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The Christmas holiday has origins that can be traced back to ancient Rome, ancient Celtic and Scottish belief, Germanic cultures, Henry VIII's court, and during the Victorian Period. Let's explore this fascinating and fun holiday and discover how its varied and interesting beginnings have come together to create our modern celebration. 

1. Saturnalia. Roman Christmas?!  What is this holiday and how was it celebrated?  How did this holiday and its ancient practices and beliefs affect the development of the holiday of Christmas? What traditions from this ancient culture still exist? 

2. Scottish and Celtic. I have Scottish ancestry and I will be telling you a few of the traditions I learned from my great-grandmother, who learned them from her great-grandmother, etc. Through these familial oral traditions and by looking at the archaeological and historical evidence, what can we learn about the practice of this Winter Solstice holiday which has become incorporated into Christmas? What are the practices and traditions? What interesting tales did my grandmother tell?

3. Christmas Feast at Henry VIII's palace. How was Christmas celebrated in the 1500s? What did the king and his guests eat for their Christmas feast? What kind of gift do you bring for King Henry VIII? Join me as we experience Christmas Henry VIII style!

4. Oliver Cromwell and The Canceled Christmas. Yes, you read that correctly- Christmas was actually cancelled during the time period of the English Civil War during the 1600s. The king and Christmas were both swept out and shops were required to be open on Christmas Day! Did people still celebrate Christmas during this period? Why was Christmas cancelled and how was it brought back? 

5. Victorian Christmas and the standardization of the modern Christmas. Christmas during the time period of the mid- late 1800s really saw the holiday flourish and begin to become the standardized Christmas holiday we recognize now. Christmas cards, the Christmas goose/ turkey, and the Family Christmas tree began to became regular parts of the holiday. Let's look at some of the Christmas treats and traditions from that time that we still enjoy today and learn a of the few traditions that we no longer practice.

6.  Christmas as a Children's Holiday- Christmas has grown from an ancient holiday into the modern holiday of led lights and that celebrates children and family. How is Christmas celebrated today? What ancient, medieval, or Victorian traditions still remain? What is your favorite Christmas tradition? How do your family or friends celebrate Christmas? 

7. Finally, if we have time... we can talk about what is first on our Christmas lists!

Join me as we explore this beautiful, ancient, and interesting practice of Christmas. It's one of my favorite holidays... let's find out why!

I am looking forward to seeing you in class. Decorations, fun hats, and festive attire is welcome, but not necessary. :)