As the year comes to a close, December is the perfect time to celebrate with friends and family—and an excellent opportunity to teach students about various cultures and celebrations. By exploring books, videos, and hands-on activities, students can see how much we all have in common despite our differences. Here are three engaging ways to bring the holiday spirit into your classroom or library:

1. Introduce Students to Holiday Traditions Through Literature
One of the best ways to teach students about different holidays is through read-aloud books. Literature allows students to explore diverse traditions and cultures in a relatable way. Check out the Help Teaching website for a list of fantastic winter holiday read-aloud suggestions. These books are a great starting point for discussions about the similarities and differences between celebrations.

2. Use Videos to Compare and Contrast Winter Holidays
Visual resources are a powerful tool for illustrating cultural connections. The eMediaVA Holidays Collection features short, engaging informational videos that highlight various winter celebrations. By watching these videos, students can learn that while holiday traditions may differ, they often share common themes of joy, togetherness, and giving.

3. Host a Holiday STEM “Make and Take” Day
Combine creativity and learning with a holiday-themed STEM activity day. Students can create handmade gifts for friends and family while engaging with science and engineering concepts. Visit the Science Buddies website for ideas on crafts that tie into STEM lessons. This hands-on activity is inclusive and enjoyable, no matter which holidays your students celebrate.

By incorporating these activities into your classroom or library, you can create a fun, inclusive, and educational experience for all students this December. Happy Holidays!

Aubree Mitchell is a middle school librarian in Halifax Public Schools and an eMediaVA Teacher Ambassador.