An EYFS Teacher’s Guide to Immersive, Multicultural Winter Learning

Early years children are natural anthropologists, endlessly curious about how others live, celebrate, and find joy. This unit transforms your setting into a kaleidoscope of winter light, where children discover that December darkness is illuminated differently around the world. By exploring 12 lesser-known winter festivals, we honor the diverse backgrounds in our classrooms while opening windows into cultures children may never have encountered.

EYFS Framework Connections:

• Understanding the World: People, Culture and Communities
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Building relationships and understanding different perspectives
• Communication and Language: Developing vocabulary and storytelling skills
• Expressive Arts and Design: Creating with materials, imagination, and role-play

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The 12 Festivals: A Journey Through Winter Light

Week 1: Festivals of Light and Procession

1. St. Lucia Day (Sweden/Scandinavia) – December 13

The Story in Simple Words: “In Sweden, when winter is very dark, children remember a kind girl named Lucia who brought light and food to people. On her special day, one child wears a crown of candles and leads a procession singing beautiful songs.”

EYFS Activities:

Sensory Crown Making

• Create safe Lucia crowns using battery-operated tea lights attached to fabric headbands with evergreen sprigs (real rosemary for scent)
• Children decorate white tunics (old pillowcases with holes cut for heads) with gold star stamps
• Practice walking slowly in a gentle procession while humming

Saffron Bun Exploration

• Make “Lussekatter” (S-shaped saffron buns) together—let children smell saffron, feel the dough, shape the curves
• Talk about the golden color: “Why do you think people eat golden food on this day?”
• Serve with warm milk and let children use torches to make shadows while they eat

Light and Shadow Play

• Create a “dark winter” corner with black fabric, then add LED candles one by one
• Children experiment: “How many lights do we need to see each other’s faces?”
• Photograph the transformation from dark to light

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2. Las Posadas (Mexico/Latin America) – December 16-24

The Story in Simple Words: “In Mexico, families go from house to house singing songs, looking for a safe place to stay—just like Mary and Joseph did long ago. At each door, they sing and sometimes the door opens, sometimes it doesn’t, until finally everyone celebrates together.”

EYFS Activities:

Door Knocking Drama

• Create 4-5 decorated “doors” (large cardboard boxes) around your setting
• Children take turns being “travelers” with small bags and “homeowners” behind doors
• Teach simple call-and-response: Travelers: “¿Pueden darnos posada?” (Can you give us shelter?) / Homeowners: “¡Sí, entren!” (Yes, come in!)
• Celebrate when the final door opens with fruit, simple Mexican hot chocolate, and tissue paper decorations

Piñata Making (Safe Version)

• Create mini piñatas using paper bags, tissue paper fringe, and paste
• Fill with scarves or pom-poms instead of candy
• Talk about taking turns: “Everyone gets a turn, everyone gets a treasure”

Star Lantern Procession

• Children make star lanterns by poking holes in paper bags and inserting battery tea lights
• Process around outdoor space singing simple melodies
• End at a “welcome table” with warm drinks and pan dulce (sweet bread)

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3. Soyal (Hopi Winter Solstice) – December 21-22

The Story in Simple Words: “The Hopi people welcome the spirits of nature during the shortest day of the year. They make prayer sticks, sing songs to bring back the sun, and plan for the growing season ahead.”

EYFS Activities:

Prayer Stick Creation

• Gather natural materials: small sticks, feathers, natural twine, seeds
• Children decorate sticks with their hopes: “What do you want to grow? What do you wish for?”
• Plant sticks in the outdoor area or in large planters
• Revisit in spring to see what grows nearby

Sun Watching Ritual

• Mark sunrise and sunset times throughout December with tape on the window
• On December 21, have a “sun celebration” at the earliest sunset
• Use torches and golden fabric to “welcome the sun back”
• Create a class chart: “The Sun’s Journey Back” showing lengthening days into January

Katsina Spirit Masks

• Show images of Katsina dolls (respectfully, explaining these are sacred)
• Children create nature spirit masks using cardboard, natural materials, and paint
• Discuss: “What would a water spirit look like? A wind spirit? A growing spirit?”

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Week 2: Festivals of Food and Family

4. Yalda Night (Iran/Persia) – December 21

The Story in Simple Words: “On the longest, darkest night, Iranian families stay awake together, eating juicy pomegranates and watermelon, telling stories, and reading poetry. They celebrate that from tomorrow, the days get lighter!”

EYFS Activities:

Pomegranate Exploration

• Open fresh pomegranates—let children see the jewel-like seeds
• Count seeds, sort by color, make patterns, taste the tangy juice
• Create “pomegranate paintings” using the seeds as stamps
• Discuss: “Why are these called ‘jewels of winter’?”

Longest Night Story Circle

• Create a cozy nest with rugs, cushions, and soft lanterns
• Invite families to share one short story from their own culture
• Serve watermelon stars (cut with cookie cutters) and nuts
• Make a class book: “Our Yalda Stories”

Poetry and Pattern Making

• Read simple poems about night, stars, and family
• Children create “poem rugs” using pattern blocks to make Persian-inspired geometric designs
• Display under star lights

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5. Dongzhi Festival (China) – December 21-22

The Story in Simple Words: “Chinese families come together to make and eat tangyuan—soft, sweet rice balls floating in warm soup. The round balls mean the family is complete and together.”

EYFS Activities:

Tangyuan Making

• Prepare sweet rice flour dough (add food coloring for different colors)
• Children roll small balls—practice fine motor skills, discuss shapes: “Can you make it perfectly round?”
• Cook in sweet ginger syrup and serve warm (ensure allergy safety)
• Count how many fit in each bowl, talk about “full” and “empty”

Yin Yang Balance Exploration

• Introduce simple concept: “Some things are opposites that need each other—hot and cold, dark and light, awake and asleep”
• Create yin-yang symbols using black and white play dough
• Do movement: “Show me a very cold body… now a warm body!”

Family Counting Ritual

• Each child brings in a family photo
• Count family members, create “our family is complete” wreaths with photos in the center
• Sing: “One is the sun, two are my parents, three…” (adapt to each family structure)

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6. Kwanzaa (African American) – December 26-January 1

The Story in Simple Words: “Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American culture, family, and community. Every day, families light a candle and talk about important ideas like working together, being creative, and helping each other.”

EYFS Activities:

Kinara Candle Exploration

• Create a child-safe kinara using seven cardboard tube “candles” (3 red, 1 black, 3 green)
• Each day, “light” one with yellow tissue paper flames
• Discuss the principle of the day in simple terms:
  • Unity: “We work together”
  • Purpose: “We all have important jobs”
  • Creativity: “We make beautiful things”

Mkeka Mat Weaving

• Weave paper strips in red, black, and green to create placemats
• Use mats during snack time, discussing: “What does your family put on your table?”
• Invite families to share traditional recipes

Karamu Feast Preparation

• Children help prepare simple dishes representing African diaspora cuisines
• Set a celebration table together—practice setting places, folding napkins
• Share: “What I’m thankful for in our classroom community”

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Week 3: Festivals of Nature and Animals

7. Beiwe Festival (Sami People, Northern Scandinavia) – Winter Solstice

The Story in Simple Words: “The Sami people, who live where reindeer roam, honor Beiwe, the sun goddess. They eat butter (it looks like sunshine!) and welcome the sun’s return by creating circles and celebrating light.”

EYFS Activities:

Sun Goddess Butter Making

• Make butter by shaking cream in jars—children take turns
• Spread on warm bread, talk about the golden color
• Create “sun wheels” with butter, bread, and edible flowers

Reindeer Connection

• Show photos/videos of real reindeer (not cartoon versions)
• Discuss: “How do reindeer help the Sami people?” (transport, food, clothing, companionship)
• Create respectful reindeer artwork using natural materials
• Movement: “Can you walk carefully like a reindeer in snow?”

Circle of Light Ritual

• Children stand in a circle holding LED candles
• Pass light from one to another while saying one thing they’re grateful for
• Create circular sun wheels with natural materials outdoors

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8. Inti Raymi Preparation (Incan/Andean) – December (Summer Solstice in Southern Hemisphere)

The Story in Simple Words: “In countries like Peru, December is summer! Children prepare for Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun god Inti. They wear bright colors, play music, and celebrate the powerful summer sun.”

EYFS Activities:

Seasons Opposite Exploration

• Globe work: “When we’re cold, they’re hot! When it’s dark here, it’s light there!”
• Create two displays: “Our Winter” and “Their Summer”
• Dress up in winter clothes then summer clothes—compare and laugh!

Incan Sun Mask Making

• Create large sun masks using gold paint, feathers, and radiating rays
• Discuss sun as life-giver: “What does the sun help grow?”
• Dance with masks to Andean flute music

Potato Tasting

• Learn that potatoes come from the Andes
• Taste different colored potatoes (purple, yellow, red)
• Make potato prints, discuss how important potatoes are to Andean people

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9. Junkanoo (Bahamas) – December 26-January 1

The Story in Simple Words: “In the Bahamas, where it’s warm in winter, people celebrate Junkanoo with big parades! They wear incredibly colorful costumes covered in crepe paper, feathers, and sparkles, dancing to drums and cowbells all through the streets.”

EYFS Activities:

Costume Creation Workshop

• Provide huge sheets of crepe paper, cardboard boxes, feathers, and foil
• Children create wearable art—no wrong answers, maximum creativity
• Focus on EYFS characteristics: “Be creative! Take risks! Don’t worry if it tears—fix it a new way!”

Rhythm and Movement

• Introduce cowbells, drums, and shakers
• Learn simple Junkanoo rhythm: “Jun-ka-noo! Jun-ka-noo!”
• Create a parade around your setting or outdoor space
• Invite other classes to watch—celebrate exuberance!

Caribbean Colors Study

• Mix bright tropical colors: hot pink, electric blue, sunshine yellow
• Paint large collaborative mural of a Junkanoo parade
• Discuss: “How do colors make you feel? What’s the happiest color you can imagine?”

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Week 4: Festivals of Dreams and Renewal

10. Hogmanay (Scotland) – December 31-January 1

The Story in Simple Words: “In Scotland, people celebrate the new year with fire, singing, and ‘first footing’—being the first person to enter a home with special gifts. They clean everything and say goodbye to the old year.”

EYFS Activities:

First Footing Gift Making

• Discuss traditional gifts: coal (warmth), shortbread (food), salt (flavor), whisky (cheer)
• Children create their own “first footing” gifts: painted stones (“warm hearts”), homemade playdough cookies, herb sachets
• Practice knocking and greeting: “I bring you good wishes!”

Fire Festival (Safe Version)

• Create tissue paper flames on sticks
• Process outdoors waving “torches” and singing
• Release worries: children whisper worries to paper scraps, place in a fireproof bowl for symbolic burning (teacher supervised)

Auld Lang Syne Circle

• Stand in circle holding hands
• Teacher sings simplified version, children sway
• Discuss: “What old friends do you remember? Who are your new friends?”

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11. Modranicht (Anglo-Saxon Mothers’ Night) – December 24-25

The Story in Simple Words: “Long ago in England, people honored mothers and female ancestors on the longest night. They believed the ‘mothers’ watched over them through winter and helped things grow in spring.”

EYFS Activities:

Mother Earth Exploration

• Discuss: “Who takes care of you? Who takes care of the Earth?”
• Plant winter seeds (amaryllis bulbs) to grow through dark months
• Create “thank you” cards for caregivers in children’s lives

Ancestor Story Circle

• Invite family members to share brief stories about grandmothers, great-grandmothers
• Children draw portraits of “the mothers in my family”
• Create a “family tree” display with photos and drawings

Nighttime Nature Watch

• If possible, take a dusk walk to observe winter nature
• Listen for owls, look for tracks, feel the cold
• Provide torches and talk about being brave in darkness

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12. Pancha Ganapati (Hindu) – December 21-25

The Story in Simple Words: “Hindu families celebrate Pancha Ganapati by honoring Ganesha, the elephant-headed god who removes obstacles. Each day has a different color, and children receive gifts, share with siblings, and think about doing good.”

EYFS Activities:

Five Days of Colors

• Each day, wear and explore a different color: golden yellow, royal blue, ruby red, emerald green, orange
• Create color sorting activities: “Find everything blue in our classroom!”
• Make colorful rangoli patterns with colored rice or flower petals

Ganesha Art Exploration

• Show images of Ganesha respectfully
• Discuss: “Ganesha helps people when things are hard. What’s hard for you? What helps you?”
• Create elephant art using various materials—celebrate their strength and gentleness

Obstacle Course Challenge

• Set up simple physical challenges
• Children help each other overcome obstacles
• Reflect: “How did it feel when someone helped you? How did it feel to help someone?”

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Implementation Guide for EYFS Settings

Creating Your Kaleidoscope Schedule

Option 1: Immersive Deep Dive Choose 3-4 festivals and spend 3-4 days on each, really allowing children to inhabit the experience.

Option 2: Tasting Menu Introduce one festival per day over 12 days, creating a “passport” where children collect stamps for each culture experienced.

Option 3: Learning Centers Set up 12 stations running simultaneously, allowing child-led exploration with teacher support rotating through.

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Essential Resources and Respectful Practice

Books for Your Setting:

• Together We Celebrate by various authors
• The Shortest Day by Wendy Pfeffer (winter solstice)
• My First Book of Festivals by Clare Beaton
• Under the Same Sky by Britta Teckentrup

Music Playlists:

Create Spotify/YouTube playlists for each festival featuring:

• Traditional instruments
• Children’s songs from each culture
• Instrumental versions for movement activities

Family Involvement:

Send home:

• “Do you celebrate this?” questionnaires
• Invitations for families to visit and share
• Recipe cards families can try at home
• Photo journals documenting classroom experiences

Cultural Sensitivity Guidelines:

1. Research thoroughly – Use reputable sources and, when possible, consult with community members
2. Avoid stereotypes – Present cultures as living, evolving, complex
3. No costumes or play with sacred items – Create respectful representations instead
4. Center authentic voices – Invite families from these cultures to lead experiences
5. Acknowledge your limitations – It’s okay to say “I don’t know everything about this, but we can learn together”
6. Avoid consumerism – Focus on meaning, not buying decorations from each culture

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Letter to Families

Dear Families,

This December, our classroom is becoming a kaleidoscope of winter celebrations! We’ll be exploring 12 festivals from around the world—some you may know, many you might not. Our goal isn’t to celebrate every holiday superficially, but to open windows into the beautiful diversity of how humans mark this special season.

We’ll smell saffron from Sweden, taste pomegranates from Iran, create with colors from the Bahamas, and learn songs from Scotland. Your child will discover that winter can mean different things: darkness and light, cold and warmth, endings and beginnings.

We need your help! Please share:

• Any festivals your family celebrates that we haven’t mentioned
• Stories, songs, or recipes from your culture
• Photos or objects that represent your family’s winter traditions
• Your time—come visit and share your celebration with us!

Together, we’re teaching our children that our world is vast, varied, and more beautiful because of its differences.

With warm wishes, [Your name]

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Troubleshooting Common Challenges

“What if a child’s family doesn’t celebrate any winter festivals?” Frame it as exploration and learning, not participation. Some families are learning too! Emphasize that we’re “visiting” these celebrations through stories and play, not asking children to celebrate them personally.

“What if we don’t have families from these 12 cultures?” That’s exactly why this is important! Children shouldn’t only learn about cultures represented in their immediate classroom. The world is bigger than our immediate community.

“I’m worried about getting it wrong.” You will make mistakes—we all do when learning about unfamiliar cultures. Model this for children: “I’m learning too! Let’s find out more together.” Apologize if you misrepresent something, correct it, and keep learning.

“How do I balance this with children who celebrate Christmas?” Christmas can be one of many celebrations explored! The goal isn’t to eliminate familiar holidays but to expand children’s understanding that their way isn’t the only way.

“What about religious festivals?” Present all festivals—religious and secular—through a cultural lens: “This is what some people believe and how they celebrate.” Avoid suggesting that any belief system is true or false.

Final Thoughts: The Gift of Perspective

In early years settings, we’re planting seeds. When a three-year-old child lights a Lucia candle, rolls a tangyuan ball, or parades in a Junkanoo costume, they’re learning something profound: The world is bigger than I knew, people are different than I expected, and different is wonderful.

This is the true gift of Christmas through the kaleidoscope—not just knowledge of 12 festivals, but the beginning of a lifelong understanding that our human family celebrates light, love, and hope in infinite beautiful ways.

When winter’s darkness surrounds us, we all seek light. This unit teaches children that light comes in many colors—and that’s exactly as it should be.

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© 2025 Inclusiveteach.com For classroom use only. Please respect the cultures represented by researching thoroughly and involving community members whenever possible.

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