Christmas is a magical time of year, rich with traditions that vary widely across the globe. For homeschool co-ops, it presents a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the diversity of holiday customs and foster a sense of global awareness. Hosting a “Christmas Around the World” event can be a memorable way to celebrate the season while learning about geography, culture, and history. Here’s how to plan a festive and educational co-op event.
Set the Vision
The goal of the event is to give children a glimpse into how Christmas is celebrated in different countries. This can include traditions, foods, songs, stories, and unique customs. Decide on the format of the event—will it be a series of stations highlighting different countries, or a shared group activity?
Tip: Involve parents by assigning each family a country to research and present.
Choose Countries to Feature
Pick several countries to spotlight, ensuring a mix of continents and cultures. Here are some ideas:
- Mexico: Celebrate with piñatas and learn about Las Posadas.
- Germany: Share the origins of the Christmas tree and enjoy gingerbread cookies.
- Japan: Explore how Christmas is celebrated in a non-Christian majority country, with a focus on light displays and KFC meals.
- Ethiopia: Learn about Orthodox Christian traditions and the celebration of Genna.
- Philippines: Highlight the world’s longest Christmas season and the Paról (star lanterns).
- Sweden: Dive into the story of Saint Lucia and enjoy saffron buns.
Plan Activities
Engage the children with hands-on activities. Here are a few ideas:
- Crafts: Create ornaments inspired by the countries’ traditions, such as Mexican papel picado or Swedish star ornaments.
- Storytime: Read folk tales or holiday stories from the featured countries.
- Music: Sing Christmas carols in different languages or play traditional instruments.
- Games: Incorporate cultural games, like a piñata for Mexico or a trivia quiz about Christmas customs.
Prepare Food and Snacks
Food is a great way to experience a culture! Encourage families to bring dishes from the countries they’re presenting. Include items like German stollen, Mexican tamales, or Swedish pepparkakor cookies.
Tip: Label each dish with the country and a brief description for added educational value.
Decorate and Set the Scene
Transform your event space with decorations inspired by the countries you’ve chosen. Hang up flags, create a “passport” station for kids to collect stamps or stickers as they visit each country, and display maps and photos for context.
End with a Celebration
Conclude the event with a group activity, such as a mini Christmas concert where the kids sing carols they’ve learned, or a short play reenacting global holiday traditions. You could also invite families to share what they’ve learned about their assigned countries.
Why It Matters
Hosting a Christmas Around the World event helps children appreciate the unique ways people celebrate the same holiday. It’s a wonderful way to combine faith, fun, and education while encouraging curiosity about the world. Events like these are not only educational but also create lasting memories for children and families alike. As a homeschool educator, you have the freedom to blend creativity with learning, making the season even more meaningful.
