Celebrate Poinsettia Day: Activities, Crafts, Recipes, and More

The following is a post from contributing writer, Christy @ Eclectic Momma. This post contains affiliate links.

Poinsettia Day is celebrated on December 12th in honor of Joel Roberts Poinsett’s birthday, the first  U.S. ambassador to Mexico in the 1800s.  After visiting Mexico and seeing the plants, he sent several home to his plantation in South Carolina where he began to grow them.  Through his generosity in giving the plants away to friends and gardens, the poinsettia was introduced to the United States.

If you are studying Christmas Around the World, you should include a mini-unit on the holiday Las Posadas, celebrated in Mexico.

Lessons and Activities:

Legend of the Poinsettia

Celebrate Poinsettia Day:  Kindergarten lesson ideas

Preschool Christmas in Mexico

Resources for Celebrating Las Posadas with your Children

Feliz Navidad

Las Posadas Lesson Plans, Crafts, Activities and Music

Books:

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola

The Night of Las Posadas  by Tomie dePaola

The Miracle of the First Poinsettia by Joanne Oppenheim

Uno, Dos, Tres, Posada!  by Virginia Kroll

Crafts:

These poinsettia crafts are so beautiful and easy to make.  They brighten up any room or tree!

Hand Print Poinsettia Craft

Origami Poinsettia

Poinsettia Art Project from Deep Space Sparkle

Stained Glass Poinsettias

Sand Dollar Poinsettia ornaments

Have a party!

Raspberry Poinsettia Blossoms

Make poinsettia punch- Combine cranberry juice (14 oz.), ginger ale (20 oz.) and  lemon juice to taste.  Makes about 8 servings.

If you love making cakes, try this Poinsettia Cake Roll!

If you extend your Poinsettia Day celebration to include learning about Las Posadas, be sure to include  your own pinata!