From Diwali, Christmas, and Hanukkah celebrations to the observance of the winter solstice, Oak Park library staff love sharing their own winter holiday traditions with you in our annual Holidays Around the World! In addition to stories, videos, and photos, you’ll find related music, games, stories, and recipes for families to explore.
Click the play button below to start celebrating with us.
Holidays Around the World offers kids a chance to see that even some people who celebrate the same holidays do it in different ways. And to learn that no matter how much they love their own family’s celebrations, other people’s ways are equally important to them. Realizing that is a powerful part of developing empathy.
Want more? Try these activities
Take a deep breath: Read these books with your child and remember that the best holiday celebrations are the ones that aren’t overwhelming or overstimulating for your particular family: Too Much! An Overwhelming Day and Mole Is Not Alone.
Take a break: The Addison (Illinois) school district created a virtual calming room with links to coloring, mindfulness activities, cute animal live streams, and more—perfect for regulating during busy and stressful times.
Listen to stories: Hear some of your favorite librarians read holiday books on Dial-a-Story. Plus, listen to stories that support big emotions, including three different kinds of mindful moments for stressful times, as well as books on kindness, sadness (because big excitements can lead to big emotional crashes!), and disappointments. Call 708.816.2800 to start listening and see the stories available this month.
Make this craft: Create paper snowflakes to celebrate winter with this template designed by Miss Margaret: Download the instructions (PDF) and the snowflake template (PDF).
Practice gratitude: Work together as a family to create a gratitude chain! Add to it all winter long to create a beautiful and meaningful decoration: Watch Miss Shelley put together a chain for the Children’s Services staff.
Watch seasonal videos: This collection of Early Bird Learner videos focuses on winter and autumn, with songs, science and nature activities, science, and book recommendations.
More for adults: The holiday season can be both joyful and a stressful time of year. Senior Services Librarian Claire Steiner shares some resources and programs to help you prepare for and celebrate the season—and take care of yourself!