With Christmas soon approaching there is a really wonderful webpage located at this domain: http://projectbritain.com/Xmas/calendar/index.html#calendar
The calendar has 25 squares to open to learn about celebrations during Christmas time in various countries.
Day 1 has us learning about Malta. Something unique to them is the Preaching of the Child called Priedka tat-Tifel which has happened since 1883 where a boy between 7-10 years old preaches at the midnight mass in front of a busy church. It is a 10 - 15 minute sermon.
Day 2 is about New Zealand. In this country they have a Christmas tree called Pohutukawa. It is a crimson red tree the blooms around the holidays and is not cut down, instead enjoyed outside by all of the universe's creatures.
Day 3 discussed China and how more people are celebrating this festival. Colorful paper lanterns are used to decorate.
Day 4 is about Wales where an apple (Calening made of twigs, dried fruits, and cloves) is a traditional decoration given to friends and family to bring them luck during the New Year. It is usually placed on a window sill or shelf.
Day 5 is Norway where a barn elf called (Fjosnisse) lives in the forest and on farms. Rice porridge with sugar and cinnamon is given to keep him content and not play tricks on people.
Day 6 has Netherlands being explored. Children place a carrot in their shoes (in the past it used to be hay and sugar) in the hopes that Santa Claus SinterKlass will give him/her sweets and treats.
Day 7 has Germany being discovered. On Christmas, many moons ago (not currently celebrated) there is an evening where a knocking at the door occurs called klopfelnachten that involves children wearing masks to visit houses banging on lids and clanging on cowbells.
Day 8 is Finland. Usually on Christmas Eve a sauna is enjoyed which is a room with a fireplace located in it.
Day 9 is Australia and has Christmas being celebrated with Santa's arrival however reindeer do not pull his sled however six white boomers do (that is a slang word for kangaroos).
Day 10 is Argentina where homes have evergreen trees that are decorated with cotton balls to resemble snow that is found in forests.
Day 11 is Italy where La Befana brings sweets and gifts. On the twelfth night (Jan. 5) presents are left for children if they are good if not then they will receive coal and ashes.
Day 12 In Mexico a child smashes open a Pinata filled with sweets and toys.
Day 13 is Sweden. There is an important festival called St. Lucia Day on December 13 called the Festival of Lights. It was believed she brought light to the cold Swedish winter since her name means light.
Day 14 finds us exploring Poland. People in Poland look up into the sky to find the first star which they call Gwiazda.
Day 15 is Catalonia where children strike a log (el tio) while they sing a song. After they are done they look underneath the log and usually find sweets, nougats, and presents.
Day 16 has Ireland where it is accustomed to light candles in the window on Christmas Eve which is believe to help Mary and Joseph to shelter.
Day 17 is United States of America where they place an angel or star on-top of their Christmas tree which is something that is also done in the UK.
Day 18 is Japan where a traditional Christmas cake is enjoyed. IT has strawberries, whipped cream, and is a sponge type.
Day 19 is Austria. The song Silent Night is played on the radio for the first time on Christmas Eve and is repeated each hour. Silent night was written by Joseph Franz Mohr in Austria and the music was composed by Franz Xavier Gruber.
Day 20 is Scotland. There is a legend that it is bad luck to let the fire go out on Christmas eve. If such a thing happens elves will come down the chimney to cause mischief.
We also found a lovely webpage https://morningchores.com/christmas-party-games/?utm_source=sharebtn&&utm_medium=pinterest&&utm_campaign=sumome_share%3Futm_source%3Dimagepin%3Futm_source%3Dimagepin which allows you to select some games to play (Thanks to that mom's blog with the daughter Lindsey).
We might do some of these games:
Christmas Trivia, free sheet download at: https://lilluna.com/free-christmas-trivia-game/
Christmas Family Feud: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bxox7lT6p55YTHZscTlqTU53cUk/view?resourcekey=0-xBGAJ-sDTEcNyczGjMYhUA
Christmas Drawing Game: http://getdrawings.com/christmas-drawing-paper#christmas-drawing-paper-52.jpg
Christmas Bingo: https://www.thegirlcreative.com/printable-christmas-bingo-game/
Tinsel Game: https://mrmarksclassroom.com/tinsel-game/
Reindeer Ring Toss: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5gVy0j1zm-jTXlGUk9tdFlrUVk/view?resourcekey=0-UfwLlinpMmrzqjFjWAf5wQ
Name Game: https://www.theredheadedhostess.com/blog/home-and-family/fun-home-and-family/fun-family-game-1/
The Left Right Christmas Story: https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Christmas-left-right-story.pdf
*update to above post, We made our own tic tac toe holiday game by repurposing store labels on xmas products and creating santa hats vs stockings:
We did the tinsel game and the reindeer christmas game:
Every year we write to Santa, the Canada Post has a lovely free service beginning mid November and Barron dropped his letter off in front of our new favourite store The Source where a lovely elf named Kenny, who makes you feel warm and welcomed whenever you visit the shop, works in:
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