Christmas Countdown
Resources Exploring a Countdown to “Christmas”
The 12 Days of Christmas can be a little misleading in its meaning. The song was written in the 1500’s and represents Christmas Day and the following days that lead to the Epiphany, which ends the 12 Days of Christmas. If you want to learn more about the meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas CLICK HERE to read a quick article written by Father Calvin Goodwin.
These resources are not religious, check out the Nativity for Kids post for those kind of FREE resources. This post is to assist with a countdown until Christmas. Teachers and parents should make a plan to incorporate little breathers in their days, as the approaching holiday brings excitement and stress. Here are seven online readings of Christmas fun, along with some FREE accompanying lessons from some amazing teacher creators. If you want more, check about planning for Santa, check out these FREE resources from the Santa Claus and Lesson Planning Post.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases from links in this post. Thank you! Have fun and Merry Christmas!
1. Pete the Cat 12 Groovy Days of Christmas
“Pete and his friends are rockin’ and groovin’ while counting down the days to Christmas! Who needs five golden rings, when you can have five onion rings? Join Pete and the gang for one-of-a-kind holiday cheer. He adds a cool-cat spin on a well-known Christmas carol, bringing a hip and energetic spirit to the season.” – Excerpt Amazon
Pete the Cat Headband
Print these cat eyes out on yellow paper. Cut them out and glue them to strips of blue paper for Pete the Cat headbands.
2. Bear Stays Up for Christmas
“Bear’s friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up—by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents of all!” – Excerpt Amazon
Bear Stays Up for Christmas: BME Cut and Paste
“This is a great cut and paste activity that helps students determine where events happen within the story Bear Stays Up For Christmas by Karma Wilson! After reading the story, students can cut and paste each box( story event) in the correct column on the BME chart provided.” – Excerpt Happily Ever After Education
3. It’s Christmas, David!
“Readers of all ages will vividly remember trying to peek at hidden gift packages; writing scrolls of wish lists to Santa; and struggling to behave at formal Christmas dinner parties. Always in the background, we know Santa Claus is watching, soon to decide if David deserves a shiny new fire truck or a lump of coal under the tree…” – Excerpt Amazon
It’s Christmas, David! – Craftivity
“It’s Christmas, David! {Craftivity} is going to engage your kiddos as they complete each reading activity and put David together.” – Excerpt Unforgettable First Grade
4. Llama, Llama Holiday Drama
” If there’s one thing Llama Llama doesn’t like, it’s waiting. He and Mama Llama rush around, shopping for presents, baking cookies, decorating the tree . . . but how long is it until Christmas? Will it ever come? Finally, Llama Llama just can’t wait any more! It takes a cuddle from Mama Llama to remind him that “Gifts are nice, but there’s another: The true gift is, we have each other.” – Excerpt Amazon
Llama, Llama Holiday Drama Activities
“My kids love this book so I made some cute activities to go with it! Hope you like them!” – Excerpt The Lesson Plan Diva
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for young and old.” – Excerpt Amazon
How to Make the Grinch Grin
“A simple writing activity that goes along with the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” – Excerpt Ms M A
How To Draw The Grinch
In this episode, Rob from Art for Kids Hub teaches kids how to draw the Grinch. Depending on the age of the learners, I have paused the video to allow all students to catch up. Enjoy the the the Grinch!
6. Olive the Other Reindeer
“Olive is merrily preparing for Christmas when suddenly she realizes “Olive… the other Reindeer… I thought I was a dog. Hmmm, I must be a Reindeer!” So she quickly hops aboard the polar express and heads to the North Pole. And while Santa and the other reindeer are a bit surprised that a dog wants to join the their team, in the end Olive and her unusual reindeer skills are just what Santa and his veteran reindeer team need.” – Excerpt Amazon
Olive the Other Reindeer – Color by Sight Word
“In this product students can color Olive the Other Reindeer at the North Pole with Santa and the elf. Practice sight words while coloring a fun picture!” – Excerpt from Teachers of Kinderbears
7. Elf on the Shelf
The Elf on the shelf is fun at home and in the classroom. The first year the elf came into my classroom he was delivered by the principal. He was wrapped in a box with a letter from Santa. We opened the box, read the letter and read the book. He was a crazy little elf who got into some series adventures in our classroom.
Exercises for Elves – Brain Break
“Having an Elf on the Shelf in the classroom is a great way to add fun into the month of December! Children are so excited to attend school every morning to find out what the Elf has done next!
This FREE download from 2nd Grade Snickerdoodle is the perfect activity to get your little elves moving. What a fun brain break!
If you like these free resources please consider following these teacher creators. They are always developing new and cool things, for you and I, to share with young learners.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I hope it was helpful and gave you some ideas for your lessons. Have a very Merry Christmas!
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