Outschool
Search

$16

per class
Class

The History of the Traditions of Christmas and New Year in the British Isles

Completed by 45 learners
Ages 9-14
Live One-Time Class
Discover the Celtic, Viking and Roman origins of the different winter festivals that come together in Christmas and New Year, and find out how people in the UK celebrated Yuletide, Hogmanay, the Winter Solstice, and more.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(210 reviews)

Live video meetings
Meets once
3-6 learners per class
45 min

What's included

1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours
Homework
I am a qualified teacher in the UK and have been teaching history to students for over 25 years, I have an Advanced Level qualification in history, and also undertake research as part of my current role.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 7
This one-time class will trace the Celtic, Viking and Roman festivals that took place in the cold, dark winters of the British Isles, and that form some of the Christmas and New Year traditions that we know today.  Come and discover the significance of holly, ivy and mistletoe.  We'll also find out about customs such as Yule logs, Mari Lwyd from Wales, Hogmanay from Scotland, banging the bread from Ireland, and so much more!
My classes are friendly and relaxed, with plenty of time for learners to add their thoughts and comments as we go along.  I would also love to find out how they may celebrate any winter festivals themselves.
I aim to be inclusive; if your learner has additional needs, please do let me know - I will do my best to adapt my class and teaching so they can enjoy it too.

If you would like this class scheduled at a different time, just get in touch; I may be able to help.

Please note this class is about the origins of Christmas and New Year, and does not discuss Christmas from a religious point of view.

Learning Goals

Students will have an understanding of the origins and traditions of a range of winter festivals from the UK that come together in the modern Christmas festivals.

Other Details

Supply List
A fact file sheet will be sent in advance so that learners can record what they have learnt.  This can be completed in class or after class.  It is, of course, optional.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
My sources include but are not limited to: The Old Magic of Christmas - Linda Raetlisch Pagan Christmas - Christian Ratsch The Winter Solstice - Ancient Traditions of Christmas - John Matthews Celtic Mythology - Philip Freeman

Meet the teacher

5.0
210reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a qualified teacher in the UK and have been teaching history to students for over 25 years,  I have an Advanced Level qualification in history, and also undertake research as part of my current role.

Reviews

Helena England, BA Hons, PGCE, MA suggests this class next...
Tales of the British Isles - UK Myths, Legends, Folklore, Customs
Helena England, BA Hons, PGCE, MA
5.0
(210)
$17 per class
Group Class
1/wk, 40 min
9-14


Parents also liked
Christmas Fun in Spanish!
Amie S (B.A. Spanish and Psychology)
4.9
(283)
$12 per class
Next session at 12 AM on Fri 12/19
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 25 min
5-10
Christmas Is Coming!: How to Make a Snowman Christmas Countdown Clock
Miss Brittany, M.S.Ed
5.0
(134)
$12 per class
Next session at 9 PM tomorrow
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 35 min
4-9
Christmas Piano Tunes for Young Beginners
Elizabeth (BFA, MAE)
4.8
(443)
$18 per class
Next session at 1 PM on Wednesday
Group Class
1/wk, 25 min
6-10
LDCA: Christmas Character (Weekly) Drawing Camp
Sterling B. Freeman - Drawing, Illustration, Art
5.0
(2,894)
$20 per class
Next session at 5 PM on Wed 12/3
Group Class
3 wks, 1/wk, 1 hr
6-11
Blooket Christmas Movie Trivia Winter Camp
Mrs. Michelle
5.0
(20)
$15 per class
Next session at 5 PM on Mon 7/7
Group Class
4 wks, 2/wk, 30 min
10-15
Christmas Around the World, Learn About Holiday Traditions in Other Countries
Oxana Cesnova
5.0
(313)
$24 per class
Next session at 9:10 PM on Mon 12/15
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 50 min
10-15
Christmas Tree Art Class: Create Festive Holiday Masterpieces
Rozine
4.9
(2,253)
$20 per class
Next session at 1 AM on Sat 5/3
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 45 min
6-11
Short Story Study for Christmas: The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
Mr. Van, Certified Teacher
5.0
(126)
$20 per class
Next session at 3 PM on Thu 11/20
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 55 min
12-14
Grinch Trivia and Drawing: Winter break fun! Christmas sketch and Grinch Art!
Teacher Amy M.S.
4.9
(52)
$12 per class
Next session at 6 PM on Mon 12/1
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 30 min
8-12
Strumming Around the Christmas Tree - Beginners - Guitar + Ukulele Camp
Sing Create Play by Bella Ely
4.9
(713)
$16 per class
Next session at 2 PM on Mon 6/9
Group Class
5/wk, 40 min
9-14
Christmas Countdown: Waldorf Inspired Circle w/ Holiday Verses, Songs & Stories
The Friendly Forest School with Ms. Nora, M.Ed.
5.0
(154)
$12 per class
Next session at 3 PM on Mon 12/1
Group Class
3/wk, 30 min
3-7
The Office (American) Christmas Party Winter Camp Rewatch Social Group
Mrs. Michelle
5.0
(20)
$15 per class
Next session at 6 PM on Mon 11/24
Group Class
4 wks, 2/wk, 45 min
9-14
Christmas Character Drawing - Santa
Sterling B. Freeman - Drawing, Illustration, Art
5.0
(2,894)
$18 per class
Next session at 7 PM on Wed 12/17
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 50 min
7-12
Christmas Character Drawing - Reindeer & Snowman
Sterling B. Freeman - Drawing, Illustration, Art
5.0
(2,894)
$20 per class
Next session at 7 PM on Wed 12/10
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 50 min
6-11
Season's Readings: Classic Novel Study of a Christmas Carol for Middle School
Mr. Van, Certified Teacher
5.0
(126)
$20 per class
Next session at 9 PM on Mon 12/1
Group Class
3 wks, 1/wk, 55 min
11-15
Polar Minecraft Express Camp: Christmas in Minecraft (Only Java Edition)
Playful Digital Learning
4.9
(585)
$39 per class
Next session at 4 PM on Mon 12/15
Group Class
1 wk, 5/wk, 2 hr
7-12
See More Classes
Home
Search
Give a Gift Card
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Language & Region
Log In