In this free unit, your child will learn how Christmas is celebrated in Sweden. In addition, they’ll learn about the geography of Sweden, as well as a little related history and language arts. Unlike other “free” unit studies, you won’t have to buy or search for a bunch of required books. Everything you need, except the ingredients for a recipe, is available for free online.

This unit study is designed to last five days and can be used with a wide range of ages, making it a fun activity for the entire family to do together. With younger children, read the assignments aloud to them, and skip the written work if they aren’t ready for it. Older students can read their assignments independently. If you have teenagers, you may want to have them research Sweden and its Christmas traditions further, either at the library or online. Then they could present what they’ve learned to the rest of the family.

 

Day 1: Introduction to Sweden and its Geography

Watch Geography Time! Sweden. Also, watch Physical Geography Sweden.

Read National Geographic Kids: Sweden and click through the picture slideshow.

Have your children find Sweden on a world map or globe. Have your older children label Sweden and the other Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland) on this map of Europe. Here’s an answer key.

 

Day 2:  Christmas in Sweden Part 1

Read about Christmas in Sweden at WhyChristmas.com.

Watch these short videos:

The Advent – Swedish Christmas Traditions

Christmas Eve – Swedish Christmas Traditions (Skip this video if you want your children to believe in Santa. It spills the beans!)

Julbord – Swedish Christmas Traditions

Have your children illustrate and write about what they have learned. They can use regular paper, or you may like to use this downloadable writing paper or these downloadable notebooking pages.

Day 3: Christmas in Sweden Part 2

Watch Lucia – Swedish Christmas Traditions.

Watch Hanna’s Christmas book read aloud.

Have your children color do of these coloring and activity pages while they listen to this Christmas Carols from Sweden playlist.

 

Day 4: Christmas in Sweden Part 3

Watch Annika’s Secret Wish book read aloud.

Write about the book using this downloadable book report form, this downloadable Christmas writing paper, or regular notebook paper.

 

Day 5: Christmas in Sweden Recipes

Prepare lussekatter (saffron buns) or risgrynsgröt (rice pudding).

 

More Christmas Around the World Unit Studies

If you enjoyed this unit study, don’t miss our other Christmas Around the World units. We have several countries to choose from!

Note: This post was originally published on November 19, 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.