Make a Christmas Countdown Card

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1. 1A traditionIn Iceland, children leave a shoe by the window for the 13 Yule Lads. The visitors arrive one at a time before Christmas, leaving small gifts or, in the folklore, a potato.
2. 2A jokeWhy did the wreath stay home? It was already hanging out.
3. 3A factA Christmas cracker's snap comes from two treated paper strips. Pulling them creates friction and a tiny explosion inside the cracker.
4. 4NoteConsider this door a reservation for the seat next to me on the sofa. You pick the Christmas movie.
5. 5A traditionIn Japan, Christmas cake is often a sponge cake with strawberries and whipped cream. Chocolate, fruit and ice-cream variations also join the festive selection.
6. 6A jokeWhere does a snowman keep his money? In a snowbank.
7. 7A factThe mistletoe hung for Christmas can grow on another tree's branches. European mistletoe takes water and nutrients from its host but also makes food using sunlight.
8. 8NoteAn ordinary evening with you, with the tree lights on, is one of my favorite parts of Christmas.
9. 9A traditionIn New Zealand, the Christmas holiday season falls in summer. Backyard cricket, beach days and food on the barbecue are part of the celebrations.
10. 10A jokeWhy was the Christmas tree bad at knitting? It kept dropping its needles.
11. 11A factBoth male and female reindeer grow antlers. They are unusual among deer, whose antlers are generally a male feature.
12. 12NoteA short walk, a few Christmas lights, your hand in mine. That is a December plan I can always get behind.
13. 13A traditionIn Portugal, Christmas midnight Mass is known as the Rooster's Mass. Nativity scenes have a special place in churches and homes during the celebrations.
14. 14A jokeWhat is a Christmas tree's favorite candy? Orna-mints.
15. 15A factThe holly berries used in festive decorations are food for birds. Blackbirds and fieldfares can eat much of a garden's berry display before Christmas.
16. 16NoteIf our Christmas song comes on, I am turning it up. You have been warned.
17. 17A traditionIn Poland, sharing a white wafer is part of the traditional Christmas Eve supper. People offer one another good wishes as they share it.
18. 18A jokeWhy did the gingerbread cookie visit the doctor? It was feeling crumbly.
19. 19A factYou can get a clue to your Christmas tree's identity from its needles. Pine needles grow in bundles, while fir and spruce needles attach individually.
20. 20NoteYou make even a kitchen full of dishes a place I want to be. Though I would also be happy to leave them and sit with you.
21. 21A traditionIn Alsace, France, Christmas markets bring little chalets, decorations and festive treats to town squares. In Strasbourg, visitors can sample treats called bredele and manele.
22. 22A jokeWhat is a snowball's favorite dance? The freeze-style.
23. 23A factChristmas cactus is a forest plant, despite its name. Its relatives grow in humid South American forests, including on tree trunks and branches.
24. 24NoteI like being your teammate, even when the job is finding the end of the tape. Especially then, actually.

The Christmas Day message

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