Wednesday, November 2, 2011

We are traveling around the world for Christmas!

It’s almost that time of year again!  Time for advent crafts and fun. 


This year, we are traveling around the world for Christmastime!  I am excited to see what types of traditions happen in other cultures during this magical time of year.  For some (Northern Hem) it is the coldest darkest portion of the year, but for others (Australia) it is mid Summer!  The traditions are just as varied as the weather this time of year and I am excited to share that with my kids. 

Our Christmas Around the World advent list:
1. Put up lights with daddy
2. Pagoda Manger & Fried Wonton cookies (China)
3. Fish tree ornament (Japan)
4. Metryoshka doll Christmas card (Russia)
5. Pamander oranges & put your shoes out for St Nicholas Day (Great Britain)
6. *Small gifts left in their shoes overnight* Christmas Party Crackers & Wassail (Great Britain)
7. Straw Ornaments and hidden bean cake! (Scandinavia)
8. Gingerbread Manger Scene (Germany) *only cooking and cooling*
9. Gingerbread Manger Scene (Italy) and making a St Lucy Wreath
10. Getting our Christmas Tree
11. Journey to Bethlehem!!
12. Shopping with daddy
13. Write love notes to parents to open on Christmas Eve (Greece/Italy)
14. Make a Christmas drum (Africa)
15. Make Christmas Stars out of whatever we can (sticks, straw, beads and wire... all kinds. Philippines.)
16. Celery Rose print wrapping paper & making S’mores (Australia)
17. *This starts the weekend of lights that leads right up to Hanukkah* Zoo lights w/ hot cider
18. Fantasy Lights w/ cocoa
19. Driving through Gem Heights looking at lights w/ warm honeyed milk
20. *Happy Hanukkah!* Dreidle for Chocolate coins and Challah bread. (USA)
21. We are sending a Christmas tree to a friend! (Canada) *cookies to neighbors*
22. Making paper poinsettias (Mexico)
23. Sawdust Ornaments (Guatemala)
24. Family Christmas Movie
25. Open Stockings!!

We got some ideas from our curriculum “Children Around the World” from Winter’s Promise, but many other great ideas come from free websites.  My two favorites:


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5 comments

Frannie said...

once again...genius! I'm getting ready to make my calendar & get events scheduled. Your calendar last year inspired me so much I've been waiting for this for months!!!

erika~ the inspired mama said...

how wonderful! i am getting ready to make our advent list too - i am hoping to include traditions from other cultures as well and your list is so inspiring!

take care! this really is busiest but most wonderful time of year for the creative mamas, isn't it?

xo,
erika

Anonymous said...

That is a fantastic idea! As much as we have moved around the world, my girls could still learn lots with this. Thanks!
PS I adore the poem on the sidebar.

Val in the Rose Garden said...

@ Erika and anyone else interested! - If you want, I can send you resources and details about a few of the projects. I even have some 'pinned'. Just let me know! I'll be sharing as we do the projects, but that will be too late cuz we will be well into Dec by then. ;) Just email me at BlueRoseMama @ hotmail dot com

Blessings,
Val

Rebecca said...

I've always wanted to do a "Holidays Around the World" with my kids...I remember doing a little flip book about different traditions when I was in grade school. These sound so fun, I'm looking forward to seeing your posts about them. :)

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