Seasons of Sharing Workshops

Ho ho ho! As we usher in December and get closer to Christmas, we keep the holiday spirit alive! At home you string up colorful lights, hang the stockings, and here at the Museum you celebrate by taking part in these very merry holiday activities! Remember, Christmastime is not just about gifts and decorations, it's also about the spirit of sharing and giving.

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Children’s Museum Houston embraces Houston’s diversity with its completely updated Seasons of Sharing exhibition, open now through January 7, 2024. One of the most diverse cities in the nation, Houston is home to many faiths from around the globe. As Houston’s only multicultural holiday exhibit for children, Seasons of Sharing celebrates practices and traditions throughout the year in Houston and worldwide!

Real Houston families that observe Ramadan, Diwali, Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Christmas, Vaisakhi, Kwanzaa, and Lunar New Year have each adopted a house in Seasons of Sharing, creating a block-long mini-neighborhood that highlights not just each holiday, but also each family’s personal traditions. Stroll along the houses and spot dipa lamps, menorahs, kinaras, and Christmas lights. Step inside each home, make a special craft, engage in fun hands-on activities, and explore images and items important to each holiday. 

“Seasons of Sharing allows kids and their parents to learn about other cultures’ celebrations, traditions, and practices while reflecting on their family traditions,” said Kaitlyn Dougherty, Exhibit Development Coordinator for Children’s Museum Houston.  “Through this exhibit, we want to highlight how Houston’s diversity is what gives Houston its strength, making it a wonderful place to live.”

The Museum will provide additional Seasons of Sharing programs and activities throughout the holiday season by showcasing different cultures through hands-on activities, classical dance performances, storytelling, workshops, and more! Make sure your family plans a visit to the most diverse neighborhood in town!

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ON-GOING ACTIVITIES

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December 4 – December 20, 2023

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Diwali

Diwali Diyas

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with this hanging decoration as a symbol of prosperity.

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Hanukkah

Macaroni Menorah

Create your own Macaroni Menorah Candelabra in honor of the Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights and Feast of Dedication.

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Eid / Ramadan

Moon Mosaic

Design a mosaic crescent which signifies the beginning and end of fasting during Ramadan.

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Las Posadas

Poinsettia Bracelet

The poinsettia is used to remember Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay to give birth to Jesus. Create your own.

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Christmas

Angel Ornament

Angels helped spread the news of Jesus’ birth. Create your own angel from coffee filters and use it to trim the tree.

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Chinese New Year

Paper Lanterns

Create a lantern signifying the first full moon in the Chinese New Year.

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Kwanzaa

Bendera Garland

The colors of the Bendera, the Kwanzaa flag, are black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the hope for the future. Create your own paper version to display at home.

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Vaisakhi

Chaur Sahib

During Vaisakhi, a ceremonial whisk is waved over the holy scripture as a sign of reverence, respect and dedication. Use the materials provided to make a simple version of your own!

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December 21, 2023 – January 7, 2024

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Diwali

Toran Flower Garland

Decorate the entrance of your home to attract the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, with these beautiful paper flowers!

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Hanukkah

Star of David Mobile

Create a mobile using a Jewish symbol that represents the shield of David, the biblical King.

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Eid / Ramadan

Fanous Suncatcher

Fanous, or lantern, is a special symbol of Ramadan. Make your own and hang it in a window to bring beautiful colored light into your home!

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Las Posadas

Paper Bag Luminarias

Design your own luminaria and use it to light up your community.

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Christmas

Gingerbread Man Ornament

Gingerbread desserts are common Christmas traditions. Use the materials to decorate your own paper gingerbread man!

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Chinese New Year

Fancy Fireworks

Make quiet fireworks to use in a Chinese New Year celebration.

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Kwanzaa

Seven Principles Hat

Design a kufi cap, a traditional hat, with seven special symbols to learn about the principles of Kwanzaa.

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Vaisakhi

Paper Cup Dholak

Bhangra, a traditional dance, is performed to the beat of the dhol (drum) during Vaisakhi. Make a smaller version of the dhol called a dholak using paper cups!