December Lights: Exploring Traditions
December is a festive month full of celebrations that feature lights, like the sparkling Christmas lights, the bright flames of the Hanukkah menorah, the vibrant diyas of Diwali, and the radiant unity candles of Kwanzaa. These festivities are a great way to introduce your child to different cultures and traditions, while also sparking their curiosity and imagination.
Take your child for a walk around your neighborhood or a nearby park to enjoy the holiday lights. Point out the different colours and shapes and encourage little ones to talk about what they see. Use this chance to teach new words such as “shiny,” “bright,” and “sparkly.” You can also play a simple game like “I Spy” to explore the colours of the lights, which helps with both colour recognition and language skills.
To help children understand more about these light-filled holidays, share a personal story about decorating a Christmas tree with lights or celebrating Hanukkah with friends and family. Try reading simple, age-appropriate stories about the traditions. Empower Simcoe’s Early Literacy Specialist has provided a list of books this month that explore the lights of the season.
While exploring these traditions, focus on the themes of warmth, hope, and togetherness that light represents across cultures. Encourage your child to get creative by drawing pictures of their favorite holiday lights or making simple crafts, like paper lanterns, to hang at home.
These activities provide children the opportunity to strengthen the connection between what they see and say, making learning fun and festive. By combining the beauty of December lights with the joy of learning, you will create cherished memories while fostering a deeper appreciation for the world’s diversity.
