The Problem With Most Holiday Activities
5 Inclusive Holiday Activities With Real Language Goals
Holiday Recipe Exchange
Students write step-by-step recipes for their family's holiday food using imperative verbs, sequencing language, and food vocabulary. Compare recipes across cultures. Target: A2+ writing.
Cultural Reporter
Students prepare a 2-minute 'news report' explaining their holiday to someone who's never heard of it. Practices present simple for routines, descriptive adjectives, and presentation skills.
Holiday Debate
'Commercialization ruins holidays — agree or disagree?' B2+ students practice argument structure, opinion language, and counter-arguments using a topic they genuinely care about.
Cross-Cultural Card
Students write holiday greeting cards to classmates from different cultures, researching appropriate greetings. Practices formal writing conventions, register, and cultural sensitivity.
Holiday Around the World
Each student presents one holiday from ANY culture (not necessarily their own). Comparative structures: 'While Americans celebrate with turkey, Japanese people eat KFC on Christmas Eve.' Genuinely surprising and engaging.
Teacher Tip
“Never assume which holidays your students celebrate. Open the topic with 'What's the next holiday or celebration in your family?' rather than 'What are you doing for Christmas?' This naturally surfaces Ramadan, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Hanukkah, and traditions you've never heard of — all of which become rich speaking material.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make ESL holiday lessons culturally inclusive?
add
Focus on the universal themes behind holidays — gratitude, family, food, traditions — rather than specific religious or cultural content. Let students share their own celebrations rather than teaching about holidays you've chosen. Use comparative language activities that value all traditions equally.
What if some students don't celebrate any holidays?
add
Reframe the activity around 'special family traditions' or 'favorite family meals' rather than formal holidays. Every family has routines and rituals worth discussing, even if they're not attached to a named celebration.