Holidays Around the World :A Storytime Adventure |
By : Elizabeth Hurtado-Lafont Springdale Public Library |
The holiday season is a magical time when people across the globe come together to celebrate special traditions , but did you know that not everyone celebrates the same holidays in December ? Some people around the world have their special celebrations at different times of the year , while others don ’ t celebrate holidays like Christmas at all .
I learned about these amazing holidays from reading books – and today , I want to share some with you ! Let ’ s go on a storytime adventure to learn about holidays from all around the world . Here are some books that show us how families around the world celebrate in many fun and colorful ways !
|
Festival of Colors by Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal ( picture book )
This bright and beautiful book introduces us to Holi , the festival of colors in India . In the spring , people gather together , throw colorful powders , and celebrate new beginnings and friendship . Chintoo and Mintoo , the kids in this story , get ready for Holi by collecting flowers to make the colorful powders . This holiday is full of fun colors , so it ’ s perfect for readers who love rainbows .
Around the World in 80 Festivals by Katy Halford ( nonfiction )
If you want to explore festivals from lots of different places , this book is like a holiday map of the world . You ’ ll find everything from Japan ’ s New Year celebration to Mexico ’ s Day of the Dead . Each page has cool facts , pictures and stories about different festivals . It shows us that holidays are everywhere and every month , even if they aren ’ t in December .
The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie dePaola ( fiction )
This story takes us to New Mexico to see Las Posadas , a holiday celebrated by many Spanish-speaking families . The holiday tells the story of Mary and Joseph ’ s journey looking for shelter before Jesus was born . Kids walk through the streets , sing , and knock on doors , just like Mary and Joseph did . The colorful pictures and the story ’ s warm message make it a holiday favorite .
My Beijing : Four Stories of Everyday Wonder by Nie Jun ( graphic novel )
This book takes us to China , where people don ’ t usually celebrate Christmas . Instead , they have a huge celebration
|
in January or February called Lunar New Year . It ’ s one of the most exciting times of the year , with lanterns , dragons and fireworks . This book is full of mini stories about a girl and her grandpa in Beijing , and it shows us what life is like in another country during a very different holiday season .
The Gift of Gracias : The Legend of Altagracia by Julia Alvarez ( bilingual / translated )
This story is based on a holiday celebrated in the Dominican Republic called Día de la Altagracia . In the story , Maria dreams of the Virgin Altagracia , who brings blessings to the land and the
|
people . It ’ s a story about family , gratitude and giving thanks . This book is written in English and Spanish , so it ’ s great for anyone learning both languages .
These books remind us that people around the world celebrate in many different ways , with their own songs , foods and traditions . When we read about holidays like Holi , Las Posadas and the Lunar New Year , we learn new things and see that even though people might celebrate differently , everyone loves spending time with their families – just like us !
This holiday season , try reading these books and learn about a holiday from a faraway place . You might find a new tradition to share with your family or even get ideas to start your own special celebration . Happy reading and happy holidays from all around the world !
|