Morning Edition Hosts Test Their Holiday Trivia Knowledge in Festive Game In the spirit of the holiday season, the hosts of NPR's flagship morning news program, Morning Edition, engaged in a lighthearted game of "Do You Know Your Ho-Ho-Ho!" — a seasonal trivia challenge compiled by the editors of Southern Living magazine. Veteran host Michel Martin and her co-host, Leila Fadel, put their holiday knowledge to the test, answering a series of questions on topics ranging from traditional Christmas customs to the origins of popular yuletide symbols and imagery. The impromptu trivia session came as a delightful respite from the program's usual in-depth reporting on weighty national and global affairs. Listeners were treated to a glimpse of the hosts' more playful sides as they navigated questions about the history of candy canes, the meanings behind various Christmas tree decorations, and the etymology of familiar holiday phrases. "This is a nice change of pace from our usual Morning Edition fare," remarked Martin with a chuckle as the game got underway. "I'm feeling pretty confident about my Christmas knowledge, but we'll see how I do against Leila." Fadel, the newer addition to the Morning Edition team, gamely accepted the challenge, noting that the holiday season held special significance for her as a Muslim. "While I don't celebrate Christmas myself, I've always been fascinated by the rich cultural traditions and symbolism surrounding this time of year," she said. "Let's see if I can hold my own against our veteran host!" The trivia questions proved to be a mix of easy and head-scratching, with both hosts demonstrating impressive breadth of knowledge on yuletide trivia. Martin confidently rattled off facts about the origins of mistletoe and the traditional colors of Christmas, while Fadel impressed with her insights on the history of popular holiday songs and the significance of the Yule log. At times, the two hosts engaged in friendly banter, playfully teasing each other over missed questions or debating the finer points of holiday lore. Listeners were treated to an entertaining and lighthearted exchange that provided a welcome contrast to the more serious news coverage that typically fills the Morning Edition airwaves. "I have to say, Leila, I'm impressed with your holiday knowledge," Martin said at one point. "Maybe I've met my match when it comes to all things Christmas!" Fadel smiled and replied, "Well, you know what they say — the student can sometimes surpass the teacher. Though I have to admit, you've got me beat on a few of these questions. Looks like we're both holiday trivia masters in our own right." By the end of the game, the hosts had navigated a diverse array of questions, from the significance of the Advent calendar to the origins of popular Christmas movies. While the final score was not explicitly revealed, both Martin and Fadel demonstrated an admirable command of holiday-themed trivia, much to the delight of the listening audience. The lighthearted exchange served as a reminder that even the most seasoned news professionals can take a break from the serious business of journalism to engage in some festive fun. In a year marked by so much uncertainty and upheaval, the "Do You Know Your Ho-Ho-Ho!" segment provided a welcome respite — a chance for listeners to join in the holiday cheer and appreciate the human side of the hosts they've come to know and trust. As the game drew to a close, Martin and Fadel expressed their hope that the trivia challenge had brought a smile to the faces of their audience, many of whom may have been feeling the weight of the past year. "We could all use a little more holiday spirit these days," Fadel said. "I'm glad we got to share a bit of that with you this morning." The "Do You Know Your Ho-Ho-Ho!" segment underscored the versatility and adaptability of Morning Edition, a program that has long been a trusted source of in-depth news and analysis. By seamlessly incorporating lighthearted seasonal content, the hosts demonstrated the program's ability to cater to the diverse interests and moods of its listeners, offering a well-rounded listening experience that encompasses both serious journalism and moments of levity. As the holiday season continues to unfold, listeners can undoubtedly look forward to more engaging and entertaining segments from the Morning Edition team, providing a welcome respite from the stresses of daily life and a chance to revel in the joys of the most wonderful time of the year.