Winter Holiday Activities
Welcome to our Winter Holidays Collection, a selection of educational materials designed to highlight the rich cultural and social dimensions of winter celebrations for students across preK-12 levels. As educators, we understand the importance of embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment where students can feel represented. This collection features free winter holiday activities that provide ways to learn about the traditions and meanings of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the universal transition and renewal symbolized by New Year's celebrations.
With Christmas being one of the most widely recognized holidays in the United States, our resources will guide students with read-alongs, crafts, cross-cultural practices, and the spirit of giving that characterizes the season. Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is presented through engaging lesson plans that explore its significance, the symbolism of the menorah and the resilience it commemorates. Kwanzaa, a celebration of African American heritage and culture, is taught with activities that delve into its seven core principles and the ways in which it strengthens community bonds.
This collection also includes educational tools to usher in the new year. Students will learn about the variety of customs and traditions observed worldwide, examining how different cultures reflect on the past year and look forward to the future with hope and intention.
Recognizing that the holiday season can be a sensitive time for anyone dealing with loss, we've included compassionate resources to support students navigating grief. These tools are designed to foster empathy and understanding, helping students process their emotions and find comfort in community.
We invite you to explore these winter holiday activities as windows into the world's holiday festivities. They are bridges of understanding, celebrating the diversity that enriches our classrooms and society. Whether through historical exploration, creative projects or reflective discussion, we hope these materials will enhance your teaching and inspire your students throughout the holiday season.
