Explore Holidays Around the World with ATLAS!

Submitted by Shanna Bottongino, Steph Gardner, and Stephani Lindsey

This month At The Library After School, elementary-aged children and their families are invited to
explore December holidays and traditions from around the world.

In week one, we set the scene with a holiday traditions advent calendar that reveals a different tradition from around the world each day. Patrons can participate in a gnome scavenger hunt, and gingerbread craft and visit Tio de Nadal.

The second week of our winter and holiday traditions experience explores the Winter Solstice. Patrons are invited to read about the science behind the Winter Solstice and how different people around the world observe and celebrate this time of year.

Additional activities include an informational display about the Hopi celebration of Soyal and the opportunity to make a kachina doll. There is also a door display where patrons can learn about the history of evergreen wreaths and add their handprints to the wreath on the door.

For week three of December ATLAS: Holiday Edition, we're exploring the different types of food enjoyed at celebrations around the world. There are multiple ways for patrons to participate this week: 

• Welcome to our Table: A table is set with six place settings representing different celebrations in different countries. Patrons can read a bit about each celebration in the place card at each setting. On the rolling board behind it, there are 18 foods (3 for each plate) velcroed to serving platters. The patrons can take the food and place them on the correct plates at the table. 

• Table Centerpieces: There are three centerpieces with information cards on the celebration table, an Advent wreath, a kinara, and a menorah.

• Fill Our Community Table: The back of the rolling board has an empty table (the whole board), white circle "plates", double-sided tape, and colored pencils. To highlight the diversity in our community, patrons can write the name(s) or draw a picture of foods they enjoy during the holidays on a plate and tape it to the board.

If you are in the neighborhood this holiday season, stop in and join in the adventure. If you can't make it, enjoy these highlights!

Holiday Traditions Advent Calendar

Tió de Nadal (look it up, you won't be disappointed!)

Gävle goat

Kachina Dolls

Gingerbread for everyone!

Can you find the 12 tompte of Sharon Forks?