Winter Holidays in Spanish class

Inside: Ideas for Winter Holidays in Spanish class. From the Spanish Navidad Commercial Madness to the Christmas Lottery, to 3 Kings Day, to decentering Christmas, to Hanukkah, to Free winter activities in Spanish class, and everything in between. Hopefully, you will find the answers to the question: “What to do in December in Spanish class?” “What to do the day before winter break?” and “What to do the day after winter break in Spanish class?” Christmas activities in Spanish class.

Winter Holidays in Spanish class

There are SO many great resources out there related to Winter holiday traditions in Spanish-speaking countries. I know there has been some debate about if holiday celebrations belong in the classroom, but for Spanish teachers, it is the perfect time to dig into intercultural competence, practices, perspectives, and comparisons of the Spanish-speaking world and our own.

As with everything it is important that we are not providing our own perspective, showing diverse celebrations, and allowing students to investigate and come up with their own views. See this Spanish Culture blog post to learn more. Here are activities that I am using this year, have used in the past, or would love to be able to have time to incorporate someday. 

Copa Mundial 2022

This is not something that typically happens in December. But in 2022, The World Cup is going on and would be a great alternative if you want to skip holiday activities. Get a free music slideshow and more info in this blog post, Copa Mundial in Spanish Class.

Navidad around the world

Sra. Joto Jota shared amazing interactive Google Slides about Christmas traditions around the world. It would be great if you are virtual this year to add some culture.

Navidad Commercial Madness

Other fun little holiday additions for Winter Holidays in Spanish class

This is a perfect one-day activity to talk about plans over the break in the future tense. It is especially good if you are trying to avoid cultural celebrations and instead just focus on your students talking about their lives. 

Para Empezar – Winter Holidays 

If you want to add a little bit each day, here are 3 Weeks of daily class starters or brain breaks. (It has also been added to the Year of Para Empezar, so if you have that, it is included)

 

Plate Sketch Game – holiday edition

A fun holiday plate sketch game the day before break, perfect if you have short classes, as we often did the last day before break.

holiday baile viernes

If you do not have time for a unit and just want a fun brain break, check out these holiday dances for any class, since they are not even in Spanish.

White Elephant/Yankee Swap

For a couple of years in Spanish 1, I have done a version of gift exchange in all Spanish. I wrapped a bunch of random and goofy little gifts, enough for each person. They each drew a number, and that is the order they get to pick.

After number one goes, each person after that gets to choose from the gift pile, or steal from someone else. I have the rule that after two steals an item is frozen unless you are the last person, who can pick any gift. Before starting we discuss the vocabulary needed (I want, give me the gift). When it is their turn, the student needs to say one of these phrases in Spanish. I narrate what is happening in Spanish as we go. Many students mentioned at the end of the year that this activity was one of their favorites of the year. 

Post Winter Break – Winter Holidays in Spanish class

 

Los 3 Reyes Magos reading

1st Day back from winter break 

Winter Holidays in Spanish class Bundle

I wish you and yours a very blessed and relaxing holiday season. If you need me, you can find me chasing after two small boys who are still really excited about all of the holiday traditions. I am going to soak up their joy as long as I can!