In this free unit, your child will learn how Christmas is celebrated in Germany. In addition, they’ll learn about the geography of Germany, 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 Germany 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 Germany and its Geography

Watch Geography Now! Germany.

Read National Geographic Kids: Germany and click through the picture slide show.

Have your children find Germany on a world map or globe. Have your older children label Germany and the countries that border it (the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic/Czechia, Denmark, Poland, Luxembourg, and Belgium) on this map of Europe. Here’s an answer key.

 

Day 2:  Christmas in Germany Part 1

Read about Christmas in Germany at WhyChristmas.com.

Watch Our St. Nicholas Day Traditions. In this video, a mom shares her family’s traditions.

Listen to some German Christmas carols as your children draw or 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 Germany Part 2

Watch Santa’s Story Time: Christmas In Germany.

Watch Cobweb Christmas: The Tradition of Tinsel, a German folktale. Have your children write a comic retelling the story or part of the story using these downloadable templates.

 

Day 4: Christmas in Germany Part 3

Read about Johann Hinrich Wichern and the history of the Advent wreath.

Watch Advent Wreath – Chuck Knows Church. This video explains the Advent wreath and candles used by many churches.

Have your children color this Advent coloring sheet.

 

Day 5: Christmas in Germany Recipes

Choose a traditional German Christmas cookie recipe to prepare or make Kinderpunsch (hot fruit punch).

 

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 10, 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.