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Christmas
Websites
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Many Faces of Santa: The history of Santa Claus began with Saint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, in what is now Turkey. Saint Nicholas was know for his charity and wisdom. Legends tell of him coming from a wealthy family and giving all his money to the poor. In Europe during the 12th century Saint Nicholas Day became a day of gift giving and charity. In Germany, France and Holland celebrated December 6th as a religious holiday and gave gifts to children and the poor. See this website to find out how Christmas is celebrated throughout the world.
How Stuff Works: Marshall Brain's brilliant website How Stuff works has a new section on Christmas. Questions answered includes What is Christmas? Why is Christmas such a big deal? Why do people give each other presents on Christmas day? Is December 25 really the day Jesus was born? Why is there a small evergreen tree in your living room? Why have you decorated this evergreen with ornaments, lights, fake snow and Mylar plastic tinsel? Why do you have holly draped over the mantel and staircase? Why is mistletoe hanging over the front door? And what about this nativity scene in the corner? Why is there a big log in the fireplace? Why are there oversized socks hanging on your mantel? Why are Christmas cards scattered all over the coffee table? Why do I keep hearing the same songs over and over again? What, exactly, are the 12 days of Christmas? Why do Christmas carolers walk around the neighborhood singing? Why is the day before Christmas, Christmas Eve, celebrated? Who is this Santa Claus person? What's with this reindeer named Rudolf?
Santa Penalty Shootout: In an update from previous versions, the hugely popular Santa Penalty Shootout from SchoolHistory is now available again for the Christmas season. Ideal for something a little different at the end of term. With either Santa, or one of his helpers (complete with Santa suit), in goal you are asked 10 random questions about the history and traditions of Christmas. One and two player versions add to the fun. However, as before, Santa isn't too generous in goal.
Christmas at the White House: You can currently take a panoramic tour of the White House Holiday decorations. Other seasonal features include a historic look at national Christmas trees and a collection of Presidential holiday cards dating back from the Hoover Administration. The website also includes biographies of all the Presidents of the United States and an illustrated guide to the art in the White House.
Silent Night Museum: Silent Night has become an anchor for Christmas celebrations throughout the world. Its lullaby-like melody and simple message of heavenly peace can be heard from small town street corners in mid-America to magnificent cathedrals in Europe and from outdoor candlelight concerts in Australia to palm thatched huts in northern Peru. This cyber-museum was created by historian Bill Egan to provide a world wide audience with the true story behind the composition of "Silent Night" by Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber.
Christmas
in Europe: Did you know that in Spain children wait until January 6th for
their Christmas presents. Children put shoes by the front door to get their
gifts which are brought by the Three Wise Men. This website, created by Núria
de Salvador for the Spring Europe Project, explains the different ways that
Christmas is celebrated in Europe. The website is in English but the activities
have been constructed for modern language students.
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Educational Websites
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