Celebrating Christmas in Spanish Class

Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad from Northshore Christian Academy! One of the things we enjoy most about our school is the diversity we have here on campus. We believe it's so important to understand and appreciate other cultures and immerse ourselves in the knowledge of traditions and celebrations that happen amidst them.  

We had the joy of connecting with Senora Wheaton, our Spanish Teacher for grades 3-8 to talk about how she has worked hard this year to incorporate some amazing activities to our classes through the entire month of December. Here is what she shared:  

In all of our Spanish activities, the goals are the same—I want students to acquire language in an accessible, interesting, and comprehensible way. My desire is for students to appreciate the diverse cultural products, perspectives, and practices of the Spanish speaking world. And, most importantly, to see how understanding language and culture helps us understand our Lord and Savior and participate more fully in His kingdom. The Christmas season is full of beautiful and interesting celebrations (and a few silly ones, too). This month, in Spanish classes students have participated in the following:  

Senora Wheaton Spanish Teacher

Mi Burrito Sabanero

Classes sing to the song, “Mi Burrito Sabanero,” in Spanish each day (along with motions). This song is about going to see Jesus in Bethlehem, and we loved singing and dancing to this catchy tune. Our prayer is that when the world sees us (like it says in the song “Si me ven, si me ven…”), it would be clear that we are pursuing Christ in our words and actions. Students generally loved this song and had the chance to sing it in chapel!  

Legend of the Poinsettia

Students listened to the Legend of the Poinsettia, a Mexican folk tale about the Flor de la Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve Flower. From the legend, we were reminded that Jesus takes whatever we offer (like the girl offered simple green leaves) and transforms it into something beautiful that can bless the world (like the bright red leaves of the plant). Students made their own “flores” to decorate our classroom and their homes. Many students enjoy the opportunity to do an art project, and now they have a product to share and remember this Mexican legend.  

El Tio de Nadal | Christmas log from Cataluña, Spain

On a more light-hearted note, students learned about El Tio de Nadal, or the Christmas log from Cataluña, Spain. This is a traditional log that “poops” presents for children around Christmas time. We have our own Tío de Nadal in the Spanish class, and after learning about the tradition, students found some regalos (or gifts) under the blanket, just as children do in Spain. Students wrote a summary in Spanish about this tradition, then shared their own opinions, which included silly, fun, strange, weird, and hilarious.  

Spanish/English Bibles

This year, we have a class set of Spanish/English Bibles! Students love being able to compare, side by side, familiar Bible stories in each language. Understanding God’s word in another language helps make his truth more expansive. Some classes read the Luke 2 narrative of Jesus’ birth. It was special to see their delight and eagerness to open the Bible and make guesses and connections to what each word meant.   

Weekly themes of Advent

Middle school students have focused on the weekly themes of Advent. We looked at scripture with the words esperanza (hope), paz (peace) and gozo (joy), especially in connection to the birth of Jesus, in this season of anticipation. Middle Schoolers are also learning to recite the Lord’s Prayer (Padre Nuestro) in Spanish.  

Christmas commercials

Middle school students have watched Christmas commercials from Spain, and talked about the word “compartir,” or share, in relation to the very popular Spanish Christmas lottery. An essential question for that lesson was: in a time often marked by consumerism, how can we step into a posture of generosity and notice those around us in need of friendship and support? 

Las Posadas

Middle schoolers will also learn about Las Posadas, or a tradition in Mexico where people re-enact the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, and ask for Posada, or lodging. It includes large gatherings in homes, singing in the streets, and sharing food with neighbors.  

The Christmas season does not end on December 25th! For many Spanish speaking countries, Epiphany is just as important as Christmas Day. Children receive gifts from Los Reyes Magos (or the Magi Kings) and eat a special bread, “Rosca de Reyes,” which has tiny baby Jesus figures baked inside the bread. Northshore students will participate in this holiday when we return from break and study the Biblical account of the Magi seeking after Jesus. My hope is for students to see the joy and beauty found in various cultural celebrations, and to remember that every good and perfect gift comes from our Heavenly Father.  

Senora Wheaton Spanish Teacher

May this encourage you to look beyond your own traditions and special celebrations and start considering and embracing traditions from other cultures. A sincere thank you to Senora Wheaton for her dedication, knowledge, and love for our students and her heart and desire for teaching them to grow in so many ways. To learn more about our programs and classes here at NCA, visit nca.school. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Northshore Christian Academy!