A Brief History of Christmas

Taken
and
A Brief History of Christmas
adapted
from:
Christmas
Around
the
world,
S&S
leaning
materials,
1992
Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. No one knows the exact date of Christ's
birth, but most Christians observe Christmas on December 25.
On this day, many go to church, where they take part in special religious services. During the Christmas season,
they also exchange gifts and decorate their homes with holly, mistletoe, and Christmas trees. The word Christmas
comes from Cristes Maesse, an early English phrase that means Mass of Christ.
The story of Christmas comes mainly from the Gospels of Saint Luke and Saint Matthew in the New Testament.
According to Luke, an angel appeared to shepherds outside the town of Bethlehem and told them of Jesus' birth.
Matthew tells how the wise men, called Magi, followed a bright star that led them to Jesus.
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Santa Claus has a Dutch origin. He was developed from St. Nicholas who was a real person. St. Nicholas, was the patron saint
of school boys. He brought gifts to the children.
The idea that Santa Claus comes down the chimney originated in Norway, where children hang Christmas stockings on the
fireplace mantel.
Christmas trees have pagan origins. When pagans became Christian, they used evergreens (a sacred tree) for the holiday by
decorating them with nuts and candles. They sang Christmas carols as they danced around the Christmas tree.
Christmas colors are red and green. Today, traditional Christmas activities include caroling, making and giving gifts, sending
cards to family and friends, and enjoying festive dinners and parties.
CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS
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Advent Wreath: four candles placed on a wreath. One candle is lit each Sunday before Christmas in anticipation of Christ's
birthday.
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Angel: an angel told the shepherds of the birth of Jesus. Angels come in many forms for Christmas decorations including the
tree topper.
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Bells: church bells rang to announce the birth of Jesus. They still ring today.
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Candles: represent the light that Jesus brought to earth. Pagans who converted to Christianity used candles on the sacred
evergreen tree.
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Christmas caroling: is a medieval custom of singing and dancing around a Christmas tree. Early carols weren't holy enough for
singing inside a church, so caroling was done outside.
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Christmas stockings: there is a legend associated with the origin of Chritsmas stockings. St.
Nick, who wanted to remain anonymous and help a poor family, threw gold coins down their
chimney. They fell into a stocking that was hanging there to dry.
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Christmas tree Lights: the lights represent Christ as being the "Light of the World." Lights also
represent stars. Candles were first used as lights on the Christmas tree.
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Gifts: the first Christmas gifts were given by the Wisemen to Baby Jesus
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Reindeer : reindeer were the animals chosen by St. Nicholas to pull his sleigh. His reindeers'
names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. Rudolph the
Red-nosed Reindeer is the most famous.
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Star: the Star of Bethlehem guided the Three Wisemen to Baby Jesus.
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Three Wise men: three kings travelled far to see Jesus. They brought their best treasures for gifts.
1 TEACHER’S GUIDE
ANTES DE INICIAR LAS ACTIVIDADES
Lea y explique a los estudiantes la historia y los
hechos importantes del Día de la Navidad.
Apóyese en la información de la lectura en la
página ( ).
ACTIVIDAD 1: CHRISTMAS WORD SEARCH
NIVEL:
A1
LENGUAJE:
Vocabulario relacionado con la
celebración,
desarrollo
de
habilidades para el uso del
diccionario.
DURACIÓN:
15 min.
MATERIALES:
fotocopias de la hoja de trabajo
para
cada
estudiante,
diccionario inglés – español.
PLAN DE TRABAJO
1. Pida a los estudiantes que sigan las
instrucciones de la hoja de trabajo
para armar el árbol navideño. Invítelos
a decorarlo con escarcha.
ACTIVIDAD 3: NATIVITY
NIVEL:
A1
LENGUAJE:
Seguimiento de instrucciones
DURACIÓN:
40 min.
MATERIALES:
fotocopias de la hoja de
trabajo, colores o marcadores,
pegante, tijeras.
PLAN DE TRABAJO
PLAN DE TRABAJO
1. Pida a los estudiantes que resuelvan la
sopa de letras.
2. Invite a los estudiantes a buscar el
significado de las palabras en el
diccionario.
1. Pida a los estudiantes que decoren,
recorten y peguen las figuras del
pesebre.
ACTIVIDAD 2: CHRISTMAS TREE
NIVEL:
A1
LENGUAJE:
Seguimiento de instrucciones de
trabajo.
DURACIÓN:
40 min.
MATERIALES:
fotocopias de la hoja de trabajo
para
cada
estudiante
en
cartulina
blanca,
escarcha
verde, roja o azul, pegamento,
cinta pegante, tijeras.
2 ACTIVITY WORKSHEET 1
3 ACIVITYWORKSHEETS 2
Cut out the two shapes and cut along the dotted lines to the middle. Slide the two pieces
together and open out. Use tape to hold them together.
4 ACTIVITY WORKSHEET 3
Cut the figures and paste them on the manger.
5