10 Picture Books for Teaching Christmas Around the World

In this blog post I’m sharing 10 picture books for teaching Christmas around the World. The holiday season is the perfect time to explore the diversity of Christmas traditions celebrated across the globe. For our students, this is an exciting opportunity to learn about different cultures and how the spirit of the season—joy, kindness, and giving—connects us all, no matter where we live.

In this blog post, I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 picture books that are perfect for teaching your students about Christmas celebrations in different cultures. These books not only teach cultural appreciation but also help create a more inclusive and understanding classroom environment.

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10 Picture Books for Teaching Christmas Around the World

Christmas Around the World by Mary D. Lankford

This classic introduces young readers to holiday traditions in countries like Mexico, Italy, and Sweden. Its simple descriptions and colorful artwork make it perfect for kindergarteners.

Find it on;
– Amazon USA
– Amazon UK

Walk This World at Christmas Time by Debbie Powell
A beautifully illustrated lift-the-flap book that takes children on a festive journey around the globe, highlighting unique traditions from different countries.

Find it on;
– Amazon USA
– Amazon UK

The Tomten and the Fox by Astrid Lindgren

This Scandinavian classic shares the story of a Tomten (a traditional Swedish gnome) helping a hungry fox during a cold winter’s night. A heartwarming tale to explore Nordic traditions.

Find it on;
– Amazon USA
– Amazon UK

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola

A heartwarming Mexican tale that explains the origin of the poinsettia as a Christmas symbol, introducing students to a beloved cultural story.

Find it on;
– Amazon USA
– Amazon UK

Tree of Cranes by Allen Say

This gentle story intertwines Japanese culture with the Christmas spirit, offering a unique look at how the holiday is celebrated in Japan.

Find it on;
– Amazon USA
– Amazon UK

The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie dePaola

A beautifully illustrated book that brings the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas to life, celebrating community and kindness.

Find it on;
– Amazon USA
– Amazon UK

Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters by Patricia C. McKissack & Fredrick McKissack

While focusing on Christmas in 19th-century America, this book introduces cultural diversity and the history of holiday traditions.

Find it on;
– Amazon USA
– Amazon UK

How Kids Celebrate Christmas Around the World (Kids Around the World) by Pavla Hanáčková

This beautifully illustrated book introduces children to Christmas traditions from different cultures, showcasing how kids celebrate the holiday in their own unique ways.

Find it on;
– Amazon USA
– Amazon UK

An Aussie Night Before Christmas by Yvonne Morrison

A hilarious twist on the classic tale, set in Australia with unique traditions like kangaroos pulling Santa’s sleigh, offering a fun and relatable way to learn about the Southern Hemisphere’s holiday customs.

Find it on;
– Amazon USA
– Amazon UK

Babushka: A Christmas Tale by Dawn Casey & Amanda Hall

A Russian folk tale that celebrates kindness and generosity, sharing the story of Babushka and her journey during Christmas.

Find it on;
– Amazon USA
– Amazon UK

How to Use These Books in the Classroom

• Storytime: Choose one book each day and create discussions around the featured tradition.
• Crafts and Activities: Pair books with hands-on activities like making poinsettia crafts or creating paper lanterns inspired by Las Posadas.
• Interactive Map: Use a world map to mark the countries explored in each book, helping students visualize the global aspect of Christmas traditions.
• Comparison Chart: Create a chart where students can compare and contrast different traditions, fostering critical thinking and cultural appreciation.

These picture books are a delightful way to introduce young learners to the beauty of global holiday traditions. Whether you’re reading about Japanese cranes, Mexican poinsettias, or Australian kangaroos, your students will love exploring how people around the world celebrate Christmas.

Add These To Your Christmas Around the World Unit:

• Christmas Around the World Comprehension Worksheets
• Adapted Books for Countries Celebrating Christmas Around the World
• Christmas Around the World Spelling Puzzles
• Christmas Around the World Travel Journal
• Blog Posts, Activities and Free Christmas Resources

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Happy teaching and happy holidays! 🎄✨

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Nikki