Christmas is a time for celebration and excitement, especially for children anticipating a visit from the big man in the big sleigh. Through Christmas activities in the classroom, teachers can share in the holiday spirit while teaching young pupils the value of multicultural differences and organizational tactics, skills that they can use as they progress through all levels of school and into the adult world.

Venn Diagram
Choose a holiday similar to Christmas. For a multicultural approach, consider Hanukkah, Yule or Kwanzaa. You can also use a holiday such as Halloween or Easter. Set up a Venn diagram that features one holiday in each of two bubbles, with a section overlapping in between. Place details about Christmas in one bubble, details about the other holiday in the other bubble and details that the holidays share in the middle. Have the pupils brainstorm ideas, such as gifts for both Christmas and Hanukkah, but a tree for Christmas and a menorah for Hanukkah. Pupils will learn to compare and contrast, and organize their thoughts with a diagram. You can also provide pupils with a word bank that contains words for each holiday (and ones that they have in common) and see if they can place the words in the appropriate places.

Someone Else's Christmas List
Allow pupils to use their imaginations to explore someone else's Christmas list. Have them choose a historical figure, fictional character or modern celebrity or role model and imagine what that person would write to Santa to ask for. Pupils should be able to validate their answers with good reasons: Why would their person put that object on their list? This activity allows young pupils to expand their minds and see things from other people's perspectives. Working in pairs or small groups may help the pupils expand their horizons as well.

Comparing Christmases
Have each pupil share a favorite story, activity or tradition of the holidays in their families and homes. For example, some families open all of their presents on Christmas Eve, some open one present each, and some don't open any until Christmas Day. Pupils can explain their favorite foods, activities or events from the holiday season and see how, even though they go to the same school, their lives may differ greatly. This will help to expand pupils' understanding of differences and accepting other people's ideas.

Traditions from Around the World
In Germany, it is traditional to hide a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree; Italian families put up their tree on Dec. 8 to celebrate a Christian holiday known as the Immaculata. These fun facts and more will keep children excited and entertained as they learn that even though Christmas is celebrated in most of the world, the reasons and traditions vary greatly. Have pupils discuss why things may be celebrated differently in other countries and which traditions they would enjoy the most.