In Western Ukraine a sparkly spider or spider web is a common Christmas tree ornament. Why might this be? Discover the answer as you share this traditional story. The tale tells of a poor family who would love to decorate their home for Christmas. A chance discovery helps them to grow their own Christmas tree, but how can they make it glitter and shimmer on Christmas Day? Help comes from a very unexpected source. As children listen to this story they will learn and use some of the language that describes the position of things. They will describe and compare sizes and will practise early counting skills.

Every year, on December 25th, Christmas Day is a festival celebrated

throughout the world. People exchange gifts, decorate Christmas trees,

enjoy family feasts and are amazed by beautiful displays of lights in homes

and cities. Many different legends tell of a kindly character who has names

including St Nicholas, Santa Claus and Father Christmas. He delivers

presents to children and in many countries is said to travel through the skies

on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Every year, on December 25th, Christmas Day is a festival celebrated

throughout the world. People exchange gifts, decorate Christmas trees,

enjoy family feasts and are amazed by beautiful displays of lights in homes

and cities. Many different legends tell of a kindly character who has names

including St Nicholas, Santa Claus and Father Christmas. He delivers

presents to children and in many countries is said to travel through the skies

on a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

Christian people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day and

attend services in churches, singing carols and telling stories of Christ's birth.

This special Christian story is called the Nativity.