Whether you celebrate All Hallows’ Eve, the Harvest Festival, or Dia de los Muetros, this holiday season is a great time to get out and explore the world through art. 

Not all of us can take a trip to explore the many wonders of the ancient Egyptian tombs, but there’s no reason you can’t bring ancient Egypt to your home. Try designing a tomb using the many different hieroglyphs from this ancient civilization. Your kids can learn about the culture, religion and daily life of the ancient and modern Egyptians while creating some amazing art to decorate your home for All Hallows’ Eve.

Another great idea for a decorating theme, Dia de los Muetros. Make sugar skulls, line your walkway with rose petals and candles, and sing/dance through the night to honor your ancestors; all part of the Latino culture. There are great coloring books where kids can decorate dancing skeletons, skulls and flowers, or try your hand at face painting. If you really want to get into the swing of things, immerse your family in the culture with some local cuisine of sopes, tamales or empanadas to celebrate this wonderful holiday. Many towns across America have community funded activities for those that don’t have the time to design your home, but want to pay tribute to this day.

Although a departure from the normal Halloween celebration, it is a great way to enjoy the holiday season while learning a bit of culture.

Things to Read

     Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

     Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

    The 13 Nights of Halloween by Guy Vasilovich

     The Day of the Dead by Bob Barner

     Scaredy-Cat Splat by Rob Scotton

     There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Cat by Lucille Colandro

     The Autumn Equinox, Celebrating the Harvest by Ellen Jackson

Art Books