Christmas 2024 | Mary’s English Blog
Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, the Magi presenting their gifts (mosaic detail), late 6th century, wearing Persian dress, and Phrygian cap. Under Licence: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Magi_(1).jpg
Greetings Dear Students!
It’s the Festive Season now for many of you: end-of-year party time; the beginning of summer holidays for the southern hemisphere; and Christmas celebrations and festivities.
As requested last Christmas, this year I am including some Christmas stories and Christmas-related activities and recommendations. Hopefully, the Christmas stories will be informative, and the quizzes and charades will be fun for everyone.
Christmas stories
Let’s start with some Christmas stories: One of my favourites is The Legend of the Poinsettia.* Click here to visit a site which has this story and several others, as well as Christmas trivia and anecdotes.
* If you are interested in another version of The Legend of the Poinsettia as retold by Tomie dePaola (my favourite children’s author!) click on the picture on the left. Tomie dePaola has several other wonderful children’s books, beautifully illustrated by him. I used to read them to my children when they were little. I enjoyed them as much as my children!
Christmas Games
Photo by Jim Kalligas
There are lots of ways to have fun with family and friends, whatever their age, at Christmas!
I have found some great websites for you. Instructions are included. Click here for 150 Christmas Icebreaker Questions & Games.
Click here for Christmas Charades Instructions and Ideas. I love Charades anytime and I find that the best way to play it is to have two teams: Boys v Girls OR Children v Adults (Or Whatever). For example, the Girls think of a charade for one of the Boys. He acts it out and the Boys try to guess. Meanwhile, all the Girls know the answer and enjoy watching the drama, dithering, and weirdness. Playing this way means that everyone is involved for each charade. People who really don’t want to get up and make a spectacle of themselves can help with charade suggestions. This way, they feel included. I can guarantee lots of laughs!
Click here for Christmas Taboo Cards, another fabulous game where everyone has a chance to participate and shine.
Christmas Music
This Christmas, I’m recommending a song which is an oldie, but a goodie: Last Christmas by Wham, with subtitles. Click on the picture below.
Now for some traditional Christmas Carols, starting with El Divo. Just click on the picture below.
I really hope you enjoy my Christmas suggestions. Thank you for your support and feedback this year. Subscribing to my website really helps me. If you haven’t clicked on Subscribe, please do so now. It’s free and you can unsubscribe any time.
I wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Peaceful, and Rewarding New Year.
Mary Hardy
