Holidays Around the World at Lenox Elementary School

Lenox Elementary School students from grades K-5 embarked on a unique adventure: "Holidays Around the World." Organized by first grade teacher, Ms. Michelle Victoria, and second grade teacher, Ms. Jessica Katsoulakis, the unique learning experience transformed the school into a global village, allowing students to explore diverse cultures and holiday celebrations through a series of engaging, hands-on activities.

The Journey Begins

The principal’s announcement over the loudspeaker instilled excitement as students grabbed their ‘passports’ and quickly scrambled to get to their ‘mystery’ country or celebration. Each classroom became a portal to a different part of the world, offering a glimpse into different holiday traditions. The fun learning experience was inspired by Lenox's "Joyful Wednesdays," where students typically explored diverse activities beyond the standard curriculum. This time, the focus was on cultural exploration, with a festive twist.

Exploring Global Celebrations

Sweden

In the Swedish classroom, students learned about St. Lucia's Day, a festival of light celebrated in the dark winter months. They crafted a paper version of Tomten, the Christmas gnome that delivers gifts in Sweden.  

Australia

Traveling to Australia, students discovered how Christmas is celebrated during the summer. They compared holiday traditions between the south and north hemisphere through a hand-drawn picture and learned about the tradition of having a barbecue on the beach—a stark contrast to the snowy scenes often associated with the holiday.

Italy

In Italy, the students were introduced to La Befana, the kind witch who brings gifts to children on Epiphany Eve. They read "The Legend of Old Befana" by Tomie dePaola and enjoyed crafting their own star ornament with jewels. 

Mexico

The Mexican classroom was a vibrant celebration of color and tradition. Students colored poinsettias, a native Mexican plant with a significant role in holiday festivities. 

England

English traditions came alive as students learned about paper Christmas crackers, a staple of British holiday celebrations. They were pleasantly surprised with their very own crackers, created by Mr. Tom Duffy’s fifth grade class for this event.

Celebrating Cultural Festivals

Hanukkah

Students experienced the “Festival of Lights,” where they learned about the significance of the menorah, the miracle of the oil, and the joyous customs that accompany this Jewish holiday and enjoyed playing dreidel.

Diwali

For Diwali, students crafted lanterns to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. They learned about the various customs and stories that make Diwali a cherished celebration for millions around the world.

Kwanzaa

For the Kwanzaa experience, students learned about the seven principles of this African-American celebration. They created and designed their own kinara and discussed the importance of community, culture, and heritage.

Lunar New Year

In the Lunar New Year corner, students immersed themselves in the vibrant traditions of this important festival. They learned about the significance of the celebration, including family gatherings and the customs surrounding the new year and the importance of the color red as well as oranges. Students crafted colorful lanterns, embodying the festive spirit and symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.

A Passport to Unity and Inclusion

As the morning unfolded, students eagerly collected stamps in their passports—each stamp marking a new cultural experience. The event not only enriched their understanding of global traditions but also fostered a sense of unity and curiosity among students of different ages.

“Holidays Around the World at Lenox not only celebrated diversity but also instilled a lifelong appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry that unites us all,” explained Dr. Sheilah Jefferson-Isaac, principal of Lenox. “The excitement and joy on their faces were undeniable, marking a perfect conclusion to the school's holiday season.”

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See related coverage in Baldwin Herald