Christmas Preparation with Young Children

Christmas is around the corner. As usual, the kindy is busy preparing for the festival. We are making gifts to families so children learn to show gratitude during the festive season of kindness. We are learning Christmas songs for a family concert.

However, this year, we have decided to do things differently because of the better awareness of the diversity of cultures of the kindy community. We have Muslims who requested that their daughters be excused from musical activities. Another family specially asked us not to involve her girl in any spirtiual events. As we know that some kindy families do not celebrate Christmas, so we tell children we are making a special gift to bring home for the end of year celebration. We avoid making festive food, nor making Christmas decorations. To tie in with the green culture of the kindy, we let children paint jars with glass paint, which could be used as a decorative jar or for holding a tealight candle.

Before we started practicing for the christmas concert, we sent a letter to families, talking about the upcoming concert and asking them whether their child will participate or not. As such, parents can opt out according to their values.

I don't think we are too PC. it's a natural development out of respect for everyone and all cultures. Most families of non European cultures embrace the Christmas celebration, and they happily let their children get involved in the experiences. Just a bit of extra thoughts and paper work, and everyone feels comfortable!