A crowd gathers to admire a massive sand sculpture nativity scene on Las Canteras Beach in the Canary Islands, Spain—one of many unique Christmas traditions celebrated around the world. Photo credit: PBS
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December 24, 2025
From nativity sand art on Spain’s beaches to festive food and music across continents, this lesson invites students to explore diverse Christmas traditions and reflect on the meaning of celebration around the world.
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Note: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
From twinkling Christmas markets across Europe to vibrant displays of poinsettia in Mexico City, the Christmas spirit takes many forms. John Yang takes a look at how Christians around the world are celebrating the season.
View the transcript of the story.
How does learning about a place's religious traditions help to understand its culture? Why is understanding different cultures around the world important?
Media literacy: What other places do you think it would be interesting to see included in this story?
Winter traditions –whether it’s celebrating family, the new year or just a simple meal together – bring us together and remind us what we have in common instead of what divides us. Celebrate inclusivity and community this season and share these curated prek-12 winter holidays lessons and activities.
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Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
