How to Make Christmas More Inclusive

This is probably going to take some unlearning. As soon as December hits, many of us begin to get excited about stockings, reindeer, and Santa. 

However, even if you read books about other holidays and celebrations, but deck your halls with Christmas decorations, this signals that Christmas is more important than the others. 

This doesn't mean that you can't have some fun!

Consider Winter decorations (Winter Wonderland) or highlighting different cultural celebrations equally in your decor.

Create Your Own Tradition:

In my classroom, we put up a "Giving Tree" and we put notes and presents (that we make) under the tree.

After our first experience with our Giving Tree, we decided to keep a small giving tree up year-round, place notes for one another under the tree, and gather our notes once a month. (I always made sure each person had an equal number of notes.)

Consider a tradition of kindness. Celebrate kind gestures all month and culminate the month by Giving Back or celebrating everyone's Good deeds.

 Celebrate Diversity:

There are so many different holidays in December, that it can really be a time to celebrate everyone in the room.

Try dishes from different cultures.

Read about and acknowledge all celebrations and be sure to include those who do not celebrate anything without making them feel bad.

If someone says, "My family doesn't celebrate Christmas" don't ask "Why" or look "shocked."

 Many younger people internalize this as meaning that there is something wrong with them.

Other Winter Celebrations:

Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, 

Las Posadas,

 Yule (Winter Solstice), 

Omisoka, 

Saint Nicholas Day,

 Saint Lucia's Day,

 Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 

Bodhi Day

What to say instead of, "Merry Christmas":

Happy Holidays!

Season's Greetings!

Joy to the World!

Warm Winter Wishes!

Happy Celebration Season!

Sending You LOVE!