Holiday Traditions Around the World

Purpose: This activity inspires curiosity and empathy as your child explores holiday customs and traditions from around the globe. By diving into the way different cultures celebrate, kids gain respect for diversity while learning that every community has its own special way of spreading joy.

Materials Required:

• Paper and markers/crayons
• A world map or globe (optional)
• Brings Joy Learning 1st Grade Unit 1, 'Discovering Myself and the Universe' (optional, but highly recommended) 

Instructions: 

1. Introduce the idea: Share with your child that people across the world celebrate holidays differently. Point out countries on a map where unique celebrations happen, and explain that each culture has its own special way of marking the season. Use the Brings Joy Learning book to reference examples and introduce key concepts from its Community and Culture section.
2. Choose a Few Countries to Explore: Select 3–5 countries to focus on (e.g., Japan, Mexico, Sweden, India, or South Africa). Spread the learning across a few days or tackle them all at once if you have time.

Use simple relatable facts like:

• In Japan, Christmas often includes a KFC feast!
• In Mexico, “posada” processions re-enact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter.
• In Sweden, families celebrate with a Christmas Smorgasbord and the “Julkalendern” holiday countdown show. 
• The book includes activities and discussion prompts to deepen their understanding of these traditions.

1. Encourage Creative Exploration: Engage your child with hands-on activities related to each tradition:
• Mini Posada Parade: Use toys or family members to create a procession, re-enacting Mexico’s festive tradition.
• Japanese Lantern Craft: Follow a simple guide to create colorful paper lanterns.
• Holiday Collage: Draw or assemble scenes from different traditions to represent what they’ve learned.
2. Reflect Together: After exploring the traditions, have a conversation with your child:
• “What was your favorite tradition, and why?”
• “Did any tradition surprise you?”
• “Which would you like to try in our own family celebrations?”
• The Brings Joy Learning unit includes reflection activities to help make these discussions more engaging.
3. Create a World Holiday Map (optional): Use a map to mark the countries you explored. Add drawings or symbols for each tradition your child learned about. This can become a keepsake that reminds them of the fun and learning they shared with you!

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