How Can I Teach My Kids About Canadian Holiday Traditions in a Fun Way?
by Julie Diamond, OCT
Canada is home to many holiday traditions that reflect its cultural diversity and historical roots. The winter season offers an excellent opportunity for families to teach their children about these traditions while building a sense of community, curiosity, and appreciation for diversity.
In this blog, I explore fun and educational ways to learn through Canadian holiday traditions, from coast to coast and turn the holiday season into a fun learning experience.
Why Teach Kids About Holiday Traditions?
The holidays are more than just festive fun—they’re a chance to help kids:
Understand Diversity: Canada’s multiculturalism shines during the holidays, showcasing celebrations like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more.
Build Historical Awareness: Many holiday traditions have deep historical significance that can connect kids to Canada’s past.
Develop Empathy: Learning about how others celebrate fosters understanding and respect.
1. Explore the Origins of Canadian Christmas Traditions
Many Canadian families celebrate Christmas, but did you know some of our customs have unique roots?
Activity Idea:
Research Canadian Christmas Traditions: Teach your kids about traditions like the Réveillon dinner in Quebec, or the importance of the Christmas tree in Nova Scotia—a province famous for its tree exports.
Craft Project: Create ornaments inspired by Nova Scotia’s famous balsam firs or decorate cookies in traditional Métis patterns.
What Kids Learn:
Geography: Locate provinces like Nova Scotia and Quebec on a map.
History: Learn about early settlers and Indigenous influences on Canadian Christmas celebrations.
2. Celebrate Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights
Hanukkah, celebrated by Jewish families, teaches values like resilience, gratitude, and community.
Activity Idea:
Learn Through Food: Make latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) as a family and learn their historical significance. They are super delicious and fun to make!
Craft a Menorah: Teach kids about the menorah’s importance by creating a paper version and “lighting” one candle per night.
What Kids Learn:
Cultural Appreciation: Understand the story of Hanukkah and its importance to Jewish Canadians.
Math: Practice counting as they track the eight nights of Hanukkah.
3. Discover Kwanzaa and Its Principles
Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, honours African heritage and community values.
Activity Idea:
Principles in Action: Teach kids the seven principles of Kwanzaa (e.g., unity, self-determination) and brainstorm ways to apply them in daily life.
Create Kinara Art: Use coloured paper or paints to craft a kinara (candle holder), discussing the symbolism of each candle.
What Kids Learn:
Social Studies: Connect the celebration to African heritage and the contributions of Black Canadians.
Creativity: Express the principles of Kwanzaa through art projects.
4. Learn About Winter Solstice Traditions
The Winter Solstice (December 21) marks the shortest day of the year and has been celebrated by Indigenous Peoples in Canada for centuries.
Activity Idea:
Storytime: Share Indigenous legends about the solstice, like those from the Inuit or Anishinaabe communities.
Nature Walk: Take a walk at dusk to observe the natural world and reflect on the changing seasons.
What Kids Learn:
Environmental Science: Discuss how the Earth’s tilt causes solstices.
Indigenous Studies: Gain insight into Indigenous traditions and their connection to nature.
5. Engage with Multicultural Winter Festivals
Canada’s cultural diversity is reflected in winter festivals across the country.
Activity Idea:
Virtual Tours: Visit websites or videos of festivals like Vancouver’s Winter Solstice Lantern Festival or Toronto’s Cavalcade of Lights.
Create Your Own Lanterns: Encourage kids to design lanterns and discuss the role of light in various cultures during winter.
What Kids Learn:
Community: Understand how different regions and cultures celebrate the season.
Art and Design: Practice creativity while crafting.
6. Teach About Indigenous Winter Ceremonies
Many Indigenous communities hold ceremonies in the winter to honour the land and ancestors.
Activity Idea:
Learn Through Art: Explore Indigenous winter art, like snowshoe patterns or beadwork, and create your own versions at home.
Cook Bannock: Teach kids how to make bannock bread while discussing its cultural significance.
What Kids Learn:
Indigenous Studies: Build respect for Indigenous cultures and their contributions to Canadian history.
Culinary Skills: Follow a recipe and measure ingredients.
7. Dive into Newfoundland’s Mummering Tradition
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the quirky custom of mummering involves dressing in disguise and visiting neighbours for fun.
Activity Idea:
Create Mummer Costumes: Use household items to create fun disguises, encouraging kids to get creative.
Role-Play: Act out a friendly mummering visit at home.
What Kids Learn:
Local History: Discover how European settlers brought this tradition to Newfoundland.
Imagination: Use role-play to understand social customs.
8. Celebrate the New Year with Scottish Hogmanay Traditions
Many Canadians of Scottish descent celebrate Hogmanay, a New Year’s Eve tradition emphasizing renewal and good fortune.
Activity Idea:
First-Footing: Teach kids about the tradition of being the first visitor to someone’s home after midnight, often bringing gifts like shortbread or coal.
Learn a Scottish Song: Practice singing Auld Lang Syne together and discuss its meaning.
What Kids Learn:
Music and Language: Explore Scottish culture through song.
Cultural Connections: Understand how traditions migrate and evolve in Canada.
9. Discuss Modern Canadian Holiday Customs
Modern celebrations often blend global traditions, reflecting Canada’s multicultural identity.
Activity Idea:
Holiday Cards: Write cards to family and friends, incorporating phrases from multiple languages, like "Joyeux Noël" (French) or "Feliz Navidad" (Spanish).
Community Kindness: Volunteer at a local shelter or food bank, teaching the importance of giving back.
What Kids Learn:
Social Responsibility: Understand the importance of helping others.
Language Skills: Practice phrases in new languages.
Canada’s holiday traditions are as diverse as its people, offering endless opportunities for learning and connection. By exploring these customs with your children, you can foster a deeper appreciation for history, culture, and community while making cherished family memories together. 😀
At Diamond Teachers Group, we believe in connecting learning to real life.
Happy Holidays from our families to yours - using whichever traditions you may do with your children and loved ones - I hope it’s a wonderful time together.