Wanting to learn more about other cultures during this holiday season? Studying traditions of holidays and Christmas around the world can be fun. It is a way for homeschoolers and other families to enjoy learning during the holiday season.
You could pick one general book for an overview, or do a deep dive into several cultures and traditions. Whatever you decide, this book list about Christmas around the world should help you find the resources.
If you’re looking for a book list with general Christmas picture books and chapter books, check out my post about Christmas Books for kids.
*Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the link. Please see my disclosure for more details.
Christmas around the world
Many say that the United States is a “melting pot” of many cultures. When it comes to our holidays this especially seems true. Many holidays have several traditions that are rooted in other countries and cultures. And today have mixed together to become an appreciation of them all.
So much of the world’s history still affects us today. Many may not realize where all these traditions came from. So studying the history of these traditions from Christmas around the world will help you in this endeavor.
Of course, many people will celebrate some traditions more than others. Some will only use certain holiday traditions from their family’s culture or religion and that is wonderful.
Christmas of course, is not the only holiday celebrated in December. I have included books from several other winter holidays alongside Christmas for this reason. Some of these holidays are separate from Christmas while others share similar aspects.
I hope you enjoy learning about winter holidays and Christmas around the world.
General books
The books in this section have a variety of Christmas traditions and cultures included in one. Some are more like curriculum, some would do well to read like a long picture book, and othere may be more for adults.
Note that some of these books are out of print, so may be more difficult to find. But if found in a library or used, would be worth bringing home. I have linked them all on Amazon for you.
Unit Studies
As homeschoolers, what’s better than a unit study on a new topic? It turns out, there are already some plans for Christmas Around the World. Check out these ideas for your homeschool unit study:
Group of Unit studies from Freedom Homeschooling – There are 11 studies of 5 days each in this set. No prep, all online. And it’s all free!
Unit study from The Homeschool Mom – A unit study with short intros for several countries, followed by crafts and recipes.
Gather ‘Round Homeschool Unit – A fabulous family unit study on Christmas Around the World
Unit from Confessions of a Homeschooler – A short study of 9 countries and their Christmas traditions. Includes recipes and activities.
Why Christmas? – This site isn’t a unit study in itself, but is a fabulous resource for anyone looking for more information about Christmas traditions. And it has info from about 100 countries and their Christmas celebrations!
Picture books
Below is a list of great picture books to use in your study of holidays and Christmas around the world.
I have tried to categorize these books by either country, culture, or holiday. Of course some books are hard to categorize due to some cross over.
Note that some of these books are out of print, so may be more difficult to find. But if found in a library or used, would be worth bringing home. I have linked them all on Amazon for you.
Africa
Australia
Black Spirituals
What a Morning! The Christmas Story in Black Spirituals by John Langstaff
Canada
An Aboriginal Carol by David Bouchard
Caribbean
Czech Republic
Carl the Christmas Carp by Ian Krykorka
Denmark
Diwali
Epiphany
Germany
Cobweb Christmas: The Tradition of Tinsel by Shirley Climo
Hanukkah
Italy
Japan
Tree of Cranes by Allen Say
King Island
King Island Christmas by Jean Rogers
Kwanzaa
Mexico/Central America/ Las Posadas
Russia
St. Nicholas Day
Sweden/Lucia Day
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Winter Solstice
The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice by Carolyn McVickar Edwards
Wrap it Up
Studying Christmas around the world can help you and your children broaden your understanding of others. It also can help you have a deeper appreciation for Christmas traditions as you celebrate. I hope this extensive list of books will help you on that journey.
Do you have books, unit studies or other resources you love? I’d love to add them to my list. Comment below!
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