In February, Chinese Americans all over the U.S. will be celebrating the Chinese New Year. This centuries-old holiday is filled with exciting traditions and rituals-fireworks, parades, feasting, and lots of good luck charms. Experience the Chinese New Year with your children in this interactive unit!

Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday celebrated by Jewish people around the world. Called the "Festival of Lights," Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over Syria that took place more than 2000 years ago. Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, or between late November and late December on the Gregorian calendar. This year, 2001 (5762 on the Hebrew calendar), Hanukkah begins at sunset, December 9, and ends on December 17. Learn about the history and traditions of Hanukkah in this across-the-grades unit.

During this special time, many families get together to make homemade crafts and presents. In part one of this two-part unit, learn about Christmas and how to create a host of Christmas crafts that are fun to make -- and make great gifts!

Celebrations Around the World At this time of the year, people around the world are busy preparing for special days rich in history and traditions. In part two of this two-part unit, you will learn about some fascinating festivals and observances and make some festive holiday crafts with lessons across the grades!

The sound of holiday music, whether coming from a shopping mall's sound system, the car radio or the church choir loft, is a seasonal tradition. Join HLN for a journey through the musical halls of the holiday season.

What is one of the fastest growing holidays in the United States? It's Kwanzaa, an African American observance that begins on December 26 and ends on January 1. Kwanzaa is based on ancient African harvest celebrations. Kwanzaa is a time for family gatherings, unity, and reflection. Learn about the history and traditions of Kwanzaa in this unit.

Mother's Day is a cherished holiday throughout the world! Celebrate Mother's Day in May, or throughout the year with these fun lessons filled with history, activities and crafts!

Join HLN in this cross-curriculum unit as we explore the Festival of Lights and learn more about the fourth-century girl who inspired it.

Ho, ho, ho, Santa's coming! The jolly old elf full of Christmas cheer may live at the North Pole now, but he grew up along the sunny warm coast of Turkey. Find out more about the real story of Saint Nicolas!

Valentine's Day is a colorful holiday filled with traditions and little known historical facts. Explore the history, games, crafts and traditions of this popular winter holiday!

Christmas is coming! You're probably getting ready to decorate the tree, hang your stockings and make your wish list. Did you ever wonder how children in other lands celebrate or observe this holiday? Why do some countries' celebrations last for weeks? Christmas traditions and celebrations vary around the world. Learn all about Christmas around the world as HLN journeys across the globe in search of the spirit of the season.

The word Christmas comes from the early English phrase Cristes Maesse which means Mass of Christ. Over 2000 years ago the Christians belives that Jesus Christ, the Son of God was born in a manger in Bethlehem. Christians further believe Jesus is the Lord Savior and every winter they celebrate his birth with Christmas celebrations. Discover the true meaning of Christmas by learning about the birth of Christ.

Easter, the celebration of Christ's Resurrection from the dead, is the most important Christian holy day of the year. The season's deep cultural, historical, and religious roots offer the perfect opportunity to incorporate lessons about this most holy season into your standard curriculum. Help your children learn to better appreciate the history, traditions, symbols, and meaning of Easter-with this veritable parade of cross-curricular activities!

The importance of the role of the father has changed in society over the years. For the most part mothers take a primary role in childrearing throughout the world while the relationship of fathers and their offspring varies by country, tradition, and current society values. Learn about the roles and find some fun ways to celebrate the importance of fathers.

In this unit, students will have the opportunity to learn more about their grandparents' lives and gain a greater appreciation of their family history as they celebrate their elders on Grandparents Day!

The last Monday in May is Memorial Day, a day the United States has set aside to pay tribute to the men and women who have given their lives in the service of their country. As you prepare to observe this important day with your children, help them understand the solemnity of the observance with these lessons, designed to highlight the history of this country's wars, and the debt we owe those who died during the last 227 years protecting our freedom.

Trees are the tallest of all plants. They are also the oldest living things. Many trees live for hundreds of years. Some of the few remaining old giants are thousands of years old. Trees comprise the majority of a forest ecosystem. The types of trees vary in the different forest biomes. Some parts of the world are thick with forests, in other parts trees do not grow at all. All over the world deforestation is reducing the number of trees and forests. Celebrate National Arbor Day and learn about trees and their important environmental home, the forest.

Learn about Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and the holiday that bears his name. Kidnapped in his youth, and twice sold into slavery, Saint Patrick escaped, studied Christianity, and then bravely returned to the land of his captors to become one of the most influential religious leaders in history. Today, people all over the world celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. Why is this holiday so popular? Complete this HLN unit to find out.

In the United States, the fourth Thursday of November is Thanksgiving Day. On this holiday, families and friends get together to feast and to give thanks for the good fortunes that they have received throughout the year. The Thanksgiving observance dates back to the harvest celebrations of the early settlers in America. Enjoy the across-the-grades activities in this holiday unit! Happy Thanksgiving!