How do you think people celebrate these holidays? What is the history behind these holidays, what do people do to celebrate the days, and what special foods do peopple eat?
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Christmas
New Year’s Day
Easter
Video Activity
Watch the video and answer the questions. Look for the closed-captions option ( CC ) at the bottom of the video to watch the transcript. [The captions are automatically generated, so they are not perfect.]
Discussion Questions
Use these questions to spark discussion in pairs or small groups.
Easy: What is your favorite holiday, and why do you enjoy celebrating it?
Casual: How does your family typically celebrate Thanksgiving or a similar holiday of thankfulness in your country, and what traditions make it special for you?
Light-hearted: If you could create your own holiday, what would it be called, and how would people celebrate it?
Reflective: Share a memorable holiday experience from your past in your country. What made that experience stand out for you?
Thoughtful: In your opinion, how have the meanings and traditions of holidays evolved over time, and why do you think they are important for societies?
Contemplative: Some people choose to spend holidays volunteering or helping others. How do you think giving back during the holiday season can impact individuals and communities?
Analytical: Compare and contrast the cultural significance of Halloween and Thanksgiving. What common themes or values do you see in these celebrations?
Challenging: Discuss the impact of consumerism on holidays. How has the commercialization of celebrations affected their original meanings?
Philosophical: Do you believe holidays play a crucial role in preserving cultural identity, or do they contribute to cultural homogenization? Why or why not?