Christmas traditions around the world

What's included?

PowerPoint

Key Stage

KS1, KS2

Age

Years 1-6

Subjects

Help children understand Christmas traditions around the world with this free information PowerPoint, packed full of fascinating facts and information.

Find out about traditions in the UK, as well as Norway, Ethiopia and more. Use this PowerPoint as a prompt and discussion point – or as part of geography lessons in the run-up to Christmas.

This PowerPoint about Christmas traditions around the world also works well as an activity for the start or end of the day. It’s a great tool for encouraging curiosity about other cultures and promoting discussions about diversity.

The presentation starts by explaining Christmas as a Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus, observed by around 160 countries.

It covers familiar UK traditions such as decorating, attending Midnight Mass and exchanging gifts on Christmas Day, followed by the historical significance of Boxing Day.

You can then take your pupils on a journey through the festive customs of the Netherlands, Norway, Brazil, the Philippines, Russia and Ethiopia.

For example, in the Netherlands, children celebrate St Nicholas (Sinterklaas) on December 5th, leaving shoes by the fireplace for gifts.

In Norway, they celebrate with Julenisse, a gnome-like figure who brings presents on Christmas Eve. Brazilian children enjoy fireworks and leave socks out for Papai Noel, while in Russia and Ethiopia, Christmas is celebrated in January with traditional meals and religious observances.

This Powerpoint about Christmas traditions around the world ties in well with subjects such as geography, religious studies and global citizenship.

The bright, engaging slides and the questions at the end encourage pupil participation and allow you to facilitate discussions about children’s own traditions versus those around the world.

Mrs Mactivity is an early years and primary learning resources site, with new resources uploaded every week. Browse more Christmas activities for schools.