1. Elves and Reindeer
Let E be the number of elves and R be the number of reindeer.
Each elf has 2 legs and each reindeer has 4 legs.
Total legs: 2E + 4R = 38
We can simplify: E + 2R = 19
We also know that there are 14 creatures: E + R = 14
Subtract the second equation from the first: (E + 2R) - (E + R) = 19 - 14
R = 5
Then E = 14 - R = 14 - 5 = 9
Answer: 5 reindeer and 9 elves.
2. Santa's Elves
Each elf wraps 1 gift per minute.
5 elves can wrap 5 gifts per minute.
In 3 minutes, they can wrap 5 * 3 = 15 gifts.
Answer: 15 gifts.
3. Christmas Cards
There are 4 friends: Tom, Lisa, Braydon, and Peta.
Each friend gives a card to each of the other 3 friends.
Each person gives 3 cards.
Total cards given out: 4 * 3 = 12.
Answer: 12 cards.
4. Gift Wrapping
Let M be the number of gifts Marcus wrapped.
Jenni wrapped 5 more than Marcus: J = M + 5
Together they wrapped 17: J + M = 17
Substitute: (M + 5) + M = 17
2M + 5 = 17
2M = 12
M = 6
Answer: Marcus wrapped 6 gifts.
5. Decorations
Let D be the initial number of decorations.
Henry took half: D/2
Remaining: D/2
Liza took half of the remaining: (1/2) * (D/2) = D/4
Left: D/2 - D/4 = D/4
We know D/4 = 3
So D = 12
Answer: 12 decorations.
6. Snow Friends
We have four snow people: Frosty, Snow White, Jack Frost, Snow Flake.
Order from shortest to tallest.
Frosty is not the tallest or the shortest. So Frosty is in the middle.
Snow White is taller than Jack Frost and Snow Flake.
Jack Frost is not the shortest.
So the shortest must be Snow Flake (since Jack Frost is not the shortest, and Frosty is not the shortest).
So shortest: Snow Flake
Then Jack Frost (since Snow White is taller than Jack Frost and Snow Flake)
Then Frosty (since Frosty is not the shortest or tallest)
Then tallest: Snow White
Order: Snow Flake, Jack Frost, Frosty, Snow White.
Answer: Snow Flake, Jack Frost, Frosty, Snow White.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of printable christmas riddles.
