I will focus on the historic and cultural roots of Christmas; of Yuletide and St Nikolaas and how they have moulded the celebration we today call Christmas. 

First, I will cover the winter solstice, the dying of the old year and looking forward to the longer and brighter days of the coming year following the solstice. I will talk about the 12 days of feasting with the Yule Log that burns on the fire for all 12 days and nights, which is why we eat chocolate Yule logs today.

I will talk about the Scandinavian Day Of The Dead linked with Odin’s Wild Hunt of souls being the reason why people stayed indoors and did not look out of their windows. I will talk about the food left out for the elves and the goats that pulled Thor’s chariot being the reason why today we leave mince pies for Santa Claus to eat.

Next, I will talk about Sint Nikolaas whose name we now use as Santa Claus.  I will talk about how he came to the Germanic countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium with his friends to give gifts to children who had behaved well during the year, and coal to the children who had not. This is called Pakjesavond (packages evening) and it is the reason why we give gifts at Christmas. 

At this point, I will ask the learners to show and tell about their favourite Christmas present or share their wish list to Santa.

I will tell the story about how the Sint Nikolaas celebrations started with a prank by some farmers in 1873 who dressed up in robes and gave gifts to the poor children in their village. 

I will talk about how Sint Nikolaas and his friends are celebrated today by the parades in the street in which teenagers are encouraged or picked up and lifted onto St Nikolaas’ carriage, as well as the custom of adults slamming doors in the neighbourhoods so that children believe that Sint Nikolaas really is visiting them all.

Finally, I will talk about how this all mixes into the celebration that we today  call Christmas. I will end with the well loved children’s poem-story Twas The Night Before Christmas. 

The learners can ask questions, share their own knowledge and talk to each other in the class. My teaching style is relaxed but I always make sure that all learners have equal time talking and asking questions. 

The learners can bring their gift wish list for Santa or their favourite Christmas present from a previous year to talk about it and why it is special to them.