Winter Holidays Around the World Presentations

Welcome to our Winter Holidays Around the World Research Project! The main goal of this project is to broaden students' cultural awareness and enhance their research and presentation skills. Through this event, we aim to foster understanding of traditions, legends, and customs associated with these holidays.

• Each student will choose a winter holiday (or country) to study for the project.
• Students will research, gathering information about the winter holiday celebrated in their chosen country. Key focus areas include special traditions, legends, duration of celebrations, food, games, and the language-specific holiday greeting.
• Students will create a presentation board with photos and information about the chosen holiday 
• Bring visuals if you have them, cultural items, books with photos, etc. Get creative!
• In addition to the presentation, students can prepare a culturally relevant food item or craft related to the holiday they're studying.

General Information:

• What is the name of the winter holiday celebrated in your chosen country?
• When is the holiday typically observed?
• How long does the celebration last?

Special Traditions and Customs:

• What are some unique customs and traditions associated with the holiday?
• Are there specific rituals or ceremonies performed during the celebration?
• How do people decorate their homes or public spaces for the holiday?
• Are there public festivals or events to celebrate?

Legends and Stories:

• Are there any popular legends or stories associated with the holiday?
• How do these stories contribute to the cultural significance of the celebration?

Greetings and Wishes:

• How do people typically greet each other during this holiday?
• Can you provide the translation or equivalent of the holiday greeting in the language of the country?

Religious or Cultural Significance:

• Is the holiday rooted in religious or cultural beliefs?
• How has the celebration evolved over time, and what cultural influences are present?

Food and Cuisine:

• Are there specific foods associated with the holiday?
• Can you describe a traditional holiday meal or dish that is commonly prepared?

Symbols and Decorations:

• What symbols or decorations are commonly associated with the holiday?
• Do these symbols hold special meanings or significance?

Reflection:

• What aspect of this holiday resonated with you the most during your research?
• How has this project deepened your understanding of different cultural celebrations around the world?

Topic Ideas (You don't have to choose one of these. You can choose any country and research winter holidays):

• Kwanzaa: An African-American Cultural Celebration
• Las Posadas: A Mexican Christmas Tradition
• Diwali in India: The Festival of Lights
• Christmas in Ethiopia: The Unique Observance of Ganna
• Toji in Japan
• Christmas in Venezuela
• The Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines 
• St. Nicolas Day: Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg
• Maroons' Christmas in Jamaica: Commemorating Their Ancestors' Struggle for Freedom
• La Ribote: Christmas in Martinique
• The Yule Lads, Iceland
• Hanukkah: The Jewish Festival of Lights
• Boxing Day: UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
• Christmas in Haiti: A Blend of Christian and Vodou Traditions
• Three Kings' Day (Dia de los Reyes) in Spain and Latin America
• Japanese New Year (Oshogatsu) Customs
• Dongzhi Festival In China
• The Festival of Holi in India
• Yule/Winter Solstice Celebrations 
• Day of the Little Candles (Día de las Velitas) in Colombia
• Junkanoo Festival in The Bahamas: A Colorful Christmas Celebration