“Christmas is a mix of the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ, combined with the time of year and concepts from earlier celebrations and beliefs such as the Norse Yule, the honouring of Odin in Germany, worship of Mithra, Saturnalia and even early Mesopotamia that occurred at this time of the year. It was not until the 4th century that the Feast of the Nativity was declared by Pope Julius. This later became known as Christmas and over time developed the present Christmas format.” (Source)
Here are some links for different Christmas themed activities for toddlers & pre-schoolers:
Cooking
Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/kids-sugar-cookies.html
English Chocolate Crisps: http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/english-chocolate-crisps
Strawberry Santas: http://www.leannebakes.com/2012/11/santa-strawberries.html
Reindeer Cupcakes: https://crazylittleprojects.com/cute-reindeer-cupcakes/
Christmas Tree Meringue: http://www.cakeandallie.com/2011/12/christmas-tree-meringue-cookies/
Watermelon Christmas Trees: https://www.eatingvibrantly.com/watermelon-christmas-trees/
Arts & Crafts
Santa on a Kangaroo Printable Colouring in: https://www.kidssoup.com/sites/default/files/legacy/pdf/Christmas/2014/a_santaAustrascol.pdf
Gift Box & Toy Colouring in: https://www.kidssoup.com/sites/default/files/legacy/pdf/Christmas/2014/a_santaAustrascol.pdf
Tree Ornament Colouring In: https://www.kidssoup.com/sites/default/files/legacy/pdf/Christmas/a_ornaments_p3.pdf?width=800&height=800&iframe=true
Elf on the Shelf: http://www.kidssoup.com/craft-and-resource/elves-and-elf-on-the-shelf-in-the-preschool-and-kindergarten-classroom
Paper Straw Christmas Trees: https://simpleasthatblog.com/2014/11/kids-decorative-paper-straw-christmas-tree-ornaments.html
Cupcake Liner Christmas Trees: http://oneperfectdayblog.net/2013/12/06/cupcake-liner-christmas-tree-ornaments/
Paper Plate Wreath: http://www.readingconfetti.com/2013/12/cardboard-tube-and-paper-plate-wreath.html
Australian Themed Colouring in Sheets: https://www.brisbanekids.com.au/christmas-colouring-sheets-themed-australian-animals/
Games & Activities
Christmas Lotto: https://www.kidssoup.com/craft-and-resource/christmas-lotto-and-other-games
Advent Calendar: https://www.kidssoup.com/activity/countdown-to-christmas-advent-calendar-activities-for-kids
Candy Cane Craft: https://www.kidssoup.com/craft-and-resource/candy-cane-craft-and-poem
Christmas Tree Decorating – Fine Motor Skill Development: https://www.kidssoup.com/craft-and-resource/christmas-tree-decorating-fine-motor-skill-activity
Finger Print Christmas Card – https://www.kidssoup.com/craft-and-resource/fingerprint-christmas-card
At Angel’s Paradise, holiday events are explained and some craft activities centre on them.