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December Cultural Calendar Ideas

In nsyilxcən December is referred to as Spuxwtan – the time of the snowdrift. In Gitenimx it is Hloxsa/ Hm’mel–  the month of completion. 

As we prepare for another great year – full of cultural teachings, discoveries, relationship building, connections, support , we would like to end this month with some wisdom from Nehiyaw Elder Don Campbell. 

Kinanaskomiten to Grandpa Don for his wise words to end the year and for assisting us as we plan for activities of celebration, teachings and ending the year in a good way. 

Don starts his teachings by saying in his traditional language of Nehiyawewin, December is referred to as Pawacakinasisi- Pisim, which means Frost-Exploding Trees, Moon and Blizzard Moon. In his territory, trees would explode from being covered in brittle frost, ice and snow. 

When Don was a child, much storytelling was shared by community members and Elders about the first visitors who arrived on this land. Indigenous people were confused as to why these people from far-off lands would have two big feasts within one month (Christmas and New Year’s Day).

The Cree named New Year’s Eve and Day,  Ocehtokisikaw, (Kissing Day) as they were in wonderment of everyone going out of their way to kiss each other more than usual.

Don wanted to share about December by using the Medicine Wheel teachings. 

With the winter solstice approaching on December 21, the ground is covered in snow to let the earth have a break. This is a sign that we also need to slow things down and take a rest.  

In the Medicine Wheel every season has a different type of wellness at the core of traditional teachings.  

This season focuses on mental health. 

Grandpa Don reminds us to pace ourselves at this busy time and to focus on balance and caring for our mental health. Self-care, he reminds, includes being gentle with ourselves, along with taking care and looking out for each other.  

Thinking specifically of Don’s Medicine Wheel teachings let us reflect on the supports we provide in our programs. 

  • Does your program offer resources to families to practice mental health wellness at a time of year that has financial pressures and overburdened schedules? 
  • Do you provide activities and guest presenters at Family events and PAC meetings that help families gain the tools to practice mental wellness.?  
  • How does your program/host agency assist families with the pressures of the season of celebration? 
  • Do you provide an updated outreach list of where families can go to be proactive and gain help to prevent the stresses of the season? 

Most communities have a local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. They are always willing to help and offer a wide range of resources such as: Mental Health First Aid, and guest presenters. They also provide online seminars on topics such as: Emotional Intelligence, How to Find Community Family Support. 

Newsletters, family empowerment and family advisory committees, and services such as one-time assistance for rental emergencies are all available through this National Organization.

To Find Out More: 

At AHS, not only do we support children and families, we also take extra care to support our Elders and community members. 

  • How does your site support Elders at this period? The season could have potential triggers that cause anxiety, depression and other negative results.  
  • What supports does your host agency offer and what supports are offered in your local community?

We recommend having information on hand and to provide in newsletters, online web pages, handouts and on Community Resource boards.

A Few Resources:

In the spirit of the season activities that encourage practices of togetherness, gifting and sharing:

This month can be a fun and interactive month for children to be exposed to new experiences and teachings.  We have gathered ideas based on the upcoming season change and winter arrival – including scents, sounds, tastes and familiar textures and sights that the holiday season and winter solstice bring.  

Art Centre: 

Stock your art center up with the follow items for December: 

  • Blank cards,
  • Colourful envelopes, 
  • Seasonal stickers, 
  • Recycled pictures of winter calendar scenes or seasonal cards,
  • Artificial snow confetti, 
  • Seasonal stamps and stamp pads in a wide range of colours,
  • Blue, white, red, or green tissue paper, 
  • Cellophane, 
  • Yarn in various colours, 
  • Metallic foil, 
  • Paper dollies, 
  • Sparkly paints, 
  • Seasonal cookie cutters to dip in paint or to trace, 
  • Glue pots filled with glue, dyed seasonal colours, 
  • Scrap pieces of felt or duffle 

These are all items that can inspire creativity this month.  

Crafts:

Mason Jar gifts for Elders or family members – invite children fill up mason jars by using measuring cups. To make a favourite soup mix use a dried bean soup or a cookie recipe with ingredients, such as jumbo raisin cookies. Children can make brightly coloured tags to add to the jars and decorate the recipe cards. 

Baked Gifts – Children can also help make items such as molasses cookies, ginger snaps, and raisin Bannock for gifts. Have each child decorate their own treat box to fill with the items they have made. Boxes can include labels or recipes translated into traditional language. 

Bough or wreaths for household decorations – Spruce boughs or fir/pine wreaths can be decorated by each child – you can use different materials, such as artificial berries or real cranberries, muslin ribbons, pinecones, and winter animal or mitten shapes that the children have painted.
You can use pony beads to make shapes such as: snowflakes, the first letter in their name or last name, or hearts or candy canes.
Items can be attached using pieces of sinew, thin pieces of hide or yarn. These can be sent home for the children to hang on their front door. 

Sensory:

Winter Sensory Jars: Have the children help create winter sensory jars that they can bring home to enjoy during the winter holidays.
Learn More: https://www.naturalbeachliving.com/winter-sensory-bottle/

Playdough: Playdough can be used this month as a fun scented sensory activity. Winter scents can be added to the dough –  gingerbread, egg nog, peppermint, sage or cranberry. Glitter can be added for a touch of sparkle. Cookie cutters in the shape of snowflakes, gingerbread people, mitten, can all be offered!  

 Science Themes to Explore:

  • How do animals stay warm in the Winter?’
  • Why does snow and ice melt? 
  • Why does salt melt ice?
  • How to use snow to make an igloo
    •  Or why is it warm inside an igloo?
  • Make a salt crystal, snowstorm jar or a frozen bubble.

Cooking/Food Prep/Gathering:

Invite Elders, family members or community members in to make their favourite Winter solstice/holiday recipes.

Examples could be: baked salmon, char, trout or halibut. Tourtiére, La boulettes, pudding in a bag, roasted goose or duck with a traditional relish or Saskatoon or low bush cranberry sauce, soups or stews.

Children can help cut up seasonal vegetables for soups or stews, measure out frozen berries for sauces, and take turns dumping in and stirring ingredients for Bannock, scones, or other seasonal baked goods. 

Playful additions:

  • Building Block/Construction Area:  
    • For preschool or 3–5-year-old Classrooms
      • Wooden blocks can be wrapped in leftover pieces of foil they can pretend these are blocks of shiny ice they are building with. Post Pictures of Igloos and children can use the “ice“ blocks to make their own igloos.  
      • Boxes in various sizes can be wrapped in leftover winter-themed gift wrap to encourage them to build with different sizes. 
      • Alphabet blocks can be added to encourage the children to spell out their name or even the names of classmates. This is a fun and hands-on way to practice names.  
    • Infant/Toddler Classrooms:
      • The addition of alphabet/number blocks will help encourage letter and numeral recognition in the future. Count the number blocks in Indigenous language with the children. 

Dramatic Play Area:

Ideas for encouraging creative play this month: 

  • Present wrapping centre. Children can have fun role-playing what they see in their homes and community using donated gift wrap ends and odd pieces of wrap paper and tissue paper, recycled newspapers, donated rolls of half-used tape etc. recycled boxes, bows and cards.  
  • Wrap different size boxes in butcher wrap. Post photos of different types of log cabins, add items you would find in a log cabin to the dramatic play area ie… wooden rocking chair, old fashion cradle, hang a traditional swing, large soup pot, wooden spoon, warm traditional clothing, woven rugs. Post photos of log cabins children can be encouraged to build a log wall around their dramatic play area to build their own log home. 

Reading Area:   

  • Take children with Elders out to harvest cedar, fir, and spruce.
    • These can be used for many purposes: traditional decoration, balms and medicines. 
  • Take the children out for walks  to local seniors housing or Elder gathering places.
    • The children can sing songs, bring cards they have made, participate in a craft with Elders etc. 
  • For those with snow in the outdoor play area –  have the children involved in learning how to make an igloo or traditional snow shelter. 
    •  Check to see if you have a Knowledge Keeper, volunteer, Elder, or host agency staff member who is familiar with this skill. If not, there are several books and internet directions by community Knowledge Keepers on how to do this process. 
  • For those without snow ask Elders, Knowledge Keepers, parents and community members for feedback on cultural activities that took part outside in the winter.
    •  Invite those with knowledge to lead these activities with children and staff in the outdoors. 
  • Look into events being offered in your community depending on locations – this could be seasonal outdoor fairs, sleigh rides, going to tour a tree farm or outdoor barn with animals. 
  • More Ideas: https://www.himama.com/blog/winter-outdoor-activities-for-preschoolers/

Circle Time Area: 

  • Read the book “A Winters Gift,” then go around the circle asking each child what gift winter has brought.
    • Each child’s idea can go on a snowflake or gift shape with their picture on it. This can be displayed in the classroom to create child-led conversations and recall activitiy. 
  • Have a traditional style mitten and animal figures and act out the story The Mitten.
  • Have a sleigh bell hanging from a ribbon for each child. Sing winter songs in traditional language and have the children shake their bells.
  • Innovative Ideas:
  • Talking Little Feet AHS, Grand Forks BC
    This is a cultural seasonal activity we are doing in the infant/toddler room. We started by sharing the book Métis Christmas Mittens with the children by looking at the pictures of the mittens and talking about them, I then bought some mittens and sewed some left-over material I had that looked like beading to represent the Métis mittens. I just brought them out today and have them readily available for the children to put on. I will have them out until after the holidays. This activity helps the children develop the process of grasping and using their pincers grasp to get the mittens on. This also helps the children to get comfortable with wearing mittens as the weather gets colder.

Elder Involvement:

Gather the Elders together with tea, healthy snacks and some Winter seasonal treats to make Winter solstice gifts for the children. You can also use time to plan a winter feast or main celebration activity for children and families.  

Instead of having Santa Claus let’s put our Heroes that show up every day for the children be central to your winter celebrations. Have them help plan a feast with traditional food items, traditional games, gift exchange, songs, teachings etc. Give each Elder/Knowledge keeper, and community leader who participates have a role at your seasonal event. 

Parent Involvement Ideas:

  • Send home a special invitation to each family to share a special winter recipe, song, activity, craft .
    • This will be to celebrate the season and the Winter solstice. 
  • Have the PAC lead seasonal fundraising and then pick out what they would like to fund to go for. Such as:
    • Traditional foods for each family, a traditional item for each family home, a traditional item for each child.
  • If the program needs seasonal items such as cedar, fir etc. put a call out to families to provide.
    • You may be surprised as families who cannot help during work hours may be willing to collect these items during their off-time and contribute to your program in this way.
      • Several programs throughout the province use this system and find it a successful way to have parent involvement and participation that suits busy work schedules.

Winter Solstice Festivity Ideas! 

  • Following your Host Agency/Covid protocols have a Winter celebration feast.
    • Involve Elders, Parents, and Chef involved in the planning of this event.
    •  Have traditional songs, activities, words from the elders, craft projects and feast foods be the heart of the seasonal celebration. 
    • Have children perform a song in traditional language they have been practicing to show the parents and feast attendees. Songs from AMC move from January!
      • Songs do not need to be hard it could even be having the children sing their prayer song before the feast begins. 
      • Other ideas: community celebration songs: twinkle twinkle in traditional language, 5 little snowflakes/polar bears. 

Innovative Ideas: 

  • The children at AMC learned how to sing the winter song Jingle Bells in Cree and preferred it along with a welcoming song and a Christmas song to families at their yearly Christmas concert. Tammy who is a Cree Early Childhood Educator that supports the classroom introduced this song, worked closely with children and staff to learn this song in Cree. The children enjoyed learning more of the Cree language and had lots of fun with making music with their bells! Elder Dorothy has been joining the class for activities and teachings weekly and taught the children a welcoming song in Cree! A book of lyrics was made by the programming team and was gifted to families at the concert!

Outreach/Activity Kits:

  • Winter Break PJ kits: Use coupons, and extra fundraising dollars or encourage donations from local community members or businesses. 
  • Have a kit with a pair of PJs, a craft project, popcorn, hot chocolate or apple cider, a seasonal or cultural children’s book or family card or board game.
  • Gift books to each child

Here are some AHS in BC Program favourites that were shared during our Provincial Word Weavers Training.

Aboriginal Mother Centre AHS-  A Coyote Solstice Tale by Thomas King

Faith, Little Moccasins- The girl and the wolf by Kathleen Vermette

Knowledge sharer Marlee Patterson, Island Metis-My little Metis Sleepy horse- Leah Marie Dorion

Lorraine Kok, Qwallayuw-David goes to school by David Shannon

Elder Laura Lee and Amee Roy, Little Moccasins – The Eagle feather by Kevin Locke

Kayla, Future 4 Nations- Deep in the woods by Christopher Corr

Melanie, Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Head Start- Bear wants more by Karma Wilson

Tatym, Munu Learning Center- Bear for breakfast by Robert Munsch

Parent book idea: 

Elder Jo White, Talking Little Feet – Medicines among us- Christy Belcourt

Lofty Ideas:  Same Pictures  Conayt tree and  Little Cubs

To further explore the topic of hibernation, turn your loft into a bear cave and fox’s den. Fabric can be draped, cardboard used, and any other mediums that will capture the child’s attention and inspire creative play! Have photos of a hibernating bear and the word in your Nation’s language for bear and cave. 

Resources and Related Articles:

  1. Indigenous Activities You Should Try This Winter – Muskrat Magazine
    https://muskratmagazine.com/indigenous-activities-you-should-try-this-winter/
  2. First Nations Winter Games: https://www.spsd.sk.ca/Schools/brightwater/teacher/midteachers/resources/Documents/First%20Nations%20Winter%20Games.pdf
  3. Acknowledging the Winter Solstice: https://ndncollective.org/acknowledging-the-winter-solstice-is-a-decolonial-act-for-indigenous-people/
  4. Indigenous Winter Solstice Traditions Explained To Seekers: https://powwowtimes.ca/winter-solstice-meaning-to-indigenous-peoples/
  5. Winter Solstice Children’s Activities:  https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/what-is-winter-solstice/
  6. Winter training for professionals: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/trauma-aware-communication-january-2025_1244/reviews/add/#addreview 

Or: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/nobodys-perfect-parenting-facilitator-training-january-2025_1247/   

For seasonal book lists, check our resource page on website!

Parent Board/Traditional Foods / Health Link Recommendation:

Please see this helpful link for diabetes education/resources specific to Indigenous communities: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes-ndwp/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/ndwp/eagle-books-toolkit/index.html

Recipe of the Month:

Blue corn, pumpkin and walnut pancakes with a pumpkin whipped topping!
Author: Teyotsihstokwathe Dakota Brant

Haudenosaunee have a wide variety of corn & squash (pumpkin)varieties that are harvested along with walnuts in the autumn that inspire important traditional Mid-Winter and Winter Solstice Dishes. Haudenosaunee have ceremonial connections to what they harvest, and these foods have been readily available since time immemorial.

Please see the link for a Wintergreen tea that accompanies feast foods, you will see served in Haudenosaunee territory in parts of Ontario!

To incorporate the important blue corn into meal plans in programs across the province AHSABC sent recipes and a package of blue corn flour to use as an example of a warm, comforting and traditional seasonal food selections. Please contact Michelle Gravelle if you would like to order more blue corn flour or other flours made from Indigenous ingredients.

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