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, family-friendly books and activities, and delicious recipes below!
Learn About the Holiday
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.
Why Does Santa Wear Red? | Origin of Everything
Grades 9-12
It’s the holiday season and we all know that means seeing old St. Nick in his big red suit. But have you ever stopped to wonder why he doesn’t wear any other color? Because he used to be seen wearing blue suits, purple suits, yellow suits and sometimes he was even skinny! So how did we end up a jolly bearded Santa who only dresses in red? Watch the episode to find out.
Music on the Front Lines | All Is Calm
Grades 9-12
Music had a powerful presence during World War I. In these videos from All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, tune in to hear the songs soldiers sang on the front lines during the war and around Christmastime. Explore how music filled the trenches, and consider how it helped the soldiers cope with the war and create connections with the enemy.
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.
DIY Ornaments Inspired by “Elinor Wonders Why”
Grades PreK-3
Celebrate the magic of the season with your preschooler by creating DIY ornaments inspired by Elinor Wonders Why. Every year, as you display these unique decorations, your child will remember the good times you had making them together.
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.
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.
Jamaica: Christmas Fruitcake and Sorrel Wine | Relish
Grades 3-12
Gooey, moist Jamaican fruitcake, also known as Black cake or Christmas cake, is a must on many Caribbean holiday tables. And since you cannot have Jamaican fruitcake without sorrel wine—an iced hibiscus mulled wine—baker Alreisha Foster makes that alongside chef Yia Vang, too.