A Winter’s Tale (no-prep lesson plan)

The older I am, the more I like winter break – but what I really enjoy is the mixture of various traditions and customs. So, for me, the most important thing about Santa Claus is that he’s one of many pagan ideas incorporated into Christian tradition, a mixture of Wodan, Sinterklaas, Joulupukki and a Greek bishop – talk about creativity!

This eclectic figure is a perfect personification of winter celebration – some celebrate Christmas, some Hanukkah, others Kwanzaa or Solstice, and yet this white-bearded mate is recognized by all of us, which proves the point that we always appreciate the opportunity of receiving a gift regardless of its bearer.

Today I’m taking you to Finland – some people believe Joulupukki is the earliest form of present-day Santa, I believe he’s the coolest personification of the Christmas spirit, especially when you meet Joulupukki (a.k.a. Father Christmas) by watching two short films with your students and having a nice Christmas-based, but not Christmas-style lesson.

Lesson: A Winter’s Tale
Time: 45 mins
Age: 15+ (a little bit of nudity and a lot of violence)
Level: B1+
Areas covered: winter, Christmas, presents etc.

Introduction (5 mins)

Start your lesson by talking about winter holidays and encourage students to discuss its origins. It should be a short and simple chat, nothing overly controversial. Don’t focus on Santa Claus (surprise your students with the video!) but explain that during this lesson you will be talking about some interesting Christmas aspects – and to understand what you have in mind, you want to present a short film.

First video and follow up activities (15 mins)

Play the video Rare Exports Inc.:

You may either play the whole film at once, or stop it to ask some questions and check whether your students understand what’s happening. The moments I recommend to stop are:

• 2:51 – ask your students what do they think hunters shot? What kind of animal would that be?
• 4:15 – ask what do your students think will happen to the shot father Christmas? Do the hunters have some evil plans? Maybe they simply hate Christmas because they didn’t get enough presents as children?

When you finish watching, let your students share their thoughts and impressions. What do they think about it? Ask them whether they wouldn’t be afraid to talk to such a savage Father Christmas? Being naughty suddenly might sound less funny…

Second video and follow up activities (20 mins)

Ask your students what they think could happen next. Then play the video Rare Exports: The Official Safety Instructions:

Again, you may play the whole film at once, or you may stop it to check your students’ understanding – which I think is a better option since your students are pretty much familiar with the idea. The moments I stop the video are:

• 1:16 – what kind of safety regulations do your students think will be presented?
• 3:24 – looking at the protective gear, what do you think may happen?
• 3:34 – it’s a dangerous situation – ask your students what will happen next.

When you finish the film, ask your students about their opinion – like, what do they think made the authors come up with this film, why is this story so untypical compared to the other Christmas stories etc.

Summary (5 mins)

You’ve probably reached the conclusion by now why this story is different from the mainstream Christmas stories. Now, spend some time on brainstorming most popular themes for Christmas stories (including the Hallmark films, perhaps?) – ask your students which themes are their favourite ones and which are the ones they hate!

And just make sure to have fun!