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Why Christmas: Christmas Traditions and Customs

For Students 1st - 8th
Find out how the history of various Christmas traditions and customs started, how they are celebrated, and what they represent and mean. Included are facts about Boxing Day, Advent, holly & ivy, Christmas cards, mince pies, and lots...
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Christmas Traditions in France and in Canada

For Students 9th - 10th
This site offers much information about Christmas Traditions in France and in Canada: nativity scenes, religious events, festivities, as well as details about the origins of Christmas and its evolution throughout time.
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Pennsylvania German Christmas Traditions

For Students 9th - 10th
From the Amish Country News. Many Christmas traditions you're probably unfamiliar with.
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Virtual Museum of Canada

Virtual Museum of Canada: Christmas Traditions in France and Canada

For Students Pre-K - 1st
This resource describes the differences and similarities between French and Canadian Christmas traditions. The best information can be found by clicking on the embedded links. Link to the French version is at bottom of page.
Activity
OpenStax

Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Mexican Music: A Christmas Tradition

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
Learn about the Mexican Christmas tradition La Posada in this activity. Provided is the music and lyrics to a traditional posada song. The lyrics are available in both Spanish and English.
Article
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Your Irish: Christmas Traditions in Ireland

For Students 9th - 10th
A description of Christmas traditions in Ireland, including decorations, church services, meals, and the day after Christmas (St. Stephen's Day).
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Strasbourg L'europeenne: Christmas in Europe: Christmas Traditions in Europe

For Students 3rd - 8th
A look at Christmas customs and traditions in different countries of Europe, and the names given to Santa Claus.
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Irish Christmas Facts Traditions of the Celtic Holiday Season

For Students 9th - 10th
Many short stories relating to Irish Christmas traditions.
Handout
Ireland Information

Irish Christmas Traditions

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief summary of many Christmas traditions in Ireland.
Handout
Museum of Science

Museum of Science and Industry: Christmas Traditions in Germany

For Students 9th - 10th
A look at how Christmas and its holiday traditions are celebrated in Germany.
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Victorian Web

Victorian Web: Dickens "The Man Who Invented Christmas"

For Students 9th - 10th
This interesting essay highlights ways in which Charles Dickens's "Christmas books" re-introduced Christmas traditions to Victorian England. The essay explains changes in Victorian society as well as the importance that Christmas...
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Forum Ukrainian Review: Christmas Traditions of Ukraine

For Students 9th - 10th
A detailed article focusing on all aspects of Ukrainian Christmas as celebrated from earliest times to the present. Although the publication is not recent, the historical facts are accurate and provide useful research information.
Article
A&E Television

History.com: How 25 Christmas Traditions Got Their Start

For Students 9th - 10th
Christmas in America has been filled with traditions, old and new. Some date back to 16th-century Germany or even ancient Greek times, while others have caught on in modern times. Here's a look at 25 ways Americans have celebrated the...
Article
A&E Television

History.com: How Ghost Stories Became a Christmas Tradition in Victorian England

For Students 9th - 10th
Spooky stories featuring the supernatural were all the rage during the darkest time of the year. Towards the end of each year, as fireplaces are lit and hot cocoa is made, Americans have made it a tradition to revisit their favorite...
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Other

Mexico Christmas Traditions & Customs

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief description of Christmas traditions and customs in Mexico.
Interactive
British Council

Learn English Kids: My Favorite Day: Christmas

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Listen to a story about Christmas traditions in United Kingdom. Included are Christmas activities, a quiz about Christmas traditions, and descriptions of many children's favorite days.
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Incredible Art Department

The Incredible Art Department: Christmas

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Explains the history of Christmas, its significance in religion, and its traditions and customs. Presents lesson suggestions from teachers and links to Christmas arts and crafts lessons and resources.
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Other

Kiddy House: All About Christmas Kids and Teachers

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Check out this awesome secular Christmas resource. This site offers songs, customs, themes and more.
Activity
Other

Christmas Traditions in Brazil

For Students 9th - 10th
Each country celebrates Christmas in their own diverse way. Find out what the customs and traditions are like in Brazil.
Website
Virtual Museum of Canada

Virtual Museum of Canada: Christmas Traditions in France and Canada

For Students Pre-K - 1st
This resource describes the differences between French and Canadian Christmas celebrations, in French and English. The embedded links in the text contain the most extensive information. Link to French version is at bottom of home page.
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Christmas Day, December 25

For Students 3rd - 8th
Christmas traditions are unique to each family. But we share a common origin of this special holiday. Learn about the fundamentals of this celebration at this Library of Congress site.
Handout
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Why Christmas: Christmas Traditions and Customs: Kwanzaa

For Students 3rd - 8th
Learn all about the holiday of Kwanzaa which celebrates African and African-American culture and history each December.
Website
White House Historical Association

White House Historical Association: Christmas Tree Themes

For Students K - 1st
The White House Historical Association takes a look at how Christmas has been celebrated in the White House throughout history. A chronicle of how Christmas trees have been decorated and the themes used by the various First Ladies. Also...
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American Antiquarian Society: Visions of Christmas

For Students 9th - 10th
Online exhibition that presents the history and traditions of the Christmas holiday through the years. Here you can discover the origins of Santa, the Christmas tree, and the poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas".

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