Traveling Around the World learning about different countries

Our first graders just returned from traveling all around the world. We have traveled to the Netherlands to learn about Sinterklaus and how the children celebrate on Dec 6. They leave their clogs filled with carrots and hay hoping for treats and gifts. We then flew to Israel to learn about Hanukkah. We learned that they light a menorah for eight days and we played a traditional game called dreidel. Next we flew to Germany to learn about gingerbread and how they celebrate Christmas. They light an advent wreath, decorate with Christmas trees and also make gingerbread men and houses. They have been making gingerbread for over 600 years. China was by far our favorite. They celebrate the lunar New Year and they light red lanterns which is a symbol of good luck. They have a big parade with a dancing dragon. We visited Mexico and learned about Las Posadas. In Mexico the children and adults celebrate for 9 nights. They enjoy parties, dancing and pinatas. They then celebrate January 6th when Santa leaves them gifts. 
We compared these countries to America and how they were similar and different. One amazing fact that they discovered was that America celebrates all of these traditions in their own way. America is a country of many other countries' traditions. Everyone enjoyed learning and exploring the different traditions. Take a look at our fun!