Instructions: Use the Internet resources listed with each question to track down some holiday traditions in countries around the world. Write your answers on the answer sheet provided!
(1) Reindeer are a species of deer and are located in the Arctic regions of the world. The largest can reach almost 4 feet tall! Reindeer are strong and can pull up to twice it's own weight--which is ideal for pulling a sleigh loaded down the cargo. Click on the link and write down what your Reindeer name would be!
(3) In Italy there is a special holiday on January 6th called La Befana. Who is La Befana and what does she look like? Internet Resource: http://www.zuzu.org/daze.html
(4) Elves are creatures that originated in north European (German, British and Scandinavian) British folklore. Elves are often described as tiny, dwarf-like creatures, and are said to be immortal and possess magical powers. They began to be associated with Christmas in the mid – 1800s, when they became Santa’s helpers. It is said that Santa and his elves live in a secret village unknown to anyone. Certain sources say that Father Christmas’ village is in the North Pole, while others argue there are no reindeer in the North Pole but plenty in Lapland – so the secret village must be hidden there. Click on the link and see if you can crack the Elves Secret code! What is the code? Internet Resource: http://www.claus.com/elfschool/ELF_password1.php.htm
(5) The Christmas Candy Cane originated in Germany about 250 years ago. It was just a straight plain white sugar stick. Some stories say that in 1670, these candy sticks were given to children so they could sit quietly through the long Christmas nativity service. To remind the children of Christmas a choirmaster made them into a “J” shape like a shepherd crook. Play the Candy Cane Christmas Word Game. What is your secret word? Internet Resource: http://www.billybear4kids.com/holidays/christmas/Hangman/index.htm
(8) A white Christmas refers to the presence of snow at Christmas. This is most common in the northern countries because in some countries December is in the middle of summer. So in the Southern countries a white Christmas is extremely rare (except for a few). Click on the hyperlink and play the “Snow Typing” game. Select the “easy” level and only play one game. You are to practice your proper technique that we’ve been working on and always keep those hands on home row! Write down your score when you’ve completed the game.
(9) Christmas cookies can trace their history to recipes from Medieval Europe biscuits. By the 16th century Christmas biscuits had become popular across Europe, Germany, Norway, and Sweden. The earliest examples of Christmas cookies in the United State were brought by the Dutch in the early 17th century. Germany cookie cutters were imported to the U.S.--in shapes and styles designed to hang on Christmas trees. In Canada and in the United States since the 1930s, children have left cookies and milk on a table for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Take a minute or two to make cookies for Santa!
(11) Building a snowman is a popular tradition in many countries. In Europe and North America, snowmen are built with three spheres depicting a head, torso, and lower body. Click on the hyperlink to make a snowman! What type of hat is your snowman wearing? Internet source: http://www.abcya.com/snowman.htm
(12) In Jamaica on Christmas morning after attending church, Jamaican families will get together and serve what popular drink? Internet Resource: http://www.crewsnest.vispa.com/journey.htm
(13) Christmas carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago. Can you try and pass level 1 of the game “Name That Tune”?
(15) The first chocolate beverage was created by the Mayas around 2,000 years ago. The warm beverage became popular in Europe after being introduced from Mexico and has changed many times since then. Hot chocolate today is consumed throughout the world and comes in many variations including the very thick cioccolata densa served in Italy, and the thinner hot cocoa that is typically consumed in the United States. Create a one day hot cocoa stand for the elves. How much did you charge for a cup of hot cocoa? In the end, how many cups of hot cocoa did you sell?
(16) There are differences among countries in the type of suit that Santa Claus wears. Typically in the United States, he wears a white fur trimmed red jacket and pants with a broad buckled belt, a matching hat and black boots. In European countries such as Austria, Saint Nicholas’ outfit is closer to that of the saint, being a long robe similar to what a Bishop wears. Quickly dress your Santa and go onto the final question! http://www.thekidzpage.com/freeonlinetoys/dressup/santadressupgame.html
(17) Jack Frost is known as a winter character. It is thought to have originating in Scandinavian mythology. The story of Jack Frost has been retold for generations, and today is the wintry figure that is said to decorate surfaces with the patterns of ice. Jack Frost is also the person who makes your nose tingle in the cold weather! He is usually depicted as an elf and some tales claim that he is related to said giants, who were responsible for glaciers, avalanches, ice caps, and frozen rivers. Click on the link and read the holiday Jack Frost Christmas jokes. Make sure you click on the “answer” button to find the answers. How does Jack Frost travel to work?