Lesson Plan
Holiday Reflection Guide
Students will be able to analyze the influence of commercialism on winter holidays and articulate their personal values related to the season, moving beyond material desires.
Understanding the distinction between commercial pressures and personal values during the holidays helps students develop critical thinking, self-awareness, and a more meaningful connection to seasonal traditions.
Audience
11th Grade Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Through discussion, reflection, and creative expression.
Materials
Wish List Wisdom Presentation](#wish-list-wisdom-presentation), My True Holiday Hopes Worksheet, and Values vs. Valuables Debate Guide
Prep
Preparation Steps
15 minutes
- Review all generated materials: the Holiday Reflection Guide Lesson Plan, Wish List Wisdom Presentation, My True Holiday Hopes Worksheet, and Values vs. Valuables Debate Guide.
- Ensure projector or interactive whiteboard is ready for the slide deck.
- Make copies of the My True Holiday Hopes Worksheet for each student.
- Arrange classroom for potential small group discussions during the debate.
Step 1
Introduction: The Commercial Holiday
10 minutes
- Begin by projecting the first slide of the Wish List Wisdom Presentation.
- Engage students with a warm-up question: "What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of winter holidays?" (Allow for varied responses).
- Introduce the lesson's objective: to explore how commercialism influences our perception of holidays and to reflect on deeper meanings.
- Transition to the Wish List Wisdom Presentation to discuss common holiday advertising and consumer culture.
Step 2
Exploring Values vs. Valuables
15 minutes
- Continue with the Wish List Wisdom Presentation, guiding students through slides that differentiate between 'valuables' (material items) and 'values' (intangible beliefs, experiences, connections).
- Facilitate a brief class discussion using prompts from the presentation: "How do advertisements often blur the lines between wants and needs?" or "What non-material things make holidays special?"
Step 3
My True Holiday Hopes Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the My True Holiday Hopes Worksheet.
- Explain the activity: Students will reflect on what they truly wish for during the holidays, moving beyond material possessions to focus on experiences, relationships, and personal growth.
- Encourage thoughtful and honest responses.
- Circulate the room to provide support and answer questions.
Step 4
Values vs. Valuables Debate
15 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
- Introduce the Values vs. Valuables Debate Guide. Assign each group a stance or allow them to choose sides on a provided prompt related to holiday commercialism.
- Give groups 5-7 minutes to prepare their arguments.
- Facilitate a brief debate where each group presents their main points. Encourage respectful dialogue and critical listening.
Step 5
Wrap-up and Reflection
5 minutes
- Conclude with a whole-class discussion, asking students to share one new insight or realization they had during the lesson.
- Reiterate the importance of reflecting on personal values, especially during times of heightened consumerism.
- Encourage students to apply this critical thinking to their own holiday experiences.
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Slide Deck
Beyond the Bells: What's Really on Your Holiday Wish List?
Let's rethink the season!
Welcome students and set an inviting tone. Start with a quick check-in about their initial thoughts on holidays to gauge prior knowledge and expectations.
What Do You See?
Think about common advertisements, decorations, and media during the winter holidays.
- What products are heavily promoted?
- What images or messages are everywhere?
Prompt students to think about what they typically see during the holiday season. Encourage them to be specific about products, ads, and common themes.
The Commercial Holiday
How does advertising influence our idea of a "perfect" holiday?
- Are we buying into wants or needs?
- What's the difference between a valuable and a value?
Introduce the concept of commercialism and how it shapes perceptions. Ask students if they feel pressure to buy or receive certain items.
Values vs. Valuables
Valuables:
- Material possessions
- Tangible items
- Often have a monetary cost
Values:
- Important beliefs or ideals
- Intangible qualities (love, kindness, joy)
- Experiences, traditions, relationships
- Often priceless
Lead a discussion distinguishing between tangible 'valuables' and intangible 'values'. Use examples relevant to their lives beyond just holidays.
Beyond the Price Tag
What truly makes a holiday memorable?
- Is it the gift you receive, or the feeling of giving?
- Is it an expensive toy, or spending time with family?
This slide should prompt students to begin thinking more deeply. Encourage them to share examples of non-material aspects of holidays they cherish.
Your True Holiday Hopes
Time to reflect!
- We will complete the My True Holiday Hopes Worksheet.
- Think beyond the shiny packages and consider what truly enriches your holiday experience.
Explain the upcoming worksheet. Emphasize that this is a personal reflection and there are no right or wrong answers. Encourage honesty.
Debate Time: What's More Important?
In small groups, you will prepare for a debate on:
"Is commercialism beneficial or detrimental to the spirit of the winter holidays?"
- Discuss your stance and gather evidence/arguments.
- Be ready to present your points!
Set up the debate activity. Clearly explain the guidelines for a respectful and engaging discussion. Assign roles or let groups choose.
Reflect and Reconnect
What's one thing you'll carry with you from today's discussion?
- How can we cultivate a more meaningful holiday season?
Conclude by bringing it back to the core message. Ask students for one takeaway from the lesson. Reinforce the power of intentional reflection.
Worksheet
My True Holiday Hopes: Beyond the Bells
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
The winter holidays are often filled with messages about what we should buy or receive. But what truly makes the season special and meaningful? Let's look beyond the commercialism and reflect on your deeper hopes and wishes.
Part 1: Initial Reflections
-
List three material gifts you have received in the past that were meaningful to you. Why were they meaningful? (e.g., sentimental value, solved a problem, etc.)
-
List three non-material things (experiences, moments, feelings, traditions) that made past holidays special. Why were these things meaningful?
Part 2: Your Deeper Wish List
Instructions: Below, create a "True Holiday Hopes" list. For each category, write down what you genuinely wish for, focusing on non-material aspects. Think about what would make your holidays more enriching, joyful, and memorable.
Category 1: Experiences (e.g., time with family, a special outing, quiet reflection)
Category 2: Relationships (e.g., deeper connection with someone, reconciliation, helping others)
Category 3: Personal Growth/Well-being (e.g., peace, gratitude, learning something new, contributing to your community)
Part 3: Reflection Question
After completing your "True Holiday Hopes" list, how do these wishes compare to the messages you typically receive about holidays from advertisements or media? What does this tell you about what truly matters during this season?
Discussion
Values vs. Valuables Debate: Winter Holidays
Objective: To critically examine the role of commercialism in winter holidays and articulate arguments for whether its impact is primarily beneficial or detrimental.
Instructions for Students:
- You will be divided into small groups.
- Your group will be assigned one of the following stances (or you may choose):
- Stance A: Commercialism is ultimately beneficial to the spirit of the winter holidays.
- Stance B: Commercialism is ultimately detrimental to the spirit of the winter holidays.
- As a group, discuss and brainstorm at least three strong arguments to support your assigned stance. Think about specific examples, logical reasoning, and potential counter-arguments your opponents might raise.
- Appoint a spokesperson for your group to present your main points to the class during the debate.
- Listen respectfully to other groups and be prepared to offer brief rebuttals or ask clarifying questions.
Group Preparation Space
Our Stance: ____________________________________________________________________
Argument 1:
Argument 2:
Argument 3:
Potential Counter-Arguments & Our Rebuttal Ideas:
Debate Prompts for Teacher Facilitation:
- How do holiday advertisements affect people's expectations for the season?
- Can commercial elements (like gifts or decorations) genuinely enhance holiday joy, or do they distract from it?
- What responsibilities do consumers, businesses, and media have in shaping holiday culture?
- How might a holiday season without commercialism be different? Would it be better or worse, and for whom?
- Is there a way to balance commercial celebration with the deeper values of the holidays?