Observed on December 25th each year, Christmas is celebrated by many Christians and non-Christians alike.

With a history dating back two millennia, Christmas is a time for those of the Christian faith to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the central spiritual figure of their religion. Christians attend religious services in churches, and many also celebrate the holiday with festive, secular activities. These include parties and tasty feasts, trimming the Christmas tree, and gift giving between friends, family, and of course, Santa Claus – also known as Sinterklaas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or jolly, old Saint Nick!

To learn all about Christmas, and get in the holiday spirit, check out the videos, fun activities, family-friendly books, and delicious recipes below!

Learn About the Holiday

Christmas | All About the Holidays

Grades 3-5
Christmas Day isn’t just a holiday for Christians. Learn about the various traditions that people hold to celebrate it and have yourself a merry little Christmas! Then, try this Christmas Word Search to keep the fun and learning going with new holiday vocabulary words.

Is Santa Real? (A Scientific Analysis) | It’s Okay to Be Smart

Grades 6-12
Ever wonder how Santa could possibly manage to deliver all those presents in a single night? Or what gives red-nosed reindeer the ability to fly? And why do your Christmas lights get tangled in knots no matter how carefully you put the away?! Check out this video from It’s Okay to Be Smart to find out the science behind these holiday mysteries!

Christmas Traditions | Religion and Ethics Weekly

Grades 6-12
Many of the best known Christmas traditions were actually adapted from pagan practices and given new Christian meanings. Learn how common concepts that are closely attached to Christmas — like Christmas trees, mistletoe, and even what day it falls on — are borrowed from various pagan belief systems.

Nativity Scene Tradition | Religion and Ethics Weekly

Grades 6-12
All over the world and in almost every culture, the tradition of displaying scenes from the birth of Jesus has become a cherished part of the holiday season. There is even a group dedicated to keeping this Christmas tradition alive.

Activities, Books and Recipes

Decorate-by-Letter Christmas Tree

Grades PreK-1
Does your child love color-by-number coloring activities? In this activity you’ll use that same idea to help your child practice identifying letters while decorating your Christmas tree.

Heartwarming Christmas Books for Kids

Grades PreK-5
Whether your family unwraps a new book for the 12 days of Christmas or enjoys the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas tale, books are often a big part of the season. This Christmas season, explore this list of new — or new to you — Christmas books for children ages 1-10.

How to Make Woodland Creature Ornaments

Grades PreK-5
Make an adorable DIY woodland creature ornament! This is a fun craft and gift idea for a wide range of ages. Reindeer are often associated with Christmastime and cold, snowy climates, but there are other animals that are part of the winter landscape too.

DIY PBS Kids Wrapping Paper

Grades PreK-5
This printable wrapping paper is perfect for any PBS KIDS fan! Find wrapping paper featuring characters from your favorite PBS KIDS shows that you can color, decorate and wrap your presents with.

Spruce Tree Shortbread

All Ages
Cooking with spruce is magical. It fills up the house with the fragrance of a sweet-scented forest and makes it feel oh so Christmassy! These spruce tree shortbread cookies are also a lovely gift.