Homeschoolers celebrate Christmas Around the World

Adventure Group ‘Christmas Around the World’ Christmas Party…

Adventure Group moms

Homemade paper ornaments , made from maps, lent a special touch as guests arrived.

‘Joy To The World’ letters were attached to a map of the world that our host already had in her school room.

Upon arriving, each child received a passport.  A unique stamp for each country, game, food, and activity was issued during the party for a keepsake.

Each student and family picked a country to tell about. The idea was to find out if the country the child picked celebrated Christmas and how.

China Presentation-Christmas Around the World

Only 1% of Christians live in China.  It is not a national holiday.   Christians have been and are persecuted. You will find Santa Clause and Christmas symbols during this holiday in major cities.  Santa Clause is called ‘Shen Dan Lao Ren’ and means ‘old Christmas man’. They decorate with Chinese paper Lanterns.  These are some that Gabrielle made. It is our prayer that the Chinese would know Jesus.

India Presentation-Christmas Around the World

In India, to celebrate Christmas, small clay oil-burning lamps are placed on the edges of flat roofs and on the tops of walls.  It is a way to share the ‘light’ of Jesus with their neighbors.  Poinsettia and mango trees add to their decorations. The main religion in India is Buddhism but Christianity is the 3rd largest religion.

India Presentation-Christmas Around the World

England Presentation-Christmas Around the World

A goose, Christmas plum pudding, roast potatoes, and sausages are some of the foods eaten on Christmas midday in England.  The Christmas tree was introduced into the royal household by Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III.  Many Christmas traditions in the U.S. were adopted from England. The first Christmas card was sent in 1840 and now more than a billion cards are sent annually.  Mistletoe is a tradition from the dark ages.  Father Christmas is the English gift giver but we know who is THE gift giver.

England Presentation-Christmas Around the World

In addition to China, India, and England; the children (and a couple moms) gave presentations on Brazil, Ireland, Egypt, Germany, Sweden, Russia, United States, Japan, New Zealand, Africa, Mexico, and Italy.  We all learned about how our world celebrates (or does not celebrate) the birth of Jesus Christ.  It is an excellent, non intimidating way for the kids to practice speaking in front of a group. Depending on their ages, have them share a little or a lot.

Christmas Tree Map Cones

(just roll, tape, and even out base) made awesome table decorations.  We used mini flags for napkin holders and placemats.  AAA membership is a great resource for free maps and planning guides to use for decorations. I also scored a couple atlases from yard sales. Your imagination is the limit.

Food from each country!

Each child brought a dish from the country they studied.  It was a great way to share and fellowship while learning about our world.  Here are some things the kids and parents made together.  

England’s Shepherd Pie

Indian Bhutura

Swedish Rolls

Egyptian Palace Bread

Irish Butter

Brazil Mango

Italian Gnocci

Nigerian Meat Pie

Games too!

We played games that cleverly taught the kids about each country and they took their passport home as a souvenir. You could also bring music from each country that can play during presentations and lunch.

What a fun, educational, and unique way to celebrate Christmas. And it was a great way to celebrate Christmas with friends too!  What a wonderful group of mommas and kids.

What unique ways have you found to celebrate Christmas?