Introduction:
Christmas is a holiday celebrated in various ways around the world. It’s an ideal time to teach middle school students about different cultures, traditions, and customs while keeping them engaged in fun-filled activities. Here are 22 Christmas around the world activities that will not only educate but also entertain middle schoolers.
1.Global Christmas card exchange – Organize a card exchange program with a school from another country and encourage students to learn about each other’s traditions.
2.Christmas trivia quiz – Learn about different countries’ holiday customs through a fun and informative quiz competition.
3.World map advent calendar – Create an advent calendar featuring different countries, unveiling unique holiday traditions each day leading to Christmas.
4.International recipe book – Compile a cookbook with traditional Christmas recipes from various countries and have students make the dishes together.
5.Global caroling – Teach students popular Christmas songs from different cultures and organize a multicultural caroling session.
6.Around the world bulletin board – Create an informative display showcasing how different countries decorate their homes or public spaces for Christmas.
7.Festive arts and crafts – Guide students to create decorations inspired by various international holiday traditions, like making Swedish straw ornaments or Mexican tin art.
8.Holiday film festival – Screen family-friendly Christmas movies from different cultures during lunch breaks or after school hours.
9.International guest speakers – Invite guest speakers from various cultural backgrounds to share their holiday traditions with students.
10.Three Kings Day parade – Learn about Latin American culture by organizing a mini version of the elaborate Three Kings Day parade.
11.Hosting global potlucks – Have students bring traditional dishes from different countries for a taste-test experience like no other!
12.Origami ornament making – Practice fine motor skills by crafting beautiful origami ornaments inspired by Japanese culture.
13.Virtual field trip – Organize virtual tours of major cities worldwide during the festive season to see how they celebrate Christmas.
14.Kwanzaa celebration – Teach students about the African-American holiday Kwanzaa and its traditions, symbols, and importance.
15.Gingerbread house contest – Have students create unique gingerbread houses inspired by international architecture styles.
16.Yule log project – Study the Yule log tradition rooted in Scandinavian culture and have students make their own miniature version with faux fire logs.
17.Christmas storytelling – Share famous Christmas stories, legends, or folktales from around the world during reading time.
18.Hanukkah lesson plan – Educate students about the Jewish festival of Hanukkah and its customs like lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and preparing delicious latkes.
19.Winter Solstice celebration – Explore the significance of winter solstice in various cultures by discussing rituals like those in Native American and pagan traditions.
20.International Christmas fashion parade – Study traditional clothing associated with Christmas in various countries and organize a fun fashion parad
21.Language lessons – Teach basic holiday greetings or phrases in different languages to promote cultural understanding.
22.Diwali celebration – Discuss the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, highlighting its significance and similarities with Christmas, such as exchanging gifts, feasting, and home decorations.
Conclusion:
These 22 Christmas around the world activities for middle schoolers ensure that students learn about other cultures while engaging in entertaining and educational experiences. Embrace this festive season as a chance to celebrate our global community and share the joy of learning with your students.
