O. Henry's classic story "Gift of the Magi" recounts the tale of a loving husband and wife in financial hardship who each make a great sacrifice to purchase a special present for the other. "Christmas Sonata" by Gary Paulsen tells the story of a Christmas miracle set in Minnesota during World War II as a young boy doubts the existence of Santa Claus while visiting his dying cousin. Newbery Honor book "The Family Under the Bridge" by Natalie Savage Carlson follows the story of a kind-hearted hobo who takes charge of three homeless children while their mother is working and is instrumental in making their Christmas dreams come true. Challenge the sixth-graders to brainstorm, either individually or as a group, how they can extend unaccustomed kindness or unexpected Christmas cheer to someone else who might not expect any help or happiness. Select one as a class project; or have each student choose an individual project and ask them to report back on the results in writing or as an oral report.
Christmas dinner is a fixture among holiday traditions in many homes. Whether a family's traditional dinner is the standard turkey and fixings or their own original creation, the dinner, its preparation, smells and the guests are as important as the gift-giving in setting the holiday mood and creating memories.
"A Christmas Dinner" by Charles Dickens describes one such culinary scene complete with sights, sounds, smells, quirky guests, entertainment and laughter. Discuss how Dickens' holiday feast is similar or dissimilar to the scenes at the students' homes during Christmas dinner. Have each student write a description in the style of Dickens of what goes on at his house during Christmas Day. Make a list of the different holiday food traditions practiced by the students' families. Ask each student to bring a traditional Christmas dish from home and hold a Christmas tasting feast.
Christmas poetry such as "My Christmas Wish" by Winifred Sackville Stoner, Jr. or "O Little Child" by Roger J. Robicheau gives sixth-graders a chance to explore the deeper meaning of Christmas and the importance of practicing kindness and compassion year-round, not just at Christmas time when good feelings are running high. Have the children write their own poems about Christmas wishes above and beyond the wish list of gifts or carrying the love and goodwill of Christmas with them throughout the year.
A Christmas drama can take the form of a reader's theater, skits and one-act or full-length plays. Select a script such as "The Christmas Truce" by Aaron Shepard. Apples 4 the Teacher offers several skit options, or you may create your own adaptation of a book the class has read together. Assign parts and read through the script. Ask students to memorize their lines and work on vocal and facial expressions. Make costumes or work in cooperation with a local theater to borrow costumes. Let students paint backdrops and make props. Invite families and friends for a performance.