Christmas Around the World Activity

I've created a Christmas Around the World activity basket for tonight's Christmas fun. Get out your map and celebrate Christmas around the world with us.

Christmas in Italy - Nativity scenes are what Christmas is all about in Italy. The tradition of portraying the Christ child in miniature began in Italy and even today almost every home displays the scene. Last night my family visited a live nativity and Christmas concert at the Washington DC LDS temple. In our basket is the explanation of this Christmas tradition tied with a star ornament to hang on our tree.

Christmas in Ireland - Placing a lit candle in the window is a Christmas tradition especially important in Ireland. It glows to welcome Mary and Joseph and any other poor or lonely travelers along the road. The Christmas Around the World basket holds a candle with the explanation of the tradition wrapped around it.  Tonight we will light the candle in honor of Irish tradition; however, we'll use our candle to light our table for tonight's Christmas activities.

Christmas in England - What is more English about Christmas than Charles Dickens? Hidden in our basket is a copy of A Christmas Carol.  A bookmark inside the book announces its English heritage.  My kids love reading A Christmas Carol so we'll snuggle up and continue the tradition as well as learn about Charles Dickens' life.  An audio version is available online.

Christmas in Germany - Beginning in the fall gingerbread hearts tied with ribbon can be found at every autumn fair in Germany. Gingerbread is a famous Christmas tradition that became especially popular with the publishing of the German Fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. We'll celebrate a German Christmas by making gingerbread heart cookies to enjoy while we read around candlelight.

Christmas in Japan - A Japanese Christmas tradition of peace and hope is the origami swam. The swan – “bird of peace” – is exchanged at Christmastime as a pledge for peace and goodwill across the world. Using these directions we'll put our origami skills to the test once again to make our own origami swan.

An American Christmas - Corn has been an American tradition since the Indians shared their corn with the Pilgrims long ago. It became part of the holiday tradition as families strung popcorn and cranberries for a festive garland or mixed it with butter and maple syrup for tasty popcorn balls. Corn will once again be part of Christmas as we string our own popcorn garland and talk about the Christmas of early American families. This is of special interest to my kids since we just finished listening to The Little House books. Many times Laura talks about popcorn as part of their family celebrations.

I made several of these baskets to share with our friends as well.  Merry Christmas!