

Kenneth Partridge