Holidays Through Time: Historical Holiday Traditions with Amara

Ah, the holidays! 

Twinkling lights, delicious aromas, and family traditions that feel like hugs wrapped in nostalgia. 

But what if you could peel back the layers of time to see how these traditions began? 

That’s where Amara—our curious, history-loving guide—comes in. 

In Amara’s Adventures: A Trip to the African American Museums in Jacksonville, Florida, this brave and inquisitive eleven-year-old takes readers on a journey into the past, exploring how celebrations connect us across generations. Just like Amara, we’re diving into the origins of holiday traditions and making history come alive with fun, creative activities. 

Ready to explore?

How Holidays Connect Us Across Time

Holidays aren’t just celebrations; they’re bridges to the past. Each tradition carries a story, reflecting the values, challenges, and joys of the people who celebrated before us. Whether it’s sharing food, music, or decorations, holiday customs remind us of the universal themes of love, gratitude, and togetherness. 

Understanding these traditions allows us to appreciate the rich tapestry of human history and the creative ways people have found to celebrate life. Amara’s journey through Jacksonville’s African American museums beautifully illustrates how history comes alive through stories, artifacts, and shared experiences

Historical Holiday Traditions Made Fun

Just like Amara’s explorations, these activities are designed to spark curiosity and creativity while teaching children about historical holiday traditions. Here are three hands-on projects that combine fun with learning.

Victorian Holiday Card Making

Time Period Connection: 1837-1901

Before text messages and emails, Victorians poured time and love into creating intricate holiday cards. These cards, often featuring pressed flowers, romantic winter scenes, and elegant handwriting, were sent to loved ones as tokens of affection. Let’s recreate this charming tradition with kids!

• Materials Needed

  • Cream and white cardstock

  • Pressed or dried paper flowers

  • Gold and silver ribbon strips

  • Lace doilies

  • Glue sticks

  • Safety scissors

  • Metallic markers

  • Sample Victorian phrases (e.g., “Wishing You Joyous Tidings This Season”)

  • Pictures of authentic Victorian cards

• Activity Steps

  1. Begin by showing children images of Victorian cards and discussing their historical significance.

  2. Demonstrate how to fold the cardstock into a card shape and arrange decorative elements.

  3. Encourage kids to write Victorian-inspired phrases using metallic markers.

  4. Display their creations in a classroom exhibit called “Holiday Greetings Through Time.”

Historical Holiday Music Journey

Time Period Connection: 1800s-Present

Music has always been an essential part of holiday celebrations, capturing the spirit of the season and connecting generations. This activity combines music history with hands-on creativity.

• Materials Needed

  • Simple percussion instruments (e.g., tambourines, drums, or bells)

  • Song lyric sheets with historical context

  • Recording device or tablet

  • Music history cards

  • Winter-themed art supplies

• Activity Steps

  1. Introduce a traditional holiday song and share its origin story.

  2. Play a historical version of the song and compare it with a modern rendition.

  3. Guide students in practicing a simple melody using percussion instruments.

  4. Record the class’s version of the song and encourage them to decorate CD covers or digital artwork inspired by the song.

Winter Warmth Traditions

Time Period Connection: Colonial America-1900s

During cold winter months, families in the past gathered around the hearth to share stories, food, and warmth. This activity explores how historical winter traditions can inspire meaningful connections today.

• Materials Needed

  • Historical recipe cards

  • Vintage photos of winter celebrations

  • Hot chocolate ingredients

  • Measuring tools

  • Story prompt cards

• Activity Steps

  1. Share old photographs of families during winter and discuss how they stayed warm and celebrated.

  2. Compare historical and modern recipes for hot chocolate, highlighting ingredients that were used in the past.

  3. Help students make a traditional hot chocolate recipe and enjoy it together while sharing winter celebration stories inspired by prompt cards.

  4. Create memory books that include photos, recipes, and reflections from the activity.

Bringing It All Together

After completing these activities, encourage kids to showcase their work in a classroom or community event called the “Winter Celebration Museum.” This exhibit can include:

• Victorian-style holiday cards

• Recorded holiday songs

• Winter tradition stories

• Photos of the activities

• Reflections from students on what they learned

This museum-style presentation not only celebrates the students’ creativity but also helps them understand how traditions, like the ones Amara explores in her journey, connect generations.

Conclusion

Amara’s adventures remind us of the power of curiosity and the joy of discovery. 

By learning about historical holiday traditions, we’re not just celebrating—we’re preserving the stories of those who came before us and creating new memories to share. Whether through crafting Victorian cards, exploring the evolution of holiday music, or recreating warm winter recipes, these activities bring history to life in ways that kids will cherish.

Want to continue the journey of discovery with Amara? 

Explore her adventures and uncover the rich heritage she celebrates in Amara’s Adventures: A Trip to the African American Museums in Jacksonville, Florida. Inspire curiosity, celebrate diversity, and plant the seeds of knowledge in young readers today!

Discover Amara’s Adventures on Amazon.

Or support educational initiatives by donating to Diaspora Whispers Inc. Together, let’s nurture curiosity and inclusivity in young learners!