Go Global in December


New Product Release: Market Day Around the World - Markets, Money & Real-World Math

December Holidays, Human Rights Day, Arabic Language Day, Winter Solstice Traditions, Global Gift Guide

As we wrap up the year, this month’s issue is filled with opportunities to spark curiosity and celebrate our diverse world. I hope these resources bring inspiration, connection, and plenty of holiday cheer to your classroom or home!

💟

Founder & CEO, Globe Trottin' Kids


Market Day Around the World: Markets, Money & Real-World Math

Market Day Around the World is an integrated learning experience that allows students to explore world geography, cultures, and currencies through market stalls representing countries from around the globe. Each market features a description of the country's currency, culturally authentic items, realistic local prices, and engaging story problems.


December 1 & 2 Teachers Pay Teachers Sitewide Sale Use promo code CYBER25 to save up to 25%!

Visit our store, and stock up on country research projects, book companions, global crafts, games, and more!

(We've matched these prices on our website as well!)


December holidays provide a great opportunity for kids to learn about and celebrate diversity! Encourage students to share the holidays they celebrate and the traditions they enjoy. Then, open their world to a variety of other holidays that are important to others.

Smithsonian Folkways Holiday Music Map
🎶 Embark on an audio journey from the beaches of Hawaii to the snow-covered villages of England as you explore the diversity of holiday music. Use the Smithsonian Folkways map as a playlist to listen to 30-second samples - or select a region to discover its unique holiday sounds. Features 56 songs from 24 countries.

December 10 Human Rights Day

Teach kids about the rights and responsibilities we all share as human beings. We've gathered Information & Resources for Kids that include videos, activities, and book recommendations.


December 14 - 22 Hanukkah

The Miracle of Oil, Menorahs, Dreidels, and Jelly-Filled Donuts. Learn about the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah.

"'Twas the first night of Chanukah and on the fifth floor,
There was holiday hustling and bustling galore . . .
Grandma was slicing up two chocolate babkas,
Grandpa was grating potatoes for latkes." -Runaway Dreidel! (free book companion & printables)


December 18 Arabic Language Day

Established by UNESCO, the day honors the rich history, beauty, and global importance of the Arabic language. Share Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love


December 21 Winter Solstice

Many cultures around the world honor the winter solstice with celebrations that highlight light, renewal, and the turning of the seasons. Invite students to research and compare traditions. Here are some examples:

  • Dongzhi Festival (China & East Asia): Families celebrate the return of longer daylight with tangyuan or dumplings.
  • Toji (Japan): People soak in yuzu baths, eat pumpkin (kabocha), and welcome good health for the winter ahead.
  • Soyal (Native American, Hopi): Marks the sun’s return with ceremonies, purification rituals, and prayer sticks called pahos.
  • Yalda Night/Shab-e Yalda (Iran): Families stay up late eating pomegranates, nuts, and reading poetry to “keep the sun company” on its longest night.
  • Yule (Norse & Germanic Traditions): Celebrated with bonfires, feasts, and evergreens—symbolizing rebirth and the return of the sun.
  • Stonehenge Solstice Observance (United Kingdom): Visitors gather to witness the sunrise aligning with the stones, honoring ancient connections to the solstice.
  • St. Lucia Day (Scandinavia): Blends Christian and older Nordic traditions, celebrating light with candle crowns and processions.
  • Koliada / Kolada (Slavic regions): A winter festival with caroling, fire rituals, and themes of the sun’s rebirth.
  • Kūčios (Lithuania): A solstice-linked Christmas Eve feast with symbolic foods and ancestral traditions.

December 25 Christmas

Yule Lads, a Christmas Cat, and new books! Discover Icelandic Traditions: Jólabókaflóð: A "Christmas Book Flood".

A stork in a baobab tree. A pukeko in a ponga tree. Compare Multicultural Versions of the 12 Days of Christmas.

Follow Santa’s Christmas Eve journey and learn about the sweet treats that await his arrival: A World of Cookies for Santa. (Includes recipes!)

Holiday Songs Global Light


December 26 - January 1 Kwanzaa

Learn about this holiday that celebrates Black heritage in the United States as well as African culture. -National Geographic Kids

Each day of Kwanzaa has a symbol and a principle to go with it. You can introduce each concept to your class with these Kwanzaa activities for elementary students—one for each of the seven principles and days of celebration.


Barefoot Books' Final Sale of the Year:

Use code FUNGIFTS

  • Friday, December 5th - Monday, December 8th: Flash sale on sets. 20% off all sets (gift sets and classroom sets!)
  • Tuesday, December 9th - Monday, December 15th: Last chance to save. 20% off sitewide

Global Gift Guide

Browse our curated collection of gift ideas for the global kids in your world. Categories include books, toys, art, music, cooking, clothing, puzzles, games, and travel.


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Globe Trottin' Kids

I'm a National Geographic Certified Educator creating and sharing resources for teaching kids about world geography and cultures. Join our adventure!

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