Everyone loves a special occasion—what better way to appreciate the diversity of celebrations in Canada than through Kids Celebrate!, a travelling exhibition from the Canadian Museum of History now in the Main Gallery at the Galt Museum & Archives.

The exhibition is divided into four zones, each evoking a different season, family and community setting. Children can learn more about the many celebrations that Canadians enjoy throughout the year – from food, music, decorations and games, to the values traditions of giving, sharing and hope for the future.

The zone that speaks to Lethbridge this season is the Winter Zone. A quotation from 20th Century British poet Edith Sitwell is noted by the travelling exhibition:

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food
and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand
and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for
home.”

Kids Celebrate! guests are encouraged to discover various traditions associated with winter celebrations. Visitors can make a Christmas tree ornament or make a Chinese lantern or play a game of dreidel. Winter holidays and celebrations are filled with beautiful decorations that make a house sparkle in the night. The exhibit asks visitors to share how (and why) they decorate their home for their holidays.

Kids Celebrate! offers children the opportunity to learn about the many celebrations that are practiced in their own communities. From large groups of people gathering for a day of festivities to a special moment in a child’s everyday life can provide joyous and important occasions that children and families discover and appreciate traditions that shape or past, present and future.

A program that accompanies the exhibit, the Galt presents in a lecture by Dr. Elizabeth Galway on Wednesday, December 7 from 2–3pm. Her presentation: Children’s Literature through the Looking Glass, explores how children’s literature reflects the fundamental concerns of our society and serves as a powerful tool for understanding both childhood and adulthood. Admission fees apply [includes exhibit access], and is free to annual pass holders.