Special days
Halloween
1. Do the following treasure hunt about Halloween and discover plenty of new things you did not know about this festivity.
http://www.prof2000.pt/users/estante/treasure_hunts/halloween/index.html
2. Create your own Halloween pop-up card and write a Halloween saying inside.
Christmas or Xmas
There are many Christmas traditions that have their roots in cultures around the world. Through these questions, you will search out the origins of the traditions to better understand our celebration today.
- Describe the origin of the Yule log. Where did the tradition begin (country) and when? What is its significance?
- Who chose December 25 as the date for Christmas? Why was this date chosen?
- Where was Christmas outlawed in 1659? Why?
- When was Christmas declared a federal holiday?
- What author's book published in 1819 changed the way Americans thought about Christmas? Name the book. What did it talk about, and how did it change the way people thought about the holiday?
- What saint is honored in Sweden at Christmas time?
- Describe a Christmas celebration in Australia.
- Who popularized the use of Christmas cards?
- Where did caroling begin? What did singers hope to receive?
- Why was the Christmas tree adopted late in America? By what date were Christmas tree decorations being brought into the homes of Americans?
- What is the best known story of Saint Nicholas and his kindness? What is his feast day?
- When did Santa Claus first appear in the United States? Why?