Need suggestions for DD's party at school

[KadysMom]

Here is the email i received:

Parents:
>
> We are organizing a holiday party for Mrs. XXXXX's class which will
> include 5 "stations", each of which will teach the children a little bit
> about how different countries celebrate Christmas or other winter holidays.
> Right now we have 2 stations covered - one for England and one for the
> Philippines. We need three more volunteers to help with three other
> countries of their choosing. Each "station" needs to have a craft, game or
> activity themed around a celebration. For example, at the England station
> the children will hear a little story about how English children celebrate
> the holidays, their traditions etc... The kids will make little Christmas
> Crackers - construction paper tubes decorated and filled with candy and
> trinkets.

So, I would love to do a station, but I need to come up with the idea. The school provides everything, i just have to come up with the idea and give a supply list... HELP!!

 

[stinkerbelle's mom]

I just happened to look up Italian Christmas traditions and found a site that talks about the kids writing letters to their parents instead of Santa saying how much they love them. That sounds cool.

http://italian.about.com/library/weekly/aa120600f.htm

 

[stinkerbelle's mom]

In Puerto Rico they say music is very common to celebrating. Why not have some instruments the kids can experiment with and sing songs at that station.

Bongos, bells, drums, etc..

http://christmas.lovetoknow.com/Christmas_Traditions_in_Puerto_Rico

 

[stinkerbelle's mom]

In the Netherlands children leave treats in their shoes for Sinterklaas' horses. The treats consist of sugar, carrots, and hay. In the morning the treats are gone and treats are left in their place.

http://christmas.lovetoknow.com/Christmas_Traditions_in_the_Netherlands

 

[NHdisneylover]

You could tell the story of how children celebrate Las Posadas in Mexico and have them make paper luminaries (which often line the way up to the various doors the children visit):
http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/2816-las-posadas

For Germany you could talk about St Nicholas day (December 6--the kids leave their shoes in front of their door and St Nick fills them with candy, oranges, nuts and small treats). For younger kids you could come up with a paper/gluing craft and have them glue a shoe on paper and then glue the candy, toys, etc into the shoe. For older kids you could have them make traditional German origami star ornaments:
http://www.craftideas.info/html/german_star_instructions.html

 

[Rora]

I suggest the Netherlands or Germany!

Is it Sweden who has St. Lucia and little girls dress up like her and parade around with candles? That country might be a good option too!

EDIT: yep, it's Sweden. Also: check out this great website, they have the Christmas celebrations of various cultures!! I'm linking to Sweden but there are other countries on the left side!

http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/sweden.shtml

 

[KadysMom]

Great ideas everyone!!! THANKS!!