I will share slides to help facilitate a lively discussion about December holiday traditions in The United States, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Japan, Liberia and Mexico.  I specifically focus only on the secular aspects of holidays.  Celebrations will include Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Epiphany, Advent, Novena, New Year and el Dia de Reyes.  Characters will include Santa Claus, Papi Noel, St. Nicholas, Babbo Natale, Santa-San, Schwarz Peter, Belsnickel and Old Befana. Traditions will include Christmas trees, menorahs, dreidels, kinaras, Christmas Bushes, Carols by Candlelight, nativity scenes, trees of light, fireworks, stockings, decorations, kadomatsus, piñatas and poinsettias, as well as many varieties of traditional winter holiday foods and a whole lot more.  Students will be invited to share what their regional and family traditions are, and share what they know as well!