🎅 We will discuss the history, culture, and traditions of five winter holidays such as Christmas, Yule, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice, and Kwanzaa, and how they are celebrated around the globe. For example, the "Christmas tree" and other decorations are not from the Christian religion, but rather from Yule and Winter Solstice. Who exactly was Santa Clause? There are a few actually. We discuss how Santa's reindeer came to be and why we exchange gifts - all coming from different winter holidays. Fun facts, short videos, and discussions are a part of this diverse class. Bring snacks, beverages, and wear a holiday hat because it's a short educational class but a PARTY too (if students want to)!

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~ ✝️ Christmas: This is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. In a secular manner, I will give a short lecture about the history & origins of this holiday along with a secular video from both History.com and National Geographic. 

~ 🎄 Yule: The ancient Norsemen of Scandinavia celebrated Yule from the winter solstice through January. It is still celebrated in many countries including Germany. "Father Christmas" or "Santa Claus", and the decorating of trees and wreaths came from Yule. In a secular manner, I will give a short lecture about the history & origins of this holiday along with a secular video from History.com. 

~ ❄️ Winter Solstice: Cultures around the world have long held feasts and celebrated holidays around the winter solstice. Fire and light are traditional symbols of celebrations held on the darkest day of the year. This is where "Christmas lights", candles, "Santa's elves", and the reindeer came from. In a secular manner, I will give a short lecture about the history & origins of this holiday along with a secular video from History.com.

~ 🎁 Saturnalia: The pagan celebration of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture and time, began as a single day, but by the late Republic (133-31 B.C.) in Rome it had expanded to a weeklong festival beginning December 17. This is where "Christmas dinner" and exchanging of gifts came from. In a secular manner, I will give a short lecture about the history & origins of this holiday along with a secular video from History.com and National Geographic. 

~ 🕯Kwanzaa: Derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. While not an ancient holiday the ideals and merriment has been done for centuries in Africa. In a secular manner, I will give a short lecture about the history & origins of this holiday along with a secular video from History.com and National Geographic. 

After my short lectures and videos of the winter holidays listed above, I'll ask some questions related to them and engage students in a meaningful but truly secular discussion and conversation as well as answer questions. Finally, we will play a fun Mad Libs plus a Kahoot!

Did you know that Christmas is related to Mardi Gras, and Easter too? Yup, I have one time classes for Mardi Gras and Easter too (wink).

By learning about holidays in a secular mode, we learn more about different cultures and especially history. 

Please note Outschool's Refund Policy: Refund within 24 hours of payment until your next meeting or lesson access begins. This means that you will not receive a refund for the class 24 hours after your purchase, no matter when the first live meeting of the class begins. Transfer requests to another class are also unavailable.

Please note that if there are 0 students after the first 10 minutes of the live online class, the class will be canceled. 

Note: This class requires a minimum of FOUR students in order to proceed. If you know of another teen who might be interested, please let them know about the class. If there is not a minimum of four students enrolled in this class approximately 24 hours before the start time it will be canceled and you will receive a FULL refund. Thank you for understanding.