Ancient Roots .... Modern Holidays MERRY CHRISTMAS The ancient Romans loved celebrations. They especially enjoyed a holiday they celebrated around the 25th of December. The Romans feasted, gave gifts, were merry, and decorated their homes with greenery, customs they borrowed from the ancient Greeks! Christmas is a religious holiday. It is celebrated by Christians around the world to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. Many of the customs and decorations that are so much a part of Christmas today were invented by ancient people, like the Romans and the Greeks.  Advent Calendar  The Story of the Nativity (story) Arrange a Nativity Christmas Play (for church)  Rock Nativity (script format for school or church, ancient Rome/birth of Christ) Yakaberry - Free Reading Hour Lesson Plans & Activities for Tots, Toddlers, Preschool, and School Age Educational Activities PK-3 Celebration Symbols and their Meanings (Christmas around the world)   Christmas Around the World - lesson plans Customs:  KidsLink has a wonderful site, full of Christmas customs around the world! Christmas Around the World (stories of Christmas) Comprehension: Christmas Traditions Lesson Plan on Christmas Trees Christmas Tree Subtraction Christmas alliterations (abc teach) Christmas Similes Holiday Story Starters Comprehension: Making Ornaments Make cinnamon ornaments Make your own holiday ornaments from Jan Brett Las Posadas FREE Presentations in PowerPoint format Mrs Santa Claus Shares Reindeer Facts   Reindeer Roundup (for teachers)  Reindeer Lesson Ideas Read the many different stories of Sinterklass  (Santa Claus) Mexican Version of the Night Before Christmas The North Pole Christmas Skits and Plays (for school and/or church) Santa Knows About Rudolph's Nose!   Santa's Big Secret   Stories for Kids for the Holidays The Nutcracker A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss  Gift of the Magi by O. Henry  Free Online Games for Kids Ben & Jerry's Christmas Games Interactive Christmas Games Help the Gingerbread Boy Catch the Orange Chilly game Reindeer Coloring Page (color online)  Free Ecards and Clipart Free Ecards from B&J - anytime Free Ecards from Crayola Kids Phillip Martin's FREE CLIP ART for Christmas  Our Holiday Gift to You! All Rights Reserved Counter start date January 2006     Have a great year!