NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

SUMMARY

From twinkling Christmas markets across Europe to vibrant displays of poinsettia in Mexico City, the Christmas spirit takes many forms. John Yang takes a look at how Christians around the world are celebrating the season.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Where are some of the places featured in this story?
2. When did Andrzej Kocek start working on his Nativity scene?
3. What was the Nativity scene made out of in the Canary Islands?
4. How did the artisans in Krakow, Poland, reinterpret the traditional Nativity scene?
5. Why did the environmentalist make the Christmas tree out of plastic bottles in Ghana?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

How does learning about a place's religious traditions help to understand its culture? Why is understanding different cultures around the world important?

Media literacy: What other places do you think it would be interesting to see included in this story?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

1. Research how more places celebrate Christmas throughout the world. You can start by checking out this TIME Magazine article here featuring 30 places. The News Hour piece mentioned Bethlehem amid years of war in Gaza. You may also wish to check out the ABC story Gaza's Christian community prepares for Christmas amid ceasefire.
2. Take a look at the following article Photos: Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations around the world (12/26/2024). Discuss with a family member, neighbor or friend: Which photo did you like or attracted your attention the most? What about it struck you?

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