All About Christmas

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

A holiday is a festive day when families and friends get together to relax and have fun.

In the United States, there are three important holidays celebrated in December: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Some families just celebrate one of these holidays, while other families celebrate several of these holidays. Most December holidays involve giving gifts, but only one involves decorating a tree. If you said Christmas, you are correct!

Christmas is celebrated every year, usually on December 25. Many Christians recognize this date as Jesus’ birthday. They believe that around this time, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable and the three wise men, also known as the Magi, brought him gifts. This is why you often see nativities at Christmas time.

A nativity shows Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus. Some nativities also include the wise men, shepherds, and animals that came to see Jesus. Since Christians believe Christmas has to do with the birth of Jesus Christ, many families attend church on Christmas or Christmas Eve.

Families do other things to celebrate Christmas, too. For example, many families put up a tree in their home and decorate it. Some people use a real tree while other people use an artificial tree. People typically decorate their trees with lights, ornaments, and ribbons.

Does your family put up a tree in December? If so, with what do you decorate your tree? Tell your teacher or parent.

Then, watch the video clip below to learn how Christmas trees came to the United States. As you watch the video, discuss the questions with your teacher or parent. You can pause the video at any time while you discuss:

• Where did the tradition of Christmas trees begin?
• How did the tradition make its way to the United States?

To find the answers to these questions, watch Story Of The Christmas Tree! | The Dr. Binocs Show | Best Learning Video For Kids | Peekaboo Kidz:

• Did you know Christmas trees are not just an American tradition?

Families in many countries throughout the world put up Christmas trees in December. Another Christmas tradition that takes place around the world on Christmas is the tradition of giving gifts to others. Many families will take the time to wrap gifts in pretty paper and bows.

• If you celebrate Christmas, to whom do you like to give gifts? Tell your teacher or parent.

Christmas is a time of year when giving is encouraged. Therefore, many families will also take the time to wrap and give gifts to people who cannot afford gifts.

• Has your family ever given gifts to someone in need on Christmas?

Another way families like to have fun around Christmas is by baking cookies. Many families have their own special recipes and types of cookies they bake every year on Christmas.

• Does your family have a special type of cookie they like to bake every year? Tell your teacher or parent all about this delicious cookie!

There are many ways families like to have fun together around Christmas. Every family has their own special traditions. If you celebrate Christmas, take some time to tell your teacher or parent about some of your favorite Christmas memories.

If you do not celebrate Christmas, tell your teacher or parent about some Christmas traditions that you find interesting.

Then, move on to the Got It? section to learn how Christmas is celebrated in different parts of the world.