One of the best parts of homeschooling is the chance to make learning come alive through culture and tradition. December is a perfect time to explore Christmas and holiday customs from around the world.
In Mexico, families celebrate Las Posadas with reenactments of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. In Germany, children set out boots on December 6th for St. Nicholas Day. In Sweden, the Festival of St. Lucia brings light into the darkest days of winter.
You can turn these traditions into rich homeschool lessons. Try geography by marking countries on a map. Add history by learning how traditions developed. Practice art by making crafts inspired by other cultures, like German paper stars or Swedish Lucia crowns. Even cooking can become a cultural experience—bake Italian panettone bread or make holiday tamales.
By exploring global traditions, students learn to appreciate diversity, history, and the many ways people around the world celebrate the season of joy.