Creative Spark – Christmas is in the air!

Decoration Photo credit: Christian Ferrari

Well the onslaught has started, the shopping centres have begun the push to Christmas consumerism, and catalogues fill our letterboxes to overflow.  But what does this mean for you in the classroom?

Children are aware (here in Australia anyway) that our big summer holiday is on the way – that brings an air of excitement! It is report writing time; the weather is changing (either into a snowy winter or hot summer); celebration plans are underway whether it be for thanksgiving, St Nicholas’ Day, Christmas Eve, New Year…this time of year is rich with customs and celebrations whatever your heritage.

It is a fantastic time to do some research on other cultures around the world.  Wikipedia is as always a rich source of information.   Split the class into groups and have each group explore the end of year traditions on each continent.

Christmas in South America for example is quite different to Christmas in Australia, or the US or England, and   many traditions in Europe pre-date Christianity. Challenge children to find 5 different customs from 5 different countries around the world – your class could then discuss and celebrate a multinational Christmas!

There are some fun characters to research as alternatives to the Santa Claus we associate with, such as Papa Noel, El Niño Dios, Dun Che Lao Ren, Hoteiosha, Babushka, Julenisse, La Befana, Balthazar, Tomte…see if the children can research which countries these characters come from, and discover the traditional foods that are enjoyed and greetings exchanged.

The themes that run throughout celebrations all around the world are coming together with family and friends, giving thanks, vibrant decorations, singing, special feast foods and in many cases traditional gifts with symbolic meaning.

Revisit the Appreciation Chain activity – this is a great idea to decorate the classroom, and reflect on the things to be thankful for in our lives.

Or try to make the fantastic Christmas ‘Palm’ Tree inspired by the countries who celebrate a hot dry Christmas!

However you chose to celebrate the end of the year in your school, make it vibrant and bright and full of fun!