This is why you should de-center Christmas in your classroom in 2024 [A guide for social justice educators]

This is why you should de-center Christmas in your classroom in 2024 [A guide for social justice educators]

Shelby Kretz
Around December, classrooms often fill with decorations and activities centered around Christmas. While this holiday is important for many, centering Christmas in educational spaces excludes students who celebrate other holidays or no holidays this time of year. As educators, it's our responsibility to make sure our classroom is representative of all students and that all students are exposed to diversity and differences in our learning spaces.
 
Here's what we'll cover:
  • Why it’s important to de-center Christmas in the classroom
  • How to create an inclusive winter learning space
  • How to navigate pushback from admin or others who may be holding tight to old traditions
  • Book recommendations for holidays and wintertime
At Little Justice Leaders, we've worked with thousands of parents, caregivers, and educators to help educate kids about topics of social justice.
 
Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or just someone who wants to be mindful inclusive education, this article will help create a more inclusive way forward for our winter season in schools.
 
Let’s dive right in.

Why Should We De-Center Christmas in the Classroom?

1. Ensure All Students Feel Represented
Our classrooms are filled with so much diversity. While some students may celebrate Christmas, others may celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Lunar New Year, or something else—or none of these. By centering one holiday over others, we alienate students who do not identify with those traditions.
2. Expand Perspectives of our Learners
When we focus exclusively on Christmas, we narrow the worldview we offer to our students. Introducing a variety of cultural celebrations expands their understanding and appreciation of the world around them, helping them develop empathy and global awareness.
3. Acknowledge Family Diversity
Not all families celebrate holidays during the winter season. Some may focus on seasonal traditions unrelated to religion, while others may  not  observe any holidays at all. Creating space for these experiences fosters belonging for every student.

How to De-Center Christmas in the Classroom

1. Use Inclusive Language
Words matter. Instead of referring to "Christmas" or even the “holiday season,” consider calling it the “winter season.” This shift makes space for non-religious celebrations and helps avoid assumptions about students’ observances.
2. Learn About Holidays Together
Acknowledge that you’re not an expert on every holiday or cultural tradition—and that’s okay! Use books, research projects, and class discussions to explore a variety of celebrations. Encourage students to share what is meaningful to them, whether it’s a holiday or another wintertime tradition.
3. Highlight Common Themes
Emphasize shared values across holidays, such as spending time with loved ones, sharing special meals, or expressing gratitude. By focusing on what connects us, students can see how people celebrate in unique yet similar ways.
4. Diversify Decorations
Instead of decorating for Christmas, invite students to create artwork representing their own traditions, holidays, or favorite aspects of winter. This approach ensures the classroom reflects the diversity of your students’ experiences.
5. Celebrate Year-Round
Cultural diversity shouldn’t only be celebrated in December. Incorporate lessons and activities about global traditions throughout the school year, showing students that every culture is worth learning about, no matter the time of year.
6. Incorporate Literature and Media
Use books and media to introduce students to a variety of cultural celebrations. Check out our list below for a place to start.

Navigating Resistance from Administration

If your school leadership is hesitant to de-center Christmas, here are some strategies to build understanding and support:
1. Emphasize Inclusivity, Not Exclusion
Make it clear that de-centering Christmas isn’t about canceling it. It’s about ensuring all students feel represented and valued in your classroom.
2. Center Empathy
Highlight how inclusive education promotes social awareness and empathy. Explain that addressing diversity early helps reduce stereotypes and biases.
3. Focus on Common Values
Frame your approach around creating a sense of community and belonging, goals that most educators can agree on.
4. Start Small
Suggest small changes, like adding books about non-Christmas traditions or using inclusive language like “winter season.” These incremental steps can pave the way for broader shifts.
5. Encourage Dialogue
Invite your administration to discuss the importance of inclusivity during the winter season. Use examples from your classroom to show the positive impact on students.

Picture Book Recommendations

Diverse Holiday Celebrations:

Winter Season

The Benefits of De-Centering Christmas

By embracing a more inclusive approach to the winter season, you’re fostering a classroom environment where every student feels valued. This approach builds empathy, encourages curiosity, and helps students appreciate the rich diversity of our world.

Let’s move beyond the singular focus on Christmas and create classrooms that celebrate all students, all year long. Together, we can nurture a generation of young people who truly value diversity.

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And we’re wishing everyone a safe, fun, and inclusive winter season!

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