The History of Christmas for English Language Learners

The History of Christmas for English Language Learners

By Janpha Thadphoothon

I am an English teacher, and I often tell my students about Christmas, including its history and significance. While I am a Buddhist, like many others, I still celebrate the festival. I am sure you would agree with me that Christmas is a global celebration—a cultural festivity with a meaningful message for humanity.

As we know, Christmas has its roots in the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. He was born on the 25th of December in Bethlehem, some 2,000 years ago. It is my belief that this event carries a profound significance for billions of people around the world.

One thing I encourage my students to do is to take this opportunity to learn English. One of my own English teachers once advised me to use events like the Olympics, Christmas, or Halloween as learning opportunities. I adhered to her advice and started learning vocabulary, idioms, and phrases related to special events. Later, when I became an English teacher, I began teaching my students about English vocabulary and expressions related to these occasions too.

Let me tell you about the history of Christmas in plain English. Christmas is celebrated on December 25th to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, who is central to the Christian faith. However, the way Christmas is celebrated today has evolved over centuries and has incorporated traditions from various cultures. For example, the practice of gift-giving, the Christmas tree, and even Santa Claus all have diverse origins.

In my opinion, understanding the history and traditions of Christmas is not just educational but also an enjoyable way to improve your English. You can learn words like “Nativity,” “carols,” and “reindeer,” or phrases like “‘Tis the season” and “goodwill to all.” These are commonly used during the holiday season and are part of the cultural richness of the English language.

It is my belief that Christmas is not just about religion; it is also about kindness, generosity, and family. My idea is that students can use this festive period to expand their vocabulary and learn about universal values. For instance, you could explore concepts such as "peace on earth" and "joy to the world," which are frequently mentioned during Christmas.

I am sure it’s a great idea to teach English through cultural events like Christmas. As we know, language and culture are deeply connected. By learning about Christmas, my students can not only improve their English skills but also gain insights into the ideas and concepts behind this meaningful festival.

'Tis the season

The time for love and kindness

The time we all share joy and

Make the world

A better place for all,

Including humans, animals, and plants too.

So, let’s make the most of this season. Learn new words, understand the traditions, and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. After all, learning is a gift we can give to ourselves, and what better time to do it than during this season of giving?

Merry Christmas!

Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.