During our study of this country we will read about the customs of Sweden. Did you know that in Sweden, the Christmas celebration lasts nearly two months? We will talk about St. Lucia. To celebrate her, the oldest girl in the family wears a wreath on her head and serves sweet rolls to the family. the boys take part as starboys.
We will make cinnamon rolls and make wreath headbands for the girls and star hats for the boys. The oldest girl in our class will serve the cinnamon rolls to the rest of the class!
During our study of this country we will learn the different traditions of the country. The most treasured custom of Mexico is the Posadas. This is the name given to the nine days of celebration before "La Navidad" (Christmas Day). The children parade down the streets with small figures of the Holy Family being carried in the front of the line.
For this country, we will make a pinata' and have some salsa and chips!
The Nativity scene is one of the most beloved of the holiday symbols. Children in Italy believe in a female version of Santa Claus called La Befana, an old woman who flies on a broom and brings presents.
Our activites during this unit will be making a La Bafana puppet and making mini pizzas.
Children in Holland look forward to Sinterklaas coming and bringing them gifts. The night before Sinterklaas Day, the children place their wooden shoes by the fireplace and put hay or carrots in their shoe for Sinterklass' white horse. They hope that the hay and corn will be replaced with gifts in the morning.
Activities for this country will be making "wooden" shoes and filling them with corn and hay. We will also make fudge since Holland is known for their "sweets'.