Multicultural Christmas: The Ways Other Children Celebrate

Christmas is a special time of the year and since the United States is such a melting pot of many nationalities it seems appropriate to teach your children about the mixture of customs from other countries. Around the world, Christmas is a 30-day celebration. It starts at Advent (four Sundays before Christmas - the coming of Christ) and lasts until January 6, Epiphany (when the three Magi or kings first saw the Christ child in Bethlehem). Below are several Christmas traditions from other countries. These activities are my favorites and I use them to broaden the viewpoint of this holiday to my children and grandchildren.

Pomander Ball (England)

"Pome" refers to a ball or round fruit and "ander" refers to amber, so hence a pomander becomes a ball of amber. It was a gift brought to Bethlehem by the Magi. In England, these pomander balls are hung in homes for sweet aroma and hopes of bright sunshine to return, chasing the gray skies of winter away. With your children, poke small holes into an orange around its sphere. Let the children place whole cloves into these holes. Tie the orange with two lengths of ribbon, knotted to form a loop. Hang these in your home for the sweet fragrance of Christmas.

Holiday Treat Crackers (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales)

In the countries of the British Isles, a game of tug-of-war is played with these paper crackers. Two children tug at the ends until the cracker burst, spilling treats on the floor for the children to gather. A sheet of crêpe paper works well for this project, although other paper may be substituted. Place several wrapped candies in the center of the paper. Twist each end of the paper, about 3-inches from the end. Tie each twist with ribbon knotting it tightly.

Twelfth Night Crown (France)

January 6th is also known as Twelfth Night, as it is 12 days after the birth of Christ on December 25th. In honor of the Magi, it's also called "Three King's Day." The children might enjoy wearing a Magi's crown for the day. Use strips of posterboard, cut 8-inches by 24-inches. Cut points into half the width of each strip. Cover the cardboard crown with aluminum foil. Measure around the child's head and tape the sides together. Let the kids glue on jewels made from colorful pieces of construction paper.

Advent Wreath (Germany)

In German homes, a circle of greenery surrounding four candles is placed on the table. One candle is lit on each of the four Sundays of Advent before Christmas Day. To make an Advent wreath remove the center circle from a paper plate, leaving the outside ring. Have the children trace their hands on green construction paper several times. Glue these onto the wreath slightly overlapping. The hands are to represent the evergreens. Next, draw and cut out four red paper candles. Glue these on the wreath evenly spaced. Use yellow construction paper to make flames for the candles. Add gold glitter for sparkle if you wish. Note, you might wait and paste on one candle per week of the Advent. This process will teach children more about the holiday.

Dutch Christmas Tree (Holland)

Christmas is a two-day holiday celebrated on December 25th and 26^th in Holland. The families gather and decorate their trees with red apples tied on the branches and a bright star ornament on top. Invite your children to cut out a tree shape from green construction paper. Use a hole punch to make small red circles to represent apples. Glue these onto the tree randomly and attach a gold star sticker at the top.

Polish Celebration (Poland)

Christmas Eve starts with the celebration in Poland with a traditional Willia dinner, containing many courses without meat. It begins as soon as the first star is seen in the dark sky, a ceremony that symbolizes love and peace. For an activity, hide several paper stars before the children enter the room. Ask your kids to hunt for the stars and once the first star is found serve a snack or meal.

These are only a few of the many multicultural customs around the world that are celebrated for Christmas. I hope you enjoy these activities and feel free to comment below on other customs you may celebrate in your home.

Source:

Stevens, Dvergsten Beth. Celebrate Christmas Around the World. Teacher Created Materials, 1994

Activities have been adapted and used personally by Tania Cowling

More from this contributor:

Christmas Ornaments for Kids to Make: Think Nature and Go Green

Celebrating Kwanzaa with Young Children: Crafts

Games to Play When Ringing in the New Year with the Kids