Christmas and Hanukkah

When the weather’s cold and the days are dark, it’s tempting to just hunker down and wait for spring. But why hibernate when you can migrate? Our collection of deals on winter holidays will help you jet off to warm sands and blue skies for less.

During the winter season, people around the world celebrate holidays with a variety of traditions, including exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, or lighting menorahs. But did you know that many of these traditions, including stocking stuffing and gelt giving, involve coins?

Christmas Coin Traditions

For over two thousand years, people have been celebrating Christmas. When you think of Christmas today, images of jolly Santa Claus in a big red suit, Mrs. Claus, elves, and reindeer come to mind. But few people know the history behind the Christmas tradition of Saint Nicholas.

Students will understand that most winter holidays are associated with an important object that gives light. Students will study the origin and customs of several winter holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the Winter Solstice. Students will create individual holidays that celebrate someone or something that is important to them.
Fire Administration states that the Christmas and holiday season is 'a time of elevated risk for winter heating fires' and that the fact that many people celebrate the different holidays during the Christmas and holiday season by decorating their homes with seasonal garlands, electric lights, candles, and banners, has the potential to.

Winter Holidays Worksheets

The real Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop that lived in the fourth century A.D. in Myra (a city in modern-day Turkey). He was known for his generosity towards children and the poor.

One of the most famous stories about St. Nicholas dates to 330 A.D. St. Nicholas helped save three girls from poverty by tossing gold coins through the family’s window at night. The coins landed in stockings, which were hanging by the fire to dry. This started the tradition of Santa secretly putting gifts in stockings.

We do not know the type of coin that St. Nicholas would have used. But, given the time period, the coins would likely have been Roman with the image of Emperor Constantine pressed on it.

Hanukkah Coin Traditions

Like Christmas, Hanukkah is also celebrated during the winter season. The Jewish holiday is believed to celebrate the victory of the Maccabees over the ancient Greeks. Common Hanukkah traditions include lighting of candles on the menorah and playing dreidel, a spinning top game.

One very common Hanukkah tradition is exchanging chocolate gelt, or foil-wrapped chocolate coins. Gelt, before it became associated with chocolate, originally referred to small amounts of money gifted from parents to children, or among friends.

In the 1920s, American candy makers began making gold- and silver-wrapped chocolate versions of the coins, which are commonly used today.

Did You Know?

While Christmas Day is an observed federal holiday, conflict did not always stop. Some important events in history took place during Christmas, including a turning point for the Revolutionary War.

On December 25th, General George Washington crossed the frigid Delaware River to surprise attack the Hessians, or German troops hired by the British. The battle is known as the Battle of Trenton, and marks the first of two victories by the Continental Army to regain control of New Jersey.

Check out the New Jersey state quarter, part of the 50 State Quarters Collection, that depicts General Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Eve in 1776.

Games and Activities

Can’t get enough holiday cheer? Try our holiday-themed Word Quest game. Find key words that describe holiday traditions celebrated around the world and in the United States.

Snowy holidays are the best kind of getaways. They offer a magical (and sometimes incredibly chilly!) world full of adventure. The charm of frosted mountains, iced lakes, snow-covered landscapes and crisp, fresh air is something that can be truly appreciated when in the right country.

Snow experiences are all about enjoying the benefits of snowfall, with ski slopes and ice skating to keep you busy. Although, there is still a lot more than snow sports that you can look forward to when enjoying a snowy winter holiday. Especially if you consider taking snow breaks at Christmas. Visiting a country during the festive season will introduce you to all kinds of new cuisines, cultures, traditions and festivities. A white, snowy Christmas will be one to remember!

We have put together a list of the best destinations for your winter snow holidays. Whether you are able to travel to these spots this year or are adding new destinations to your 2021 winter travel wish list, these destinations are all great options that are sure to ignite the excitement for a winter snow holiday!

1. Canada

Canada is one of the world’s most scenic destinations and it also happens to be the second-largest country in the world. You can expect snowfall to occur between November and April. With so many places to explore and marvel at in the beauty of the snow, Canada is sure to win your heart during the snowy months.

You can look forward to incredible journeys and sightseeing during wintertime in Canada. Some fun things to do include:

Seeing the Northern Lights
Ice Skating
Winter zipline rides
Ice fishing
Snowy mountain hikes

The snowfall in Canada is nothing short of magnificent, covering the entire country with a frosted blanket of white. Although, you’ll need to keep the weather in mind and choose the perfect clothes for Canada’s winter that will keep you warm and dry. This really is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy winter snow breaks!

2. Switzerland

One cannot help but envision the majestic, rolling hills of Switzerland blanketed in white when imagining the perfect holiday in the snow.

If the idyllic Swiss Alps and the chance to ride the Glacier Express aren’t enough to stir your wanderlust… then the idea of spending Christmas here surely will. The festivities and the Christmas cuisine will entice even the biggest ‘grinch’!

If you love skiing, then this is definitely the best country in which to enjoy a snowy getaway.

Places to see in Switzerland during the snow include:

Lake Thun
Titlis
St Moritz

Snow begins to fall in Switzerland between December and March and watching as the landscapes turn to frost is an amazing experience.

3. Vermont, USA

Not only does Vermont boast stunning fall colours, but winters spent here are just as glorious! Ignite your inner adventurer and travel to Vermont for the snowy holiday of your dreams. Visit between late November and early April to indulge in the mesmerizing, snowy scenery and fun winter activities.

Places to see jaw-dropping snow views in Vermont:

Mount Snow
Stratton
Montpelier
Burlington

Vermont is a stunning place, with spectacular mountainous landscapes, charming New England towns and tranquil natural parks. All of this becomes even more special when the snowfall adds its layer of white to the scenery.

4. Belgium

Belgium is not only the ideal place to enjoy the world’s best chocolate; it’s also an amazing place for Christmas snow holidays. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of Belgium during the festive season on a premium Christmas and New Year tour in Europe.

A trip here during winter is overflowing with exciting places to see and things to do, such as:<

Winter, Holidays