Lesson & Activities - Celebrating Christmas: Traditions, History, and Popular Gifts
- Learn English with NETOL
- Dec 30, 2025
- 10 min read
Updated: Jan 11
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Celebrating Christmas:
Traditions, History, and Popular Gifts
Speaking Activity
Conversation Questions
Instructions:
Listen to and read the conversation questions.
Practice your speaking by answering each question out loud.
See some possible answers to the conversation questions by clicking the side arrows next to each question.
Conversation Questions
1. When is Christmas celebrated?
Christmas is celebrated every year on December 25th.
2. What happens on Christmas Day in most homes?
Families open gifts and eat a festive meal together.
3. What colours are usually seen at Christmas?
Red and green are the main colours.
4. What food is popular at Christmas?
Turkey and mashed potatoes are very popular.
5. Do you have a favourite Christmas movie?
Yes, Home Alone is my favourite holiday movie because it is funny and has a happy ending.
Writing Activity
Pre-Reading Vocabulary
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Copy the words from below.
Look up the definitions of the words online.
Get to know the definitions of each word
Important Words - Celebrating Christmas: Traditions, History, and Popular Gifts
celebrate
culture
belief
famous
elves
sleigh
kindness
joy
decorations
ornament
stuffing
eggnog
carols
greeting
Reading Activity
Celebrating Christmas: Traditions, History, and Popular Gifts
Instructions:
Read the following passage about Thanksgiving.
Thereafter, listen to the audio - Celebrating Thanksgiving.
Note: Reading out loud when learning a new language is important because it helps you practice your pronunciation. When you speak the words, you can hear how they sound, and this will improve your speaking skills.
Celebrating Christmas: Traditions, History, and Popular Gifts
Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. Every year, on December 25th, millions of people come together to enjoy this special day. While Christmas began as a Christian holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, today it is enjoyed by people of many different cultures and beliefs. For many, it is a time of joy, kindness, and togetherness.
Celebrating Christmas Throughout The Years
Christmas is celebrated on December 25th every year. It started more than 2,000 years ago as a religious celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God, and his birth is an important event in their faith. Over time, Christmas became more than a religious holiday. Today, people around the world celebrate it as a time for family, friends, and giving.
Even if someone is not Christian, they may still enjoy the holiday season. Many people love the decorations, music, food, and the feeling of happiness that Christmas brings. It is a time when people share joy and kindness, regardless of their beliefs.
Why Is Christmas So Special
Christmas is more than decorations and gifts. It is a time to show kindness, spend time with loved ones, and create happy memories. Whether you celebrate with a big dinner, exchange gifts, or simply enjoy the lights, Christmas brings people together. So, as we celebrate this holiday, let’s remember its true meaning: love, joy, and peace.
Christmas Decorations: A Colourful Tradition
One of the most exciting parts of Christmas is decorating! People start decorating their homes weeks before December 25th. Decorating is a fun way to make homes look festive and cheerful. Some families even have a tradition of decorating together while listening to Christmas music.
Here are some popular Christmas decorations:
Lights
Lights are bright and colourful. They are hung on houses, trees, and even inside rooms in homes.
Wreath
A wreath is a circular decoration that is made of evergreen branches, often hung on doors.
Stockings
Stockings are large socks hung by the fireplace. Children hope Santa will fill them with small gifts.
Ornament
Ornaments are beautiful decorations for the tree, such as balls, bells, and figurines.
Christmas Tree
A Christmas tree is a green tree that is used as a decoration. It can be real or artificial, decorated with lights, ornaments, and sometimes tinsel. Many families put a star or an angel on top of the tree.
Christmas Dinner: A Feast to Remember
Food is an important part of Christmas celebrations. Families usually gather around the table to share a festive meal. It is a time to talk, laugh, and enjoy delicious food together. A traditional Christmas dinner often includes:
Main Christmas Dish
Roasted turkey or ham.
Side Dishes
Stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables.
Desserts
Fruitcake, gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, candy canes, and yule logs.
Drinks
Eggnog and hot chocolate are popular drinks.
Santa Claus: Who Is He?
Santa Claus is a famous person at Christmas. He is also called Father Christmas. He is a happy man with a big white beard. He wears a red suit and a red hat. Santa lives at the North Pole with his helpers. The helpers are called elves. They make toys for children. Children often write letters to Santa or visit him at the mall to tell him which gift they want for Christmas.
Children believe that on Christmas Eve, Santa travels around the world in a sleigh that is pulled by reindeer. He brings gifts to children who were good during the year by coming down the chimney and putting presents under the Christmas tree or in stockings. Many families leave cookies and milk for Santa to say thank you. Santa Claus is a symbol of kindness and joy. He represents the idea of giving and sharing during the holiday season.
Popular Christmas Traditions
*Before reading about popular Christmas traditions, look at each picture from above, and talk about what you see.
Christmas is full of traditions that make the holiday special. Here are some popular traditions that are seen around the world during the holiday season:
Visiting Santa Claus
Children often take pictures with Santa Claus at malls during the months of November and December.
Baking & Decorating Cookies
Many families bake sugar cookies or gingerbread cookies and decorate them with icing sugar during the holiday season.
Singing Or Listening To Christmas Carols
People sing or listen to songs like “Silent Night” or “Jingle Bells throughout the holiday season.”
Going To Holiday Parties
Families and workplaces host Christmas parties with delicious food, good music, and fun games.
Watching Christmas Movies
Watching holiday movies like Home Alone and The Polar Express is a favourite activity. People usually watch these films during the holiday season because they are seen as uplifting and always end happily.
Sending Holiday Cards
Many people send Christmas cards to friends and family with holiday greetings and best wishes.
Decorating Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread houses are small houses that are made of gingerbread and decorated with candy and icing sugar.
Giving Gifts
People buy and exchange gifts with family and friends during the Christmas season
During the Christmas holiday,, people like to say greetings, write holiday messages, and write Christmas cards to family and friends. Here are a few examples of holiday greetings that people often say or write during the holiday season:
Holiday Greetings
Greetings To Say To People Face To Face
"Merry Christmas!"
"Happy Holidays!"
"Season’s Greetings!"
"Wishing you a joyful Christmas!"
"Have a wonderful Christmas!"
"Wishing you a very merry Christmas!"
"Have a merry and bright holiday!"
"Warmest wishes to you and your family!"
"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"
Holiday Greetings
Greetings To Write When Writing A Text Message Or A Card
Merry Christmas! Thinking of you!
Wishing you peace, love, and happiness this Christmas.
May your holidays be filled with joy and laughter.
Hope your Christmas is warm and bright.
Wishing you health and happiness in the New Year.
May this season bring you comfort and joy.
Sending you love and best wishes for the holidays.
Hope all your Christmas dreams come true.
Happy Holidays! May your home be filled with warmth and cheer.
Merry Christmas! Wishing you a magical holiday season.
May the New Year bring you success and happiness.
The Tradition of Gift Giving
Giving gifts is one of the most loved parts of Christmas. This tradition started with the story of the Three Wise Men, who brought gifts to baby Jesus. Today, people give gifts to show love and appreciation. Children often write letters to Santa Claus asking for their favourite toys.
But what are the most popular gifts? Let’s take a look!
*Before reading about the top Christmas gifts, look at each picture from above, and talk about what you see.
Top 12 Christmas Gifts
Here is a list of the most popular Christmas gifts. These gifts are popular because they are useful, fun, and loved by people of all ages.
Smartphones
A smartphone is a mobile phone that can do many things. It can make calls, send messages, take pictures, and use apps for games, music, and the internet.
Wireless Earbuds
Wireless earbuds are small headphones that go in your ears. They do not have wires. People use them to listen to music or talk on the phone.
Smartwatches
A smartwatch is a watch that can do more than show time. It can check your steps, show messages, and connect to your phone.
Gaming Consoles
A gaming console is a machine for playing video games. Popular consoles are PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Video Games
Video games are games you play on a computer, phone, or gaming console. They can be sports games, adventure games, or puzzle games.
Computers Or Tablets
A computer is a machine for work, study, and games. A tablet is smaller than a computer and easy to carry. People use tablets for reading, watching videos, and playing games.
Brick Builder Sets
Brick Builder sets are boxes of small plastic bricks. People use them to build houses, cars, and many other things.
Board Games
Board games are games you play on a table with friends or family. Examples are Monopoly, Scrabble, and Chess.
Books
Books have pages with stories or information. People read books for fun or learning.
Kitchen Gadgets
Kitchen gadgets are small tools for cooking. Examples are blenders, mixers, and coffee makers.
Beauty Products
Beauty products are things people use to look nice. Examples are makeup, skin cream, and perfume.
Winter Clothing
Winter clothing is warm clothes for cold weather. Examples are coats, scarves, gloves, and boots.
Concluding Thoughts On Celebrating Christmas
Christmas is more than just a holiday, it is a season of joy, kindness, and connection. Whether you celebrate with family or friends, Christmas reminds us of the importance of love and generosity. As the year comes to an end, we can keep the spirit of Christmas by spreading happiness and caring for one another. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
Listening Activity
Celebrating Christmas:
Traditions, History, and Popular Gifts
Instructions:
Press the play buttons below.
Listen to the audio file.
Use the reading from above to follow along with the audio file.
Celebrating Christmas: Traditions, History, and Popular Gifts
Reading & Writing Activity
Fill In The Blanks - Christmas Gifts
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 12.
Read the 12 sentences with blanks.
Use the chart - Top Christmas Gifts, and decide which gift belongs to each blank.
Practice your writing by writing the sentences and filling in the blanks on your paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each sentence.
Matching Activity
Top Christmas Gifts
Sentence #1: Jacob was thrilled to unwrap a ______________ because he had been waiting for the latest adventure game.
ANSWER: Video Game
Jacob was thrilled to unwrap a video game because he had been waiting for the latest adventure game.
Sentence #2: Ava received a set of ______________ from her aunt because she loves wearing makeup.
ANSWER: Beauty Products
Ava received a set of beauty products from her aunt because she loves wearing makeup.
Sentence #3: Noah was excited to see a ______________ under the tree because he loves building things.
ANSWER: Brick Builder Set
Noah was excited to see a brick builder set under the tree because he loves building things.
Sentence #4: Carla enjoys reading by the fireplace, so her best friend bought her a ______________ for Christmas.
ANSWER: Book
Carla enjoys reading by the fireplace, so her best friend bought her a book for Christmas.
Sentence #5: Olivia wanted something to track her fitness goals, so she received a stylish ______________.
ANSWER: Smartwatch
Olivia wanted something to track her fitness goals, so she received a stylish smartwatch.
Sentence #6: Lucy needed something warm for the cold weather, so her grandparents bought her ______________.
ANSWER: Winter Clothing
Lucy needed something warm for the cold weather, so her grandparents bought her winter clothing.
Sentence #7: Eddie was so happy when he opened his gift and saw a brand-new ______________ to help him stay connected with friends.
ANSWER: Smartphone
Eddie was so happy when he opened his gift and saw a brand-new smartphone to help him stay connected with friends.
Sentence #8: George got a new ______________ so he could play his favourite games during the holidays.
ANSWER: Gaming Console
George got a new gaming console so he could play his favourite games during the holidays.
Sentence #9: Susana and Louis love cooking together, so their kids bought them a useful ______________ for their kitchen.
ANSWER: Kitchen Gadget
Susana and Louis love cooking together, so their kids bought them a useful kitchen gadget for their kitchen.
Sentence #10: Mina loves music, so her brother gave her a pair of ______________ that she can use anywhere.
ANSWER: Wireless Earbuds
Mina loves music, so her brother gave her a pair of wireless earbuds that she can use anywhere.
Sentence #11: Sophia was surprised to see that she received a brand new ______________, which she can use for school projects and games.
ANSWER: Computer
Sophia was surprised to see that she received a brand new computer, which she can use for school projects and games.
Sentence #12: Oliver’s family loves playing games together, so they bought a fun ______________ to play on Christmas Eve.
ANSWER: Board Game
Oliver’s family loves playing games together, so they bought a fun board game to play on Christmas Eve.
Take Our Poll
Popular Holiday Traditions
Which holiday traditions do you enjoy the most? Or which one would you like to try?
Visiting Santa Claus
Baking Cookies
Singing Or Listening To Christmas Carols
Going To Holiday Parties
Test Your Knowledge By Taking Our Quiz
Instructions:
Read the 10 multiple-choice questions from below.
Answer each question.
Click the Submit button when you are done.
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Written by: Nicole WT
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