A Time to Celebrate-Winter Solstice

庆祝的时刻-冬至

It is winter here and at this time of the seasons changing, many different cultures celebrate this beautiful change. The Winter Solstice is December 21st this year and this can scientifically be described as the moment the sun is directly above the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere. This is the southernmost latitude it reaches during the year. After the solstice, it begins to move again.

现在是冬季，在这个季节变化的时刻，许多不同的文化群落都会庆祝这一美丽的变化。今年的冬至是12月21日，科学地说，这是太阳直射南半球的南回归线的时刻。太阳直射点在一年中到达的最南的纬度。在冬至之后，它又会向北移动。

This month the lessons will be based around the change in our environment around us and a broader understanding on our planet and how it moves around our solar system. The science of our changing seasons is fascinating and getting a deeper understanding on how our environment is all connected will be our focus of discussion.

这个月的课程将侧重于我们周围环境的变化，对地球以及地球如何围绕太阳系运动有更全面的理解。季节变化的规律是很吸引人的，深入了解我们周围的环境是如何紧密联系在一起的，会是我们在课上讨论的重点。

Many different cultures and religions understand the importance of this time of year and celebrate it in different ways. From Hanukkah to Kwanzaa to Christmas to Yule. There is something to celebrate for everyone. In Canada we are unique and have many different cultures and people living together. As an educator, teaching our children how beautiful it can be to know how different cultures celebrate is an important life lesson that needs to be learned. Embracing different cultures, celebrating how we are different and understanding the importance of everyone’s celebrations is a start for our younger generation to show inclusion and compassion as they grow up.

许多不同的文化群落和宗教都知道每年的这个时候有多重要，所以用不同的方式来庆祝它。从光明节，宽扎节，圣诞节，再到耶鲁节。每个人都有值得庆祝的事情。我们都是独一无二的，在加拿大不同的文化和人民都和谐友好的生活在一起。作为一名教育工作者，教导孩子了解不同文化的庆祝方式是多么美好的事情，这也是需要孩子们学习的重要人生课程。接纳不同的文化，庆祝我们的不同，并理解每个人庆祝活动的重要性，是我们年轻一代在成长过程中表现出包容和理解的开始。

One way to teach our young children about new ideas is through literature. We find that we will learn something new about a culture with every good book that we read to the children. This month we hope you take the time to celebrate with your family in your special way, and choose to show your children one other way that other families celebrate.

文学作品是让孩子们接受新思想的一个很好的方法。我们发现，每次给孩子们读一本好书，我们都会对一种文化有一些新的认识。希望大家这个月可以与家人一起庆祝，也可以向孩子展示其他家庭的不同庆祝方式。

Book Recommendations

图书推荐

This is one of the best books that We have read lately. Here's a cultural crossover that pays off: a traditionally Japanese poetic form used to celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah. There's one haiku for each night, and stepped pages add one candle to the menorah every time the page is turned. The simple poetry is set off perfectly by Karla Gudeon's vibrant, freewheeling artwork. A perfect gift, or good to reread each year, Hanukkah Haiku is a jubilant, unforgettable journey through the eight nights of Hanukkah.

这本书是我们近期所读的最推荐的一本书。这是一本关于文化相互交流的成功书籍。书中用一种传统的日本短诗歌形式来庆祝光明节的8个夜晚：每晚都会有一首俳句，阶梯式的页面会为书中的烛台增加一根根的蜡烛。平凡的诗歌在作者Karla Gudeon那充满活力且自由奔放的艺术作品中被完美地衬托出来。《光明节俳句》是一份完美的礼物，每年都适合重新阅读一遍。这本书也是一次欢快且令人难忘的光明节八夜之旅。

This book is a great book to introduce Kwanzaa to children.This book is about a little girl Kayla. This is her favorite time of year. But this year, it looks as if a heavy snowstorm will keep her big brother, Khari, from getting home in time for the festivities. A perfect introduction to Kwanzaa, this book will teach children all about the traditions and practices that make it a special winter holiday.

这也是一本向孩子们介绍宽扎节的好书。它讲述了一个名叫Kayla的小女孩的故事。宽扎节是她一年中最喜欢的节日。但是今年，一场大雪可能会让她的大哥Khari无法及时回家参加节日庆祝。这本书是对宽扎节的完美介绍，它会让孩子们了解到，作为冬季的一个特殊节日，宽扎节的传统习俗和庆祝方式。