Cultural appreciation is so important, but it’s not always possible to visit new places! That doesn’t mean we can’t explore other places’ holiday traditions and celebrations worldwide. This FREE Holidays Around the World for Kids mini pack is a great way to introduce various ways people celebrate the different holidays this time of year, including Diwali, Kwanza, and more. Check out more fun ways to explore the traditions of other countries and cultures this month.

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Holidays Around the World Benefits

Teaching your kids about holidays worldwide is a valuable and enriching experience!

Cultural Awareness: Learning about holidays from different countries introduces your child to the diversity of cultures and traditions that make up our global community. It helps them become more culturally aware and open-minded, fostering respect and understanding for people from various backgrounds.

Empathy and Tolerance: Exposure to different holiday traditions can teach your child empathy and tolerance. They’ll learn that people may celebrate differently, but the underlying human values of love, joy, and togetherness are universal.

Global Perspective: Understanding holidays worldwide encourages your child to think globally. It broadens their horizons and perspectives, making them more knowledgeable and adaptable in an increasingly interconnected world.

Language and Communication: Learning about different holidays can enhance your child’s language and communication skills. They’ll be exposed to new words, phrases, and concepts, which can improve their language abilities and expand their vocabulary.

Creativity and Inspiration: Exploring holidays worldwide can spark your child’s creativity. They may become inspired to create traditions or incorporate elements from other cultures into their celebrations, encouraging their imaginative and artistic side.

Historical and Geographical Understanding: Many holidays have deep historical and geographical significance. Teaching your child about these holidays can provide valuable insights into regions’ past, geography, and history.

Holidays Around the World Book Ideas

Here’s a great list of books for your holiday themes. Please note, that I am an Amazon affiliate.

“Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story” by Angela Shelf Medearis: This book introduces children to Kwanzaa, an African-American holiday that celebrates African heritage, culture, and values. It tells the story of seven siblings learning to work together to create unity and celebrate Kwanzaa.

“Celebrate Chinese New Year with the Fong Family” by F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada: This book provides an engaging look at how the Fong family celebrates Chinese New Year. It explains the customs, traditions, and symbolism associated with this important holiday in Chinese culture.

“Sam and the Lucky Money” by Karen Chinn: In this story, young Sam receives money to spend during the Chinese New Year celebration. Through his experiences, the book teaches about Chinese New Year’s customs and giving back to those in need.

“Too Many Tamales” by Gary Soto: This book revolves around Maria, a young girl helping her mother prepare tamales for Christmas. When she tries on her mother’s ring, which goes missing, the story unfolds, providing a delightful glimpse into the traditions of Mexican-American families during the holiday season.

“Lights for Gita” by Rachna Gilmore: This book tells the story of Gita, a young Indian girl who celebrates Divali (Diwali) and longing to have lights for the festival. It beautifully highlights the themes of family, tradition, and the universal desire to celebrate with loved ones, making it relevant and heartwarming.

“Madeline’s Christmas” by Ludwig Bemelmans: Madeline and her friends at the old house in Paris celebrate Christmas in this beloved story. While the book is primarily set in France, it shows how the holiday is celebrated there.

“The Christmas Wish” by Lori Evert and Per Breiehagen: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Anja, a Norwegian girl’s Christmas adventure, and her journey to the North Pole. While Norway is the primary setting, it provides a Scandinavian perspective on the holiday season.

“Wombat Divine” by Mem Fox: Set in Australia, this book follows Wombat’s search for the perfect role in the Nativity play. It introduces Australian readers to the Christmas story and traditions while featuring native Australian wildlife.

“The Christmas Boot” by Lisa Wheeler: This book, set in Germany, tells the story of a kind woman named Hannah who finds an old boot and fills it with holiday goodies. It’s a heartwarming tale introducing elements of German Christmas traditions like St. Nicholas.

“Strega Nona” by Tomie dePaola: Strega Nona” is a classic Italian-themed story that introduces children to the delightful world of Strega Nona, a kindly witch. While not focused on a specific holiday, it provides insights into Italian culture, food, and the magic of everyday life.

“The Story of Hanukkah” by David A. Adler (part of the “Holiday Book” series): This informative picture book provides a concise yet comprehensive look at the history and traditions of Hanukkah. It is a great choice for introducing children to the holiday’s significance.

Holidays Around the World for Kids

Let’s take a trip around the world from our couch! Explore these fun winter holidays around the world. Grab the crayons and colored pencils, download the pack, and get ready to travel!

Extend the learning by pulling out a world map and doing safe YouTube searches for each celebration to get a closer look!

You can also check out these holiday ideas!

This FREE mini winter holidays pack includes:

  • Chinese New Year
  • Kwanza
  • Hanukkah
  • Diwali
  • Japanese New Year
  • St. Lucia
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EXTEND THE LEARNING WITH CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

If you want to learn about how Christmas is celebrated worldwide, you can check out Christmas traditions here and download a free mini Christmas in Italy pack!

Now, it’s time to pack your virtual suitcase and enjoy the holiday season through the eyes of other cultures!

Free. Printable Diwali Mini Pack

MORE WINTER HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD ACTIVITIES

Dive into our Holidays Around the World Pack, filled with unique activities, including a DIY passport, stamps, ornaments, recipes, and more!