Cultural Christmas

I LOVE Christmas time and I've been anxious all year to start the preschool festivities. We focused this week on the different ways other cultures celebrate the holidays. The children really liked the idea in Germany of putting the presents on the tree and had a great time marching around the backyard with tree limbs singing "O Christmas Tree". Our Swedish Saint Lucia day began with a candlelight classroom and lots of cozy blankets for story time. It's been fun to teach them that the holidays are more than just about Santa Clause.

The children literally jumped out of their seats with excitement when they saw Porsche walk in with her snack. Snack time couldn't come soon enough!
Cutting food into quarters and halves- fractions that are fun!

Making a "Q". After everyone gets in a circle they stick one leg out to make a Q- then tumble to the ground in giggles.

Whose that hiding behind the tree?

Decorating our Christmas Tree ornaments.

Kyler really liked all the glitter glue.

Boston focusing hard to get the ornaments just right on his tree.

The finished products! Sierra thought we should have a contest and judge them, however we determined they were all unique and all winners!

This new toy doesn't quite go with the Cultural Christmas theme, but due to a delay in shipping it arrived just after builder week and it was too fun to put away. They worked on drilling the bolts into patterns and every one of them did perfect! (This toy was a huge hit so I'm sure you'll see more of it than just during building week)

St. Lucia Day! Boys in Star Hats, Girls in Wreaths (I opted not to light candles on the wreaths!), warm rolls and hot chocolate. We watched a short video of an actual St. Lucia procession so of course we then had to have our own procession around the house.

Dancing time! They actually each did a solo performance for me of a snowflake dance. Next time I'll try to video it so you can see them in action- truly priceless

Jack be nimble...

Jack be quick...

Jack jump over....

the candlestick!