Back Safe and Sound

We concluded our world-wide trip this week, making our last visits to Italy, Germany and Mexico.  The kids were great travel companions, I must say.  They were up for just about anything the entire time we were abroad.  Here's a little peak from this week's travels...

Italy

Highlight of what we learned:  In Italy children wait until Epiphany on January 6 for their presents. La Befana, a kind witch, delivers the presents on a broomstick. It is said that she was busy and delayed visiting baby Jesus when he was born. She missed the Star and lost her way. She has been flying around ever since, leaving presents at every house with children in case he is there. She flies down chimneys and fills stockings and shoes with nice things for good children and leaves coal for children who misbehave.

We created La Befana's broom as a symbol of the Italian holiday.

Germany

Highlight of what we learned:  Christmas Trees are very important in Germany. They were actually first used in Germany during the Middle Ages. Traditionally, the tree is brought into the house on Christmas Eve and after it is decorated, families will read the Bible and sing Christmas songs.

We created a Christmas tree puppet to symbolize where the Christmas tree tradition originated.  We also pasted the lyrics to the song "O Christmas Tree" to the back, a German favorite.

Mexico

Highlight of what we learned:  It is believed that a young boy walking to the church to see the nativity scene showing the birth of Jesus realized on the way that he had no gift to offer so he gathered up some plain green branches as he walked in. He was laughed at but once he placed the branches near the manger they started to bloom a bright red poinsettia flower on each branch.

We created poinsettia flowers to hand around the room in celebration of the Christmas holiday - Mexican style!

We are so GLAD to be home - but feel much more in tune with the world this holiday season!