Christmas Memories Trivia Quiz

Answer: Silly Putty

In 1957 Silly Putty had already been around for nearly a decade, but that year saw the first advertisement for it on television. The ad was aired during "The Howdy Doody Show" reinforcing the idea that the plastic egg full of amusing goop was for children rather than adults. I always enjoyed using it to "lift" comics from the newspaper, after which I would stretch them into silly shapes.

The other choices all came on the market in the 1960s.

Answer: No

Her first Christmas as Queen was 1952, and her message was broadcast to Britain and the Commonwealth over the radio. Not until 1957 did she appear on television, seated at a writing table and referring occasionally to written notes during a message lasting about seven minutes.

It is interesting to hear her speaking about the "new technology" (television) and how society was dealing with it.

Answer: The Chipmunks

Nearly fifty years later, Alvin, Theodore and Simon and "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" were back in Billboard's Hot 100 following the success of the 2007 film "Alvin and the Chipmunks".

I remember that it used to be great fun to make almost any singer sound like a Chipmunk, by selecting 78 rpm on one's record player then putting on a record meant to be played at a slower speed.

Answer: The Bobbsey Twins

There were two sets of twins in the family, Bert and Nan being about six years older than Flossie and Freddie. Published under the pseudonym Laura Lee Hope, the original series of 72 books was released between 1904 and 1979. I most remember one with a colourful cover picture of the twins having fun on their sleds on a snowy hill.

Answer: Mr Magoo's Christmas Carol

Quincy Magoo was the old chap who in this case took on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge to comic effect. Jim Backus provided his voice, and musical numbers included "We're Despicable" and "Ringle Ringle". Mr Magoo's antics always made me laugh, and this show was no exception.

Answer: A circular sliding device

The picture shows a small child wrapped up in a snowsuit sitting on what appears to be a garbage can lid with two straps for hand holds. I never had one of these, but believe my toboggan to have been superior, and definitely safer!

Answer: Yes

Catalogues carried a variety of children's slippers, featuring various cartoon characters or cute animals, as well as more subtle designs. It was also possible to buy slippers direct from five and dime stores or dedicated shoe stores, of course.

Answer: Neil Armstrong

Armstrong made his trip to the moon in July of the following year, becoming the first person to set foot on the lunar surface. Borman was mission commander of Apollo 8. Lovell, who was command module pilot in this instance was in command of 1970's ill-fated Apollo 13.

Answer: Pierre Trudeau

Trudeaumania swept Canada during the Liberal leadership and federal election campaigns of 1968. When Pierre Trudeau's first two sons, Justin and Sacha, were born on Christmas Day it seemed that he might be angling for an even higher position than PM. Justin became leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in 2013, following in his father's footsteps.

Answer: Al Jolson

The movies were "The Jolson Story" (1946) and "Jolson Sings Again" (1949) and I remember being allowed to stay up to watch them on more than one New Year's Eve. The soundtracks featured Jolson's voice singing many of his most famous songs.