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Christmas Crossroads: Cultures & Carols

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Lesson Plan

Christmas Crossroads: Cultures & Carols

Students will be able to identify and describe at least three unique Christmas traditions from different cultures around the world.

Understanding global Christmas traditions broadens students' cultural perspectives, promotes empathy, and highlights the shared human experience of celebration and community.

Audience

8th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion and Visuals

Materials

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Share Your Sparkle

5 minutes

  • Begin with the Warm Up: What's Your Holiday Tradition?.
    - Ask students to briefly share a favorite holiday tradition from their own lives or families. Encourage a few volunteers to share with the class.

Step 2

Journey Around the World (Slide Deck & Discussion)

15 minutes

Step 3

Reflect & Connect

10 minutes

  • Lead a concluding discussion using the Global Traditions Discussion Guide questions to help students reflect on the diversity and common themes of Christmas traditions.
    - Ask students what they found most surprising or interesting.
    - Encourage students to think about how these traditions connect to their own experiences or values.
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Slide Deck

Christmas Crossroads

Cultures & Carols Around the World!

Get ready to journey through diverse holiday traditions!

Welcome students and introduce the idea of exploring Christmas traditions beyond their own experiences. Ask a general question like, 'What comes to mind when you think of Christmas?' to get them thinking.

A World of Traditions

Christmas isn't just one way!

From frosty lands to sunny shores, celebrations take many forms.

Let's discover how people around the globe celebrate this special time.

Introduce the idea that Christmas is celebrated differently in various parts of the world. Explain that we will look at a few examples. Emphasize respect for all traditions.

Germany: Tannenbaum Tales

Did you know the Christmas Tree (Tannenbaum) tradition started in Germany?

Families decorate fir trees with lights, ornaments, and tinsel.

What do you put on your tree?

Introduce Germany and the tradition of the Christmas tree. Ask if anyone has a Christmas tree and what they put on it.

Mexico: Las Posadas

In Mexico, they celebrate Las Posadas for nine nights.

People go door-to-door, re-enacting Mary and Joseph's search for lodging.

It ends with parties, singing, and delicious food!

Introduce Mexico and Las Posadas. Explain that 'Posada' means lodging or inn. Ask students if they have ever re-enacted a story.

Australia: Sunny Santa

Imagine Christmas on the beach!

In Australia, it's summer during December, so Santa might wear board shorts!

Barbecues and outdoor activities are common.

How would a warm Christmas feel?

Introduce Australia and its summer Christmas. Discuss how different a warm Christmas must feel compared to a cold one.

Japan: KFC Christmas!

Christmas isn't a traditional holiday in Japan, but many celebrate.

Thanks to a successful marketing campaign, many families enjoy KFC for their Christmas dinner!

What's your favorite holiday food?

Introduce Japan and KFC. This is often a surprising tradition for students. Discuss how commercialization can influence traditions.

Many Ways to Celebrate

From chilly European nights to sunny Australian days, and unique foods in Asia, Christmas is truly a global celebration.

What did you find most interesting or surprising?

Conclude by summarizing the diversity and beauty of global traditions. Transition to the discussion guide.

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Warm Up

Warm Up: What's Your Holiday Tradition?

Think about your favorite holiday (any holiday, not just Christmas!).

What is one special tradition your family or friends have for that holiday?

Share your tradition below and explain why it's important to you.








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Discussion

Global Traditions Discussion Guide

Use these questions to guide your discussion about Christmas traditions around the world.

Part 1: Initial Reactions & Comparisons

  1. Which Christmas tradition from another country did you find most interesting or surprising? Why?



  2. What similarities did you notice between the different traditions we discussed today?



  3. Are there any traditions that reminded you of a holiday or celebration you already know?



Part 2: Cultural Understanding & Reflection

  1. Why do you think traditions are so important to cultures and families around the world?



  2. How can learning about other cultures' traditions help us understand the world better?



  3. Think about your own holiday traditions. What message or values do they convey?







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