Christmas Celebrations Around the World

In Africa (Ghana) Santa Claus (Father Christmas) it is believed comes from the jungle rather than the chimney.  Sometimes a palm tree is used outside of the house of worship rather than an evergreen.  In Ethiopia, Christmas is observed on January 7, or, Three Kings Day in recognition of the Kings who brought gifts to Christ.  Learn more about the African Christmas customs at

www.christmas.com

Project Idea

Ask children to create a picture of what Santa would look like if he lived in Africa.  Would he wear a red suit if  he lived in warmer climate.  Would his skin color be dark or light?  What color would his beard be?  What kinds of presents might the children expect to receive?  How would Santa deliver the presents?

Project Idea

Visit 

http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/exhibitions/hist/hats/hat00eng.shtml

The Hold On to Your Hat exhibit in Canada and study the various ceremonials hats.  Think about what hats tell us about the person that is wearing them.  Create a Kings Hat (crown) for Three Kings Day.  Use card stock, construction paper,  rhinstones from a fabric or craft store, and glitter.

Project Idea

Send a Christmas Card using beads.  In Africa children send messages to one another.  You can use the African Color Code below or make you your own color code.  Use pony beads and jute to string.  Create a Christmas message, or story.

White-Purity, Vision, Love, Spirituality, Good Things
Blue-Loyalty, Making a Request, Wanting Something, Can also mean that you are angry about something.
Black-Missing Someone, Sad, Someone saying good-bye
Yellow-Wealth, Creating Things, Fading Away
Pink-Promises Kept, High Status and Rank, Working Hard, Can also mean laziness
Red-Strong Emotions, Lots of Love, Can also mean a broken heart, sadness

Project Idea

Create an African Ornament Doll.
International Doll
Africa

Materials Needed

Round Wooden Doll Head
Small Clay Pot
Jute or Postal String
4 wooden spools
Paint & Brushes
Scraps of fabric and beads

Instructions

Cut a piece of Jute about 18” and fold in half.  Pull the fold string through the opening at the top of the clay pot.  Attach the round head to the top and pull and attach string to wooden head with glue.  Cut another piece of string about 12” in length attach to top to form arms, and string the jute through both spools and tie at end.  String jute through spools for feet.  Paint and apply fabric and beads. Open jute and glue for hair.

The Wildlife of Africa, and concern for Endangered Species is an
important and ongoing concern for the culture and heritage of Africa.

Project Idea

Create a Christmas Card that shows concern for the plight of Africa's Endangered Animal Population.  On the front of the card write Merry Christmas Tiger, or Elephant etc.  Children can draw or collage the animal to the front of the card.  A typed summary of facts about the animal can be glued to the inside or back of the card.

The Endangered List (Only Partial)
ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST

Here are just a few of the animals, sea life, and plants that are on the endangered species list.

Grizzley Bears
 Sea Turtles
Milliped
Species of Butterfly
Gray Wolf
African Elephant Manatee
Polar Bear
Prairie Dog
Black Bear
Salamander
Lake Erie Water Snake
Jaguar
Hawaiian Bluegrass
Hawaiian Redflowered Geranium
Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid
Prairie Bush Clover
Minnesota Trout Lily
American Chaff Seed
Blue Whale
California Condors
Whooping Crane
Southern Sea Otter
Wyoming Toad
Aleutian Canadian Goose
Brown Pelican
and unfortunately many more. . .

Find Resources for Teachers and Parents at the Environmental Protection Agency Homepage.
  www.epa.gov

Write a Story about What Christmas or the Holiday You Celebrate Might be like if it was celebrated in the ocean.  Get free coloring book sheets and important information at the Wyland website.

Learn all about Bottlenose Dolphins, Killer Whales, and many other examples of life in the sea through the eyes and talents of the famous artist Wyland.  An educational coloring book and factsheet are just a couple of the special and informative delights you will find on this website developed by the official artist of the Year of the Ocean-Wyland-himself.
www.wyland.com

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