By Ms. Kalbach Christmas Around The World. How do other children in the world celebrate Christmas?

By Ms. Kalbach

Christmas AroundThe World

How do other children in the world celebrate Christmas?

Children in England hang stockings on their fireplace mantles to be filled

with goodies by Father Christmas.

In Denmark children look for an almond in their rice pudding

for good luck in the new year.

Nearly every family in France displays a Nativity scene or creche.

St. Lucia wears a wreath of seven candles to light her way as she serves

warm drinks and treats in Sweden.

The tradition of decorating the Christmas Tree is a tradition

that began in Germany.

Dutch children leave carrots in their shoes for Sinterklaas’ white horse. The carrots are replaced with small gifts.

In Italy, children await La Befana,the Christmas witch, to bring gifts

for the good children and punishment for the bad.

In Mexico, children get candy from a pinata by hitting it with a stick until it breaks.

People of Jewish faith celebrate Hanukkah with a dreidel and a Menorah.

In America we love Santa!

What is your favorite way to celebrate Christmas?

Merry Christmas To All!

Books About Christmas Around The World

Web Resources for Christmas Around The World

Christmas Around the WorldChristmas Around the World teaches teachers and students how cultures around the world enjoy this holiday with music, recipes, and different traditions, including how the cultures view Santa Claus. http://christmas.com/worldview/

Holidays: Jerry's Christmas WonderlandBackground information on Christmas and traditions that go along with the holiday; links to music files, sounds clips to Christmas movies, and information on Christmas symbols such as the poinsettia and the Christmas Tree. http://wilstar.com/xmas/

ChristmasThis Newfoundland elementary school created a resource page with links to sites about the meaning of Christmas and the symbols and traditions surrounding the holiday. http://www.stemnet.nf.ca/CITE/christmas.htm

Christmas Thematic UnitA Christmas page from Kids Domain; stories and books about the season, holiday games, and recipes that would tempt Scrooge. http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/index.html

Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!Fun activities for Christmas! http://www.countrygraphics.com/fun.html

The History of ChristmasTravel back in time 4,000 years with this concise history of Christmas. http://www.holidays.net/christmas/story.htm

Merry Christmas in 135 LanguagesTeach your students how to wish everyone a Merry Christmas in 135 languages; this could be a wonderful addition to your "Christmas Around the World" unit. Students can also click on the country to see the flag and national anthem. http://www.flw.com/merry.htm

Christmas Around The World

After we visit the resource websites together, please

complete the Christmas Around The World worksheet. You may

work in pairs.