Navigating Holidays in the Classroom
With the changing colors of the leaves and cooler weather settling in, we are reminded that the fall and winter months will be here before we know it. Along with them comes a season of the widely recognized American holidays of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. While these occasions bring excitement and joy for many students, they can also add a layer of complexity for immigrant and refugee families as they navigate unfamiliar traditions and cultural expectations.
Preparing for holiday-themed activities and discussions means educators have an opportunity to create classrooms that are both welcoming and educational; helping students learn about American culture while ensuring that all backgrounds, beliefs, and customs are respected.
The focus of mainstream holidays should be on education rather than participation. Exploring a holiday's history, cultural significance, and common ways they are observed can help students who are unfamiliar with these celebrations better understand the society around them without sending the message that participation is expected. This approach allows discussions that don’t unintentionally exclude students from different cultural or religious backgrounds.
It is also important to recognize that immigrant and refugee students may approach holiday traditions with mixed emotions. For some, trick-or-treating on Halloween may be an exciting and welcomed experience while others may feel sadness when they do not see their own traditions reflected as prominently. Educators should avoid assuming a shared level of enthusiasm for holiday celebrations among both American-born and Foreign-born student.
Language matters. Rather than saying, “We all celebrate Christmas,” use phrases such as, “Many families in Missouri celebrate Christmas,” or “Some people celebrate Christmas, while others celebrate different holidays or find other activities to enjoy during winter.” Provide key vocabulary, visuals, and examples to support multilingual learners, and check for understanding without putting students on the spot.
Most importantly, make room for students to share their own traditions. Ask about the holidays, foods, music, and celebrations that are important to their families, while allowing students to choose whether and how much they want to share. Partnering with families, interpreters, English learner specialists, counselors, and community organizations can help teachers better understand students’ backgrounds and needs.
The holiday season can also serve as an opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity already present in the classroom. Teachers can encourage students to share traditions from their home countries; incorporate multicultural perspectives into lessons; or organize cultural heritage activities that allow students to learn from one another. These experiences not only validate the identities of newcomer students but also help all students gain a broader understanding of the world and the diverse experiences of their classmates.
Ultimately, an inclusive approach benefits everyone in the classroom.