In England Father Christmas is a stern version of Santa Claus who brings gifts on Christmas Eve. In France Pere Noel brings gifts to children on Christmas. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace. In Australia Santa rides waterskis, has a white beard and red bathing suit. In China, Dun Che Lao Ren, or Christmas Old Man, brings gifts to children.
Students illustrate a teacher made book about the different holidays.
Additional information such as the first Christmas tree in Germany can be included in this book. Students might also compare two or more of the different countries' customs using a Venn Diagram. If students do not know enough English to do this on their own, type six or seven sentences for each student about a Santa celebration. Print the sentences on colorful paper. Have students glue their sentence in the correct place on a large Venn Diagram.