Christmas Traditions Around the World

Christmas Traditions Around the World

As the festive season approaches, our preschoolers are buzzing with excitement and curiosity about Christmas traditions. What better way to embrace the spirit of the season than by taking a magical journey around the world to explore the diverse and enchanting ways different cultures celebrate Christmas? Join us as we unwrap the cultural treasures and festive delights from various corners of the globe!

Learn About Christmas Traditions from Around the World 

Christmas in Sweden – The Feast of Light

Activities to Try:
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Christmas in Sweden from Why Christmas
Christmas Heart Craft from Starts at Eight
Hannah's Christmas on Youtube

In Sweden, Christmas is celebrated with the "Feast of Light" or "Santa Lucia." Preschoolers will love discovering the story of Santa Lucia, the bringer of light, as families gather to share saffron buns and gingerbread cookies, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
The Christmas Card from Sweden is included in our Christmas Traditions Around the World pack

Lucia Crown Craft:
​Invite the preschoolers to decorate their paper strips with glitter or sequins. Emphasize the significance of the crown in representing the light of Lucia.​ Once the decorations are complete, help the children staple or tape the ends of the paper strips together, forming a crown.​Let the preschoolers wear their Lucia crowns proudly. 

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Diwali to Christmas in India 

Explore the vibrant celebrations in India, where the festival of lights, Diwali, often extends into the Christmas season. Learn how families decorate their homes with oil lamps and vibrant rangoli patterns, creating a festive atmosphere filled with joy and color.

Introduce Festivals through Stories

Select engaging picture books or create story cards that depict the stories and traditions associated with Diwali and Christmas in India. Read or show these stories to the preschoolers, highlighting the unique cultural elements of each celebration.

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​La Befana in Italy – A Magical Epiphany

In Italy, Christmas doesn't end on December 25th. Preschoolers will be enchanted by the tale of La Befana, a kind old witch who delivers gifts to children on the night of Epiphany, January 6th. Discover how Italian families celebrate this extended season with festive parades and delicious treats.

Activities and Resources:
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Christmas in Italy from Why Christmas
Make pasta ornaments from the Best Ideas for Kids
Make Befana's Broom from Almost Homeschoolers

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Feliz Navidad in Mexico

Take a journey to Mexico, where Christmas is celebrated with lively music, colorful piñatas, and delicious tamales. Preschoolers will delight in the festive atmosphere as families come together to celebrate "Feliz Navidad," spreading holiday cheer with traditional Mexican customs.

Activities and Resources:

Christmas in Mexico from WhyChristmas
The Legend of the Poinsettia read by Tommy dePaola on Youtube (Religious)
Sponge Painted Poinsettia Craft from a Little Pinch of Perfect

Make a Piñata 

Celebrate the holidays with your own homemade pinata! 

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Japan's KFC Christmas Tradition

In Japan, Christmas has a unique twist with a tradition that involves indulging in Kentucky Fried Chicken! Preschoolers will be fascinated to learn how families in Japan celebrate Christmas by enjoying a festive feast of fried chicken, showcasing the global diversity of holiday traditions.

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​Christmas Down Under in Australia

Santa is heading to Australia! Inside our Santa visit Australia resource, children will have fun as they participate in activities related to Santa's trip including: helping him pack for his trip, sightseeing, and participating in Australian Christmas traditions.

Down under in Australia, Christmas takes place during the summer months. Preschoolers will be intrigued to discover how Aussies celebrate with beach barbecues, outdoor festivities, and the famous "Carols by Candlelight" events, creating a warm and sunny Christmas atmosphere.
Learn more about traditions in Australia with the cut and paste activity included in our Christmas Traditions Around the World Set. We've included a cut and paste for each featured location!

Get this Inside our Christmas Traditions Around the World pack

More Activities and Resources:
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Information about Christmas in Australia from Why Christmas
Listen to the "Six White Boomers" Australian Christmas Song on Youtube
Bake a pavlova for kids on Youtube
Hume City Council Carols by Candlelight on Youtube
Free Printable Australian Animal Themed Candy Can Tags from Mother Natured

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Learning about holidays and traditions around the world is such a great way to teach preschoolers about diversity and different celebrations. You can learn about several different Christmas traditions from around the world with our Christmas Traditions Around the World set. 

Map included in our Christmas Traditions Around the World Pack

Christmas is a time for joy, love, and togetherness, celebrated in various ways around the world. Through this magical journey, our preschoolers have had a glimpse into the richness of cultural traditions, understanding that the spirit of the season is truly universal. As we embrace the festive spirit, let's encourage our little ones to appreciate the diversity that makes our world so wonderfully unique.
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What are your favorite Christmas traditions from around the world? Share your experiences and festive activities with your preschoolers in the comments below. Wishing you and your little ones a season filled with joy, laughter, and cultural exploration!

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