Description

Take the stress out of the holiday season with this No Prep Lesson on the History of Christmas as it pertains to Ancient Rome! This comprehensive Middle School Social Studies resource dives deep into the fascinating world of Saturnalia and Sol Invictus, providing a high-interest, secular holiday lesson that fits perfectly into your World History curriculum.

Your students will explore the origins of modern traditions through the lens of syncretism—the blending of Roman pagan customs with early Christian practices. This isn’t just a “holiday party” activity; it is a rigorous Roman Empire activity that challenges students to perform primary source analysis on the writings of Seneca and Lucian. By tracking the transition from the Winter Solstice history of the “Unconquered Sun” to the official establishment of Christmas in 336 CE, students will gain a sophisticated understanding of cultural diffusion.

What’s Included in this Bundle:
Comprehensive Lesson Plan: A step-by-step guide with essential questions and procedures.
Teacher Background Sheet: A “Midwinter Powerhouse” reference guide to help you answer every student question with ease.
Guided Notes: Fill-in-the-blank notes to keep students engaged during your lecture.
Student Handout: Includes primary source readings and the “Tradition Tracker” comparison table.
Complete Answer Keys: For all activities and discussion prompts.

Perfect for 6th–9th grade, this resource is designed to meet Common Core standards while keeping students captivated during those high-energy weeks in December. Give your students a “behind-the-scenes” look at history and show them how the Ancient Roman world still influences our lives today!