Newcastle Elementary PTSA Cultural Crafts Library
The Newcastle Elementary PTSA is excited to offer this new resource for cultural exploration. We have started with a list of holidays provided on the National PTA multicultural calendar for 2020-2021.
Starting in December, we will be providing a “library” of information, crafts, and book lists about the many cultural holidays that occur during the school year and that many of our students may be celebrating at home. We will update this calendar throughout the year.
We also understand how important it is that all our students are represented and hope you will aid us in our efforts. We will be sending a follow up survey in the coming weeks before the Winter break to gather holidays and dates that are culturally significant to each of you.
In the meantime, if you’d like to email us any holidays or events we may have missed (or suggest websites with more information), please send to our co-VP of programs, Bisa Meek, at bisameek@gmail.com.
Please share pictures and videos of your families learning about or participating in any cultural holiday below.
Hanukkah
Dec 10 – 18
“Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew...Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.” - To learn more visit History.com.
Hanukkah Crafts and Books
Las Posadas
December 16 – 24
Posada is the Spanish word for inn and is used in reference to Mary and Joseph’s journey to find room in an inn for the birth of baby Jesus. Many families in Mexico and the United States remember this occasion by reenacting the pilgrimage as they go door to door throughout their neighborhoods asking their friends and neighbors if they have room for the Holy Family. - To learn more visit Scholastic.com.
Las Posadas Crafts and Books
Winter Solstice
Dec 20 and 23
The Winter Solstice is the day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight, and it marks the start of astronomical winter. There are many names for Winter Solstice: Saturnalia (ancient Rome), Yule (Scandinavia), Dong Zhi (China), Toji (Japan), Shab-e Yalda (Iran), Inti Raymi (Inca). - To learn more visit History.com.
Winter Solstice Crafts and Books
Winter Solstice occurs at a time when nights are longer, skies are grayer, and snow of course. Many crafts involve making lanterns and food for wild birds.
Here Is a Site That Talks About Christmas Celebrations Around the World
https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/ethiopia.shtml
Stay Tuned for More Holidays Crafts and Information
Christmas Eve/Nochebuena
December 24
Christmas
December 25
Kwanzaa
December 26 – January 1
Share Your Creations!!!
https://padlet.com/newcastleptsaprograms/NC_PTSA_Holidays
