Christmas trees can be as large and elaborate as the tree in Rockefeller Center, or as small and understated as Charlie Brown's tree in A Charlie Brown Christmas. But where did the tradition of Christmas trees come from? An engaging lesson plan prompts learners to delve into the Victorian origins of Christmas trees, and to analyze modern symbols as part of the Christmas tradition.

Concepts

christmas, christmas trees, christmas decorations, christmas symbols, christmas traditions, queen victoria, the victorian era, victorian britain

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have small groups rotate through centers to discuss each part of the lesson
• Play excerpts from A Charlie Brown Christmas and other movies that feature Christmas trees

Classroom Considerations

• Does not discuss winter holidays other than Christmas
• Lesson works best in December
• Images are in color; consider projecting the page onto the board to save ink

Pros

• Provides an answer key
• Comes with all necessary readings and printouts

Cons

• None