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DECEMBER is all about cultural celebrations around the world! Scroll down for more songs, videos, dances, and information about our musical trip around the world!
DECEMBER is all about cultural celebrations around the world! Scroll down for more songs, videos, dances, and information about our musical trip around the world!
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LYRICS
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December 6: Nikolausabend (Saint Nicholas Day)
December 6: Nikolausabend (Saint Nicholas Day)
This tradition began in Germany, but this cultural event is also celebrated in Poland, the Netherlands, and all around the world. The holiday celebrates St. Nicholas, who is known for selling all his possessions and giving his money to the poor. Today, this tradition honors generosity and good deeds.
About Germany
Flunkeblunk celebrates St. Nicholas Day
St. Nicholas Day Traditions
"Lasst uns froh und munter sein" Song in German
"Lasst uns froh und munter sein" Song in German with English Translation
"Lasst uns froh und munter sein" (Let's Be Happy and Full of Cheer) Rhythm Play-Along
December 13: Sankta Lucia (Saint Lucy's Day)
December 13: Sankta Lucia (Saint Lucy's Day)
This tradition began in Italy, but this cultural event is also celebrated in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Bosnia, and Croatia. The story is about Lucia of Syracuse, who according to legend brought food to people hiding in the Roman catacombs (tunnels), she wore a candle lit wreath on her head to light her way and leave her hands free to carry as much food as possible. Today, this holiday celebrates helping others and bringing light to the darkest days of winter.
About Norway
About St. Lucia Day
"Santa Lucia" song in English
"Santa Lucia" song in Italian (from Italy)
"Lucia sangen" song in Norwegian (from Norway)
"Sankta Lucia" song in Swedish (from Sweden)
December 16 - 24: Las Posadas
December 16 - 24: Las Posadas
This tradition originates from Spain, and is also celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, and the United States. The Spanish word posada means "shelter", and celebrates the story of Mary and Joseph's long and difficult journey to the city of Bethlehem. Today, the festival includes a procession from house to house, and at each stop, there is music, food, and a piñata filled with candy and toys.
About Mexico
What is Las Posadas?
Spanish Pronunciation Guide
Las Posadas Song and Dance
What is Mariachi?
Latin Fusion Folk Dance
December 18-26: Hanukkah
December 18-26: Hanukkah
This tradition began in Israel, but this cultural event is also celebrated all around the world. Hanukkah is a holiday honoring the Maccabees's victory over King Antiochus. The holiday is also known as "The Festival of Lights" because the legend describes a menorah that only had enough oil for one night, but it burned for 8 whole nights! Hanukkah means "dedication" in Hebrew, and today the festival celebrates joy and togetherness.
What is Hanukkah?
A Hanukkah Song
Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel
Dreidel Dance
December 25: Christmas
December 25: Christmas
This tradition originates from the eastern bank of the Mediterranean Sea in the cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and historians believe it may have been first celebrated in Italy, but now this cultural event is celebrated all over the world, with each country and cultural group celebrating in their own special ways.
Game: "Christmas Guess the Song"
History of Christmas
History of "Jingle Bells"
"Jingle Bells"
"Jingle Bell Stomp"
December 26 - January 1: Kwanzaa
December 26 - January 1: Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a Swahili word that means "first" and signifies the first fruits of the harvest. Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture that ends with a feast called Karamu. It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from many parts of Africa, including West Africa and Southeast Africa. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966 in the USA, and now is celebrated all around the world.
Song: "O Kwanzaa"
This song uses three special words from the Swahili language:
Nguzo Saba [n-GOO-zah SAH-bah] - "seven principles"
Habari gani [hah-BAH-ree GAH-nee] - "What's the news?" or "How are you?"
Harambee [hah-RAHM-bay] - "all pull together" or "unity"
About West Africa
What is Kwanzaa?
A Kwanzaa Celebration
"Kwanzaa Celebration" Song
"O Kwanzaa" Song
Learn West African Dance moves!
December 31: New Year's Eve/Day
December 31: New Year's Eve/Day
New Year's Eve celebrates the last day of the old year and New Year's Day celebrates the first day of the new year! This holiday is celebrated all around the world, and many people honor this day as a way to remember the past year, as well as a way to look forward to a new year to come. In some countries, people make "New Year's Resolutions", where a person promises to accomplish a personal goal or somehow improve their life.
Song: "Auld Lang Syne"
About New Year's
New Year's Traditions
New Year's Resolutions
"Auld Lang Syne" original poem in Scots language (Scotland)
"Auld Lang Syne" Song (modern version, English lyrics)
"Auld Lang Syne" Dance
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