Celebrate! The Holidays
Christmas
The non-religious celebration of Christmas is centered around giving gifts, and Santa Claus is the American center of children’s holiday experiences. Read about the legend of Saint Nicholas and how he is remembered around the world as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, and other cultural traditions.
www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/around-the-world-2/
The decorated Christmas tree becomes the center of activity in American homes at Christmas. Find out how the tradition began and how it is observed around the world.
www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas-trees
Most families have their own favorite recipes for the Christmas season. Follow this link to recipes for a wide selection of Christmas cookies.
www.allrecipes.com/recipes/841/holidays-and-events/christmas/desserts/christmas-cookies/
HGTV offers 60 fun Christmas crafts you can do with kids!
www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/50-christmas-crafts-for-kids-pictures
Hanukkah
Another name for Hanukkah is “Festival of Lights.” Use this guide and its links to gain a better understanding of the holiday and instructions for celebrating, including how to play the dreidel game and recipes for traditional dishes.
www.myjewishlearning.com/article/hanukkah-how-to-celebrate-the-festival-of-lights/
This blogger shares her favorite Hanukkah books for preschoolers as well as a simple latke recipe and craft instructions.
www.multiculturalkidblogs.com/2014/12/02/celebrating-hanukkah-with-kids/
Instructions for playing Dreidel.
www.myjewishlearning.com/article/how-to-play-dreidel/
Enjoy these 10 Hanukkah songs with your family!
www.kveller.com/article/top-ten-hanukkah-songs/
Ramadan
This easy-read resource explains the holiday of Ramadan and traditions for celebration. www.kiddyhouse.com/Ramadan/
A Muslim mother living in a non-Muslim country shares tips for helping children prepare and become excited about Ramadan.
www.productivemuslim.com/get-your-kids-to-love-ramadan/
Create this beautiful “Henna Hands” project designed by Crayola. www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/celebrate-with-henna-hands-lesson-plan/?utm_source=cj_Skimlinks&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=2017_evergreen_affiliate&utm_content=Shop%20at%20Crayola.com!&src=cj1025
Kwaanza
This very detailed website gives a lot of information for parents who want to understand the roots and incorporate the practices of this holiday.
www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org
With this collection of Kwanzaa crafts for toddlers, you’ll be prepared for an exciting celebration!
www.activityvillage.co.uk/kwanzaa-crafts
No holiday celebration is complete without memorable music. www.songsforteaching.com/kwanzaasongs/
New Year
The beginning of the New Year is celebrated differently around the world, even on different dates! Enjoy learning more about different New Year traditions. www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/new-year-celebrations-around-world/
www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/38341760
“Auld Lang Syne” is a traditional New Year’s song in American and European societies. The original song is Scottish. This video includes the lyrics as well as English translation. www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPnhaGWBnys
Older preschoolers may enjoy learning about time zones. This world clock activity will get them started!
www.playtivities.com/teaching-time-zones-simple-way/
Get your older children involved in figuring out where the New Year will come first! www.study.com/academy/lesson/understanding-time-zones-lesson-for-kids.html
Spring Festival
The Spring Festival goes by many names, including Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year, Asian New Year. There are variations throughout Asia in regards to celebrations and traditions. This website explains common traditions with links to more information. www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/new-year/customs.htm
Fans, origami, dragons and more! Keep your little ones busy with these Spring Festival craft ideas!
www.activityvillage.co.uk/chinese-new-year-crafts
www.dltk-holidays.com/china/