Christmas History Reading and Crossword Puzzle

Dive into the festive spirit with our Christmas History Reading and Crossword Puzzle! This engaging activity features a captivating educational read on the history of Christmas paired with a challenging and fun-themed crossword puzzle, ideal for middle and high school students. Don't let this holiday season pass by without adding a touch of educational fun to it!

Christmas is a holiday celebrated in many countries around the world. In the United States, it is mostly known as a time when Santa Claus comes down our chimneys and gives gifts to good kids. We have many traditions and beliefs, but how did this holiday get started?

With this packet, students will learn all this and more about how the Christmas holiday got started and how it formed into the Christmas we know today. First, they will learn about ancient winter celebrations, such as Yule in Norse countries and Saturnalia in Ancient Rome. Then, they will learn about Jesus' birth (nativity) and why it is celebrated in December. Then, they will learn about Santa Claus' origins and how several customs formed into our celebrations today.

First, they will read about the history and culture of Christmas in a two-page passage. Then, they will answer 15 questions about what they read and they will put their answers in a crossword puzzle.

This activity would work well around the time of Christmas, in December or during a holiday unit in a history or social studies class. It is designed for middle school or high school students. This activity has nearly no prep, with only one step of printing off the activity sheets for each student. It would also work well as a sub plan.

This product includes:

1. Teacher Directions-including prep info and materials needed 

2. Procedure 

3. Student Packet-two pages of reading about Christmas and a crossword puzzle based on the reading.

4. Crossword Puzzle Answers

5. Crossword Puzzle written answers.

6. Teacher Copy of Reading with Locations of Crossword Answers Highlighted

7. Teacher Tips

8. Websites and Further Reading

For this activity you will need:

• Pencil

• Copy of The History of Christmas and Crossword Puzzle packet for each student (INCLUDED)

Join my email list here to learn about ways to encourage students to experience the content!

You can also follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at edventureswithmrsd@gmail.com.

Thank you!