Celebrating the holidays as a family and passing on traditions is an important part of every culture. While your students have likely grown up with traditions of their own, winter is a great time of year to broaden their worldview and explore together the history, traditions, and special meaning behind the various winter holidays celebrated around the world!

We found these bulletin board ideas via Pinterest! Colorful and fun, both boards were created to go along with a "Christmas Around the World" unit and we think they offer a fun learning resource for your kiddos! The first board was created by second grade teacher, Lory Evans, and the second board was designed by Kim Jordano over at Kinder By Kim! Mix and match elements, combine the elements of the two boards, or use your favorite of the two designs - whatever you decide, it's sure to provide a colorful and fun exploration for your kiddos this winter season!

Christmas Around the World!

• Background: Red bulletin board paper.
• Title: "Christmas Around the World!", "Friends Around the World!", "Winter Celebrations!", etc.
• Border: Complimentary solid green trimmer or Christmas themed border.
• Decoration: 1) The Map. To make your own map, cut a large rectangle from light blue bulletin board paper, find black and white continent coloring pages to print onto green card stock, cut out, assemble, and add labels to. [NOTE: You might try these map printables from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Education Place. Of course, you'll have to be conscious of size ratios!] If you don't want to mess with creating your own, purchase an inexpensive map poster from a teacher supply store. 2) The Accents. Select several countries you wish to study as a class and find information about the various symbols, traditions, and cultural elements that influence the celebration of Christmas in each different place. On a piece of light brown construction paper, add printed pictures, magazine clippings, traditional crafts, vocabulary, and/or other items to discuss as you explore Christmas as it is celebrated in each country! Arrange these around the map and add a piece of yarn connecting the construction paper accents to where the country is located on the world map.