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This year's theme for the White House Christmas 2011 celebrates ways we can lift up those around us and share our blessings with all. Students may be interested to see how the First Families have celebrated the holidays over the years in this slide show photo gallery archive complete with images of the White House Christmas trees. This year's 18-foot official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room honors our military, the Gold Star tree in the East Landing plus a series of topiaries built in the image of the First Dog, Bo. On Thursday, the First Family welcomed hundreds to the National Tree Lighting Ceremony to bring in holiday cheer. Speaking of lights - challenge your students with the question, Who invented electric Christmas lights?
This week EDSITEment brings you Gift-Giving Traditions that emanate from a combination of religious and secular celebrations and customs. In gift giving between family and friends, students may find a common thread running throughout December holidays across cultures/religions, including Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Christmas.
December 20th begins the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah known also as "The Festival of Lights." The History of Hanukkah, available through the EDSITEment-reviewed ipl2, puts the holiday in its historical context and includes descriptions of some traditions, such as playing the dreidel, a four sided top.
December 23rd marks the anniversary of A Visit from St. Nicholas, ~ “’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" opens one of the most famous poems about Christmas and is believed to have been written by Clement Moore in 1822. EDSITEment-reviewed American’s Story from America’s Library contains a brief feature on this staple holiday chestnut, which helped establish the image of a magical gift-bearing Santa figure into the American consciousness.
December 26th opens the seven day festival of Kwanzaa which has been embraced across cultural and racial divides to become not only a wonderful celebration of family and culture, but also a fabulous example of how holidays develop through the creative combination of historical circumstances, cultural antecedents, and creative thinking.
Happy Holidays from EDSITEment!
Shelley
