December is a month full of joy, wonder, and cultural richness as people worldwide come together to celebrate various religious festivals. Exploring these diverse celebrations with young children is a wonderful way to help them learn about different cultures, traditions, and values. Here’s a look at some celebrations around the world in December and how you can bring them to life in your early years setting.
Christmas (25th December) – Worldwide Celebrations
Christmas, celebrated by Christians worldwide, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Gift-giving, tree decorating, festive meals, and plenty of cheerful songs mark the holiday.
Activity Ideas
Decorate a Mini Christmas Tree: Let children create decorations like stars, bells, and candy canes. This fine motor activity helps develop hand-eye coordination while making the setting festive.
Santa’s Workshop: Set up a pretend-play workshop where children “wrap” small gifts, make cards, and craft toys. It fosters creativity and teamwork.
Christmas Songs and Stories: Share simple, joyful Christmas carols and read holiday stories. Choose ones that are inclusive and simple for young children to understand.
Hanukkah (December 7th – 15th, 2023) – Jewish Community Celebrations
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple. Each night, a candle is lit on the menorah to symbolise light and hope.
Activity Ideas
Create a Paper Menorah: Teach children about the menorah by letting them make their own with paper, colouring the flames as each “night” progresses.
Spin the Dreidel: Introduce a simple Dreidel game! This traditional game teaches children turn-taking and patience while sharing Hanukkah customs.
Potato Pancakes (Latkes): Make pretend latkes in the play kitchen and discuss the significance of oil in Hanukkah traditions. Real cooking could be an option too, if safe and suitable!
Kwanzaa (December 26th – January 1st) – Celebrated By African-American Communities
Kwanzaa is a cultural festival celebrating African heritage, unity, and family. Each day focuses on a different principle, such as unity, creativity, and purpose.
Activity Ideas
Create a Kinara with Coloured Paper: Children can make a paper version of the Kinara (candle holder) with seven candles representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
African Drumming and Music Play traditional African music and let children experiment with rhythm and movement. You could even make DIY drums from recycled materials.
Weaving Patterns: Introduce simple paper weaving to represent Kwanzaa’s emphasis on creativity. Children can create patterns with colourful strips of paper.
Las Posadas (December 16th – 24th) – Celebrated in Mexico and Some Latin American Countries
Las Posadas is a Mexican tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s journey to find shelter in Bethlehem. The celebration is a nine-day event with songs, processions, and festive gatherings.
Activity Ideas
Storytelling of Mary and Joseph’s Journey: Share the story in simple language, helping children engagingly understand the tradition.
Make Star Lanterns: Stars play an important role in Las Posadas, so let children make their own stars with coloured paper and glitter. These can be hung up as festive decorations.
Pretend Play Posada Procession: Set up a small “journey” where children can pretend to be part of a Posada procession, perhaps knocking on “doors” around the classroom to ask for shelter.
Bodhi Day (December 8th) – Buddhists Worldwide Celebrations
Bodhi Day celebrates the day Siddhartha Gautama, known as Buddha, achieved enlightenment. The day is often marked with meditation, peace, and sharing kindness.
Activity Ideas
Mindfulness and Quiet Time: Create a peaceful space where children can sit quietly, encouraging calmness and reflection.
Leaf Art: Since Buddha reached enlightenment under a Bodhi tree, let children make leaves with green construction paper and write (or draw) kind things they can do for others.
Storytime about Buddha’s Kindness Share simplified stories about Buddha’s life and kindness. Stories of empathy and compassion can be incredibly impactful for young children.
Dongzhi Festival (Winter Solstice, December 21st) – Celebrated In China And East Asia
Dongzhi, or Winter Solstice, marks the shortest day of the year. Traditionally, it’s a time for families to come together, enjoy warm meals, and celebrate the balance of light returning.
Activity Ideas
Yuanxiao (Rice Ball) Sensory Play: Children can explore the texture of rice dough or play with toy food to simulate making dumplings, which are traditional for Dongzhi.
Shadow Play: Since the solstice is all about light and darkness, show children how shadows work using a torch, letting them create shadow shapes and learn about day and night.
Exploring Seasons: Use simple visuals to explain how winter changes things, like trees and daylight, giving children a sensory understanding of seasonal change.
Exploring Celebrations Together
Encouraging children to learn about and appreciate other cultures builds empathy, curiosity, and understanding. In each activity, focus on creating an inclusive and respectful atmosphere. Celebrate what makes each festival special and similar to others – the warmth of family, the joy of giving, and the beauty of community.
As December approaches, these activities offer a fantastic way to introduce young learners to the richness of the world around them. Happy celebrating!
