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
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.]
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?