Teaching Kids About Inclusivity and Celebrating Differences During the Holidays

The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate joy, family, and community - but it also provides an opportunity to teach children about inclusivity, respect, and appreciation for diversity. With many holidays and traditions celebrated around this time of year, it’s a perfect season to foster positive curiosity and inclusion in young minds. Here are some meaningful ways to teach kids about inclusivity, embrace cultural differences, and help them see the holidays as a time to celebrate everyone.

1. Explore and Learn About Different Holidays Together

Start by introducing kids to the variety of holidays people celebrate around the world. Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and Winter Solstice are just a few of the celebrations that occur in winter. Read books, watch videos, or even invite friends from different backgrounds to share their own holiday traditions. Explain that learning about other celebrations doesn’t mean giving up one’s own but rather appreciating the beauty and uniqueness of other cultures.

2. Create Inclusive Decorations

Encourage kids to make decorations that celebrate multiple holidays. For example, create a holiday wreath with symbols from different winter celebrations or craft ornaments and decorations representing various cultural symbols. This activity can open up discussions about the meaning behind different symbols and foster appreciation for diverse ways of celebrating.

3. Read Stories That Celebrate Diversity

Books are a wonderful tool to help kids understand other perspectives. Look for holiday books that showcase diverse characters, families, and traditions. Stories like Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis, Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat by Naomi Howland, or The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper offer fun, engaging ways for children to learn about other cultures and customs. Reading these stories as a family can prompt conversations about respect, kindness, and the value of diverse traditions.

4. Cook Holiday Foods from Different Cultures

Nothing brings people together like food! Choose a dish that’s special to each holiday you’re learning about and cook it together as a family. Whether it’s making latkes for Hanukkah, a cake for Christmas, or jollof rice for Kwanzaa, trying new foods can be a fun, hands-on way for kids to learn about other cultures. Talk about the origins of each dish and what it represents within its holiday.

5. Practice Empathy Through Acts of Kindness

The holiday season is a time of giving, so encourage kids to practice kindness and empathy toward others. Donate toys, food, or clothing as a family and discuss how everyone deserves a joyful holiday, regardless of their background or financial situation. Acts of kindness, big or small, can help kids understand that inclusivity isn’t only about cultural differences but about respecting and supporting all people.

6. Host a “Holiday Around the World” Night

Plan an evening to “visit” different countries and learn how they celebrate the holidays. You can decorate different corners of the room with symbols from various holidays, listen to traditional music, and share fun facts about each culture. This interactive experience can help kids see how diverse the world is, fostering curiosity and appreciation for different traditions.

7. Teach Kids to Respect Different Beliefs

Kids naturally ask questions when they notice differences. When questions about why others celebrate differently come up, use it as a teaching moment. Encourage kids to respect that others may have different beliefs and traditions and that everyone’s customs are valid and worthy of respect. Explain that inclusivity means honoring everyone’s right to celebrate in their own way.

8. Celebrate Your Own Family Traditions Together

While it’s important to teach kids about other cultures, it’s equally important to celebrate your own traditions and roots. Share stories from your family’s history, make a favorite holiday dish, or follow rituals that are meaningful to you. This reinforces the idea that all traditions—yours and others—are important and should be honored.

9. Model Inclusive Language and Behavior

Kids learn by watching, so be mindful of your own language and actions. Show respect for all cultures and avoid stereotypes or assumptions. Use inclusive language, such as “Happy Holidays,” when greeting others, and encourage kids to do the same. These small actions teach children that inclusivity is part of everyday life, not just during the holiday season.

10. Celebrate Differences Year-Round

Inclusivity isn’t just for the holiday season! Make a commitment to celebrating diversity all year by exploring books, foods, music, and festivals from different cultures. By doing so, kids grow up with an open mind and a genuine curiosity and respect for people from all walks of life.

Wrapping Up: A Season of Togetherness and Understanding

Teaching kids about inclusivity and differences during the holiday season helps them see the world through a broader lens and encourages empathy, kindness, and understanding. By creating space for learning and celebration, you’re showing them that diversity is a gift and that everyone’s traditions and beliefs are valuable. This holiday season, let’s help children see that the most beautiful part of the season is celebrating together and embracing the rich tapestry of traditions that make our world special.