Christmas in Canada Unit Study Resources
Although Canada is our “neighbor to the north,” how much do you know about the culture and traditions there? I thought studying Christmas around the world would be a good lesson in cultures and customs for my daughters. We started nearby with a study on Christmas in Canada.
Christmas in Canada
Christians in Canada celebrate Christmas much as we do here in the United States. It’s a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and that day is marked on December 25th.
In addition to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, they also recognize Boxing Day as a holiday just as it is in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. It is celebrated on the day after Christmas. The origin of Boxing Day is not entirely clear, but likely dates back centuries to a time when lords and ladies gave their servants the day off and provided them with “boxes” of food and gifts the day after Christmas. It has taken on a similar meaning as Black Friday here in the U.S. — many stores have sales and open early for shoppers.
Another difference about Christmas in Canada involves the prevalence of the French language and customs within Canada. In addition to hearing greetings like “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy Holidays,” you’ll also hear “Joyeux Noel” in the French-speaking provinces. Santa Claus is referred to as Father Christmas or Pere Noel.
Traditional Christmas Food
In Quebec and other French-speaking provinces, feasts known as Reveillons are celebrated. These are elaborate meals that begin with appetizers of lobster, oyster, and escargot, or pate. That is followed with turkey and chestnuts as the main course. Desserts are rich and often feature a buche de Noel with buttercream frosting. You might recognize this by the name Yule Log. Other traditional desserts include Christmas pudding, plum pudding, and mince pies.
Other English-speaking provinces in Canada typically have a traditional roast Christmas dinner of turkey or chicken, much like our traditional Thanksgiving dinners here in the U.S. They also include vegetables, roasted potatoes, and stuffing.
Christmas in Canada Resources
Canadian Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Lesson Plan
Canada’s Traditions and Celebrations
Amanda Bennett Christmas Unit Study
The Twelve Days of Christmas in Canada is a fun picture book that covers Canada from coast to coast. It features landmarks, animals, and traditions:
You can use these free Christmas notebooking pages as part of your studies, too. They’re a great FREE way to record all the facts you learn about Christmas around the world. Download them today at Notebooking Pages:
Christmas Around the World
If you’d like to learn more about Christmas traditions around the world, check out this online unit study from Techie Homeschool Mom. It covers the traditions of 10 different countries. I love the simplicity of just logging in to learn. No prep time required!
Christmas Around the World unit study course:
Have you studied Christmas traditions around the world in your homeschool?
Find more Christmas ideas here:
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- Spring Books for Kids - March 15, 2024
It’s so interesting reading about Christmas in other countries.