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December is a great month to love and learn. Time to share our holiday traditions.

In our multicultural society, Christmas, although important to many people, is still not everyone's holiday. For children and families from other groups - be they Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Pagan, Atheist, or anything else - Christmas can be a difficult time. For almost all families, the commercialization of the holiday, with it's pressures to buy, decorate, and entertain, adds tremendous complication to already overloaded and busy lives. How can you address Christmas in your before & after school programs in a way that is supportive and fair to all? 

girl-lights.jpgHoliday celebrations can be wonderful opportunities for children to learn about the traditions and values that are cherished parts of people's lives. Children and their families celebrate holidays in many ways. The goal is to find ways to celebrate and respect the cultures represented by all the children. (NAEYC).

Begin by finding out from families and staff members which December holiday(s), if any, they celebrate, and what they might like to share about their personal tradition. If the people in your before & after school programs or even infant & toddler care are culturally diverse, this could mean you will be learning about a number of different December holidays. In a more culturally homogeneous class, it could mean learning about the fascinating variety of ways families all celebrate the same holiday. Make a plan for how you will teach about the various traditions in your classroom. For example, have a school party with every family sharing a special holiday food, song, or ritual. If family members cannot come into the classroom, ask them for a story or song that you can share with the children yourself. Help the children explore the similarities and differences among family holiday celebrations - whether it is the same holiday or different holidays. The aim is for children to understand that "Families are different. Each family's way of celebrating works for them." 

At A Rising Star Children’s Center, we find many ways to celebrate the December Holidays. First is to start off the month with a celebration where the children sing songs for their parents that they have learned about the holidays.  Next is for everyone to enjoy food and conversation with each other.  This year’s celebration is planned for December 8th.  The kids can’t wait!  It will be a great opportunity to share what we have learned with our parents. Hope to see you all there.  

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