Achieve a Winter Harmony Through Inclusive Celebrations in the Classroom

by E.L. Mendes

Celebrating Christmas in a politically correct and inclusive way in the classroom involves recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions of your students. Here are some ideas to create an inclusive holiday celebration:

Dec. 05: St. Nicholas Eve.

Dec 07: Hanukkah.

Dec. 08: Bodhi Day.

Dec. 13: Santa Lucia Day.

Dec. 21: Yule.

Dec. 25: Christmas.

Dec. 26: Kwanzaa.

1. Winter Celebrations Theme:

- Instead of focusing solely on Christmas, create a “Winter Celebrations” theme. Highlight various winter holidays and traditions from different cultures, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and more.

2. Diverse Decorations:

- Decorate the classroom with symbols and decorations from various winter celebrations. Incorporate snowflakes, winter animals, and generic winter imagery to create a festive atmosphere without emphasizing a specific holiday. Take this snowflake made from popsicle sticks.

3. Cultural Displays:

- Set up displays or bulletin boards showcasing the diverse holiday traditions celebrated by your students. Encourage them to share information, artifacts, or stories related to their cultural celebrations.

4. Holiday Card Exchange:

- Instead of a traditional Christmas card exchange, have a “Winter Wishes” or “Kindness Cards” exchange where students share positive messages without reference to specific holidays.

5. Crafts and Activities:

- Plan crafts and activities that are inspired by winter themes rather than tied to a particular holiday. Create snowflakes, winter scenes, or other crafts that celebrate the season without being religious or culturally specific.

6. Educational Lessons:

- Integrate educational lessons about different winter holidays, customs, and traditions. This helps students learn about and appreciate the diversity in your classroom.

7. Multicultural Books:

- Include a selection of multicultural books in your holiday reading list. Choose stories that represent a variety of traditions and celebrations, allowing all students to see their cultures reflected.

8. Holiday Songs Playlist:

- Curate a playlist that includes songs from different winter celebrations. This can range from classic Christmas carols to songs from Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other cultural celebrations.

9. Winter-themed Snacks:

- Incorporate winter-themed snacks that are not tied to specific holidays. Consider snowmanshaped cookies, hot cocoa, or other treats that capture the spirit of the season without emphasizing a particular celebration.

10. Inclusive Language:

- Be mindful of the language you use. Instead of exclusively saying “Merry Christmas,” use inclusive greetings like “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.”

11. Respect Family Traditions:

- Acknowledge and respect the diverse family traditions of your students. Encourage them to share their holiday customs and experiences without pressuring anyone to conform to a specific celebration.

By embracing inclusivity and diversity, you can create a classroom celebration that allows all students to feel respected and valued during the holiday season. This approach fosters a positive and supportive learning environment for everyone..