Holidays Around the World!
Grab your passports – we’re going on a Holiday adventure! I’ve teamed up with some amazing bloggers to take your students on a Holiday Trip Around the World!
One of my absolute favorite countries I’ve been fortunate to visit is Ireland. Maybe this Irish girl is a little biased, but I just think it’s simply magical!
Since much of Ireland is predominantly Catholic, Christmas is an important holiday, as it celebrates the birth of Jesus! Christmas is celebrated from December 24th – January 6th, or Epiphany.
Happy Christmas in Gaelic!
In some Irish homes, people put a tall, thick candle on the sill of the largest window after sunset on Christmas Eve. The candle is left to burn all night and represents a welcoming light for Mary and Joseph.
In your classroom, you can make these “candles” with your students! 
Did you know holly wreaths hanging on doors originated in Ireland? Long ago, holly was one of the most common plants that flourished in Ireland around Christmas time. Families made holly wreaths as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes! You can create these simple to prep wreaths with just a few supplies! This is a great buddy project {as their are lots of nooks and crannies to cut through!}
To celebrate the feast of the Epiphany {when the Wise Men reached the Baby Jesus} women throughout Ireland celebrate Nollaig na mBan {Women’s Little Christmas}. Traditionally, women get together and enjoy their own Christmas, while the men stay at home and handle all the chores. It is also common for children to buy their mothers and grandmothers presents on this day {though this tradition is slowly being overtaken by Mothers Day}
Love that tradition! 
Unfortunately, there are very limited books specific to Christmas in Ireland! However, a class favorite is An Irish Night Before Christmas!
Here are a few of my other favorite Christmas books!
Want to make these Irish goodies in your own room?
Click the picture below to grab the crafts & Irish passport page!
If you’re looking for a comprehensive way to teach the Continents check out these resources!
Hop on over to Mrs. Decatur’s Little Gators to learn all about Mexico!
Slainte!
Thankfully, my sister is on top of her game and she gave me a swift kick to get started! She also shared how she keeps herself organized during the holidays. I fancied it up and I’m sharing with you to help you get started and/or organized!
