Christmas Around the World Facts and Resources

Jingle those bells and start wrapping the frankincense — the Christmas season is upon us once again.  All around the world, people are gearing up for a big celebration.  Here at Father Christmas’s workshop CGP+, we have everything you need to get your class in the festive spirit.

Christmas is a global phenomenon, so why not encourage pupils to think about the diverse ways Christmas can be celebrated in places other than the UK?  Some of the pupils in your class might have their own traditions, or not celebrate Christmas at all.  By talking about different traditions, we can help to make sure everyone feels included no matter what their winter festivities are.

There are enough facts to stuff a stocking with our Christmas Fun Facts Display, and even better, it’ll have your classroom looking more decorated than a toy-shop window too.  Here’s a sneaky peek. 

Did you snow know…

…that in Sweden, Christmas presents are brought by the Yule Goat?  A giant version of the goat, made out of straw, is put up every year in Gävle – but it’s been subject to many arson attempts.

…that in Venezuela, people in Caracas roller-skate on their way to Christmas Mass?  It’s a tradition called las patinatas that started in the 1950s, and it’s so popular that many streets are closed to traffic just for the occasion.

…that in Germany, children leave boots outside their door the night before Epiphany (January 6^th)?  If they’ve been good, they’ll have a shoeful of sweets – but it’s branches for anyone who’s been a brat.

…that in Japan, a marketing campaign for KFC in 1974 means that it’s now traditional to have fried chicken as a Christmas Eve dinner?

…that in Iceland, the Yule Cat is said to roam the countryside?  Should someone not receive any new clothes before Christmas Eve, they’re in danger of being eaten by the Yule Cat – so if you’re in Iceland, don’t complain about getting socks as a present.

Tree-mendous Resources

However, there are so many more traditions out there to discover – which is where some of our Christmas activities come in.  Here are some of our favourites:

1. Christmas Around the World PowerPoint

Give your pupils an introduction to how Christmas is celebrated with this fun PowerPoint. It includes traditions from all over the world and covers the lead up to Christmas as well as the day itself.

2. Christmas Around the World Comprehension (Years 3-4)

Comprehension with a Christmas twist! Keep on practising comprehension skills right up until the end of term with this fun Christmas task. This activity is also available as a foundation resource.

3. Christmas Around the World Research Task (Years 5-6)

Why not get your pupils to do their own research into the festive season all over the globe?  This task asks children to find out how different cultures celebrate lots of aspects of Christmas, before summarising it into a report which could be presented to the class. There’s a version for Years 3-4 too.

4. Father Christmas and Friends Comprehension (Years 5-6)

Your pupils have probably heard of Father Christmas (and they might even have met him at his grotto), but do they know about the Befana or Krampus? Introduce your pupils to some festive figures from European folklore with this fun activity, which is also available for foundation level.

But wait – there’s myrrh!  Read last year’s festive blog and check out our Christmas resources page – they’re more stuffed than a turkey.  Put some sparkle into Christmas learning with CGP+.