We continued our trip around the world with a stop in Germany. Germans say Froekliche Weihnachten for Merry Christmas. Our tour guides, Shea, Maximus, and Zack J, showed us their Christmas shaped cookies, which are common for German dinners. They also eat sausage.
In Germany, children leave letters on their windowsills for Christkind, a winged figure, with a white robe and a gold crown. The very first Christmas tree was in Germany and families usually have several in their home. We used pinecones, glitter, construction paper, and cotton balls to make our own winter Christmas trees.
The Netherlands was our next stop. Deandra, Izabella, and Adrian enjoyed their trail mix and taught us about their traditions. In the Netherlands, children await the arrival of Sinterklaas and Black Pete. They leave hay and carrots in their wooden shoes, for Sinterklaas' white horse.
Families in the Netherlands decorate with dolls, toys, and lots of candy! We made our own candy wreaths to display at our homes.
Gud jul! Jesus, Everett, and Jayden taught us all about Christmas in Sweden. They traditionally eat sausage and sweet rolls for Christmas dinner.
In Sweden, families celebrate a brave young girl named St. Lucia. Years ago, she took food and drinks to people hiding in tunnels. She wore candles on her head to light her way. Today, the oldest daughter in each family dresses as St. Lucia and brings her family breakfast on Christmas day.
Families in Sweden decorate their trees and wreaths with real candles! We made our own advent wreath with candles.
Our last stop was Israel, where they celebrate Hannukah. Isaac, Chris, Tytianna, and Donovan served as our tour guides.
Families in Israel serve latkes (like potato pancakes) and applesauce for their special dinner.
To celebrate Hanukkah, families use a special candleholder called a menorah. They light a candle each night for 8 nights, until they are all lit. We made our own colorful menorahs to display.
Children in Israel play with a special top, called a dreidel. They spin the dreidel and read what it says when it stops and lands on its side.
The Star of David is an important symbol in Israel. It's on their flag and in many of their holiday decorations.
We had so much fun "traveling" the world and learning about how different countries celebrate at Christmas time. We got to sample many kinds of food and have some great crafts to help us decorate for Christmas at home!
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