Prepare Your Child for Tomorrow by Understanding Yesterday

When your kid asks, “Where do our traditions come from?”—they’re asking one of the most important questions a future citizen can ask. Christmas Throughout the Centuries gives them the tools to find answers.

This comprehensive 5-day unit study takes students on a fascinating journey through 2,000 years of history to discover how our modern Christmas evolved from ancient winter festivals into the holiday we celebrate today. Through engaging nonfiction readings, your child will develop the critical thinking skills and intellectual curiosity they’ll need to navigate an increasingly complex world.

What Your Child Will Discover

Over the course of one week, students explore surprising historical truths that challenge common assumptions:

• December 25th wasn’t celebrated for 350 years after Jesus was born—early Christians considered birthdays celebrations for sinners
• Many devout Christians once banned Christmas as “satanical,” making it illegal in colonial Massachusetts
• Most “traditional” Christmas customs—from Christmas trees to Santa Claus—were actually invented in the 1800s
• Ancient pagan festivals directly shaped the Christmas we know, from gift-giving during Roman Saturnalia to Germanic Yule logs

These aren’t trivial facts. They’re windows into how human societies create meaning, how traditions evolve, and how we can think critically about the world we’re inheriting.

Why Nonfiction Reading Matters

At Pallas, we believe that engaging with real historical events and complex ideas develops the analytical tools children need to become thoughtful adults who can lead with wisdom, honor truth, and pursue justice. When students learn to ask “Why do we do things the way we do?” and “What purposes do our traditions serve?”—they’re building the foundation for responsible citizenship.

This curriculum also cultivates essential habits of reading and writing, expanding your child’s cognitive stamina while improving literacy skills that will serve them throughout their education and beyond.

Structured for Success: Our 5-Section Format

Each of the five daily lessons follows a consistent, research-based structure that builds confidence and comprehension:

1. Engaging Reading – Age-appropriate historical narrative that brings the past to life
2. Vocabulary Terms – Key concepts with clear definitions that expand academic language
3. Discussion Questions & Writing Prompts – Thoughtful questions that develop critical thinking and written expression
4. Coloring Sheets – Creative reinforcement that makes learning memorable and enjoyable
5. Lapbook – Christmas lapbook activities to reinforce unit study lessons and vocabulary

Recommended approach: Complete one section each day for a meaningful week of learning. The daily readings build on each other, creating a complete narrative arc that helps students understand how the full story unfolds.

What Parents Are Saying

“I was amazed at how this curriculum handled complex historical content in a way my 9-year-old could understand and engage with. The discussion questions led to fascinating conversations about tradition, belief, and how societies change.”

“The writing component really helped my daughter articulate complex ideas. By the end of the week, she was making connections I hadn’t even considered.”

Perfect for Parents Who…

• Want their children to think critically rather than simply accept what they’re told
• Value historical literacy and understanding cultural development
• Seek to prepare kids for a complex world where questioning assumptions is essential
• Hope to raise future leaders who can navigate diverse perspectives with wisdom
• Recognize that strong reading and writing skills are foundational to all learning

Complete Unit Study Includes:

• 5 comprehensive daily lessons with full readings
• Vocabulary terms for each lesson
• Discussion questions for each reading and a final writing prompt
• A final quiz and answer key to help students reinforce what they’ve learned
• 5 themed coloring sheets
• Suggested activities and extensions

And a Special Bonus….

Students who buy the unit study will also receive our comic/graphic novel, The Rise of Rebel Santa, complementary with their purchase. It will be made available to you immediately after your purchase is completed. The graphic novel is designed to teach the concepts in the unit study in a fun, narrative manner, and to entice students who are reticent readers to grow their self-motivation to decode words and comprehend text. We encourage parents and teachers to use this graphic novel as a reward for putting in the effort or a stepping stone for building cognitive stamina.

Investment in your child’s future: This one-week study provides skills and perspectives that will serve them for a lifetime—the ability to question, analyze, and understand how human societies create the world we live in.