We have had a lot of fun with our world travels this week!
On Monday, we "flew" to Holland and learned about Sinterklaas (Santa) and his white horse. We also learned that children leave their shoes (sometimes wooden shoes) filled with carrots or hay and then Sinterklaas leaves them small presents.
Tuesday's trip was to Germany where we learned that children write letters to St. Nicholas/Father Christmas. They make gingerbread cookies and houses and they decorate their Christmas tree (tannenbaum) just like we do!
On Wednesday, we traveled to Mexico to learn about Las Posadas. We learned that in Mexico, families decorate with poinsettias. They also have pinatas at their parties. In Mexico, they also celebrate El dia de los Reyes, or King's Day, in January and many children don't receive their gifts until this day.
Thursday we traveled to China to learn about their Sheng dan Jie celebrations. Families decorate their homes with plastic trees called "trees of light" and red paper lanterns. The main celebration in China is the New Year celebration which they celebrate with parties, parades and fireworks. Children leave stockings for Old Christmas Man to fill with presents, similar to us!
On Friday we took a trip to Israel to learn about Chanukah. We learned that Chanukah lasts for 8 days, which we thought was pretty neat. We learned about the menorah (candles), gelt (money, usually gold-wrapped chocolate coins) and the dreidel game. We also learned about two favorite celebration foods: latkes, or potato pancakes and sufganiyot, or jelly-filled donuts.
Finally, on Monday we will travel to Africa to learn about Kwanzaa. We will learn that the Kwanzaa celebration also involves candles in a kinara, it lasts for seven days and includes seven principals, or values, that families celebrate the importance of.
We made a suitcase, packed our maps and passports, and we have been keeping careful track of our plane ticket. On Monday, after we return from our trip to Africa, we will bring home our suitcase and share all of our souvenirs with you. We've been keeping them safe in our suitcase while we travel but are so excited to bring them home and show you!
Happy Holidays to Your Family,
Mrs. Sheldon
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