The holiday season is a magical time in childcare programs, filled with crafts, stories, music, and family traditions. But for many children, the holidays can also feel confusing or isolating if their cultural background isn’t represented. Because childcare programs play such a formative role in shaping young children’s understanding of the world, promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging during the holidays is essential. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas as it is widely observed and we see it represented almost everywhere we go, but it’s important to remember many other holidays take place in November, December, and January, including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali (sometimes in late fall), Winter Solstice, Lunar New Year (early winter some years) and many more!
Here are thoughtful and developmentally appropriate ways childcare centers can create inclusive, culturally rich holiday experiences for every child.
1. Celebrate Winter Holidays From Around the World
Instead of focusing solely on one holiday, introduce children to a variety of winter celebrations. In childcare, this can be simple and playful, such as:
- Reading picture books about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Diwali, and Lunar New Year
- Exploring traditions through art (e.g., making lanterns, candles, rangoli-inspired patterns)
- Learning short cultural songs or greetings
- Using a world map to show where different traditions originated
This builds early awareness that families celebrate differently and all traditions are equally valuable.
2. Invite Families to Share Their Own Traditions
Family engagement is one of the most powerful tools in childcare. Encourage parents or guardians to share their heritage by:
- Bringing in a traditional item, story, or song
- Demonstrating a holiday craft unique to their culture
- Providing a holiday specific food dish for everyone to try
- Sending pictures or short videos of their celebrations
This not only validates children’s identities but also helps classmates appreciate each other’s backgrounds.
3. Use Inclusive Language and Displays
Children notice what’s on the walls and what their teachers say. Make sure your environment sends an inclusive message:
- Use terms like “winter celebrations” or “holidays around the world”
- Display artwork representing a variety of cultural holidays
- Include photos of real families celebrating different traditions
- Avoid assuming all children celebrate the same holiday or any holiday at all
Inclusive spaces help children see that their culture is valued.
4. Offer Diverse Books, Toys, and Materials
Representation matters in early childhood. Provide your classroom with:
- Multicultural holiday picture books
- Dolls and figurines reflecting diverse skin tones and cultures
- Play food from different countries
- Musical instruments from global traditions
Children learn through play, so provide materials that reinforce respect and curiosity about differences.
5. Plan Events That Respect All Families
Holiday events should feel welcoming to everyone. Consider:
- Creating a neutral winter-themed event (snowflakes, stars, kindness) that avoids religious symbols
- Offering alternative activities for children who don’t celebrate holidays
Remember: inclusion means honoring all identities, those who celebrate holidays and those who do not.
6. Teach Core Values That All Cultures Share
Many winter holidays revolve around themes that resonate universally, such as:
- Light
- Family
- Gratitude
- Generosity
- Hope
- Community
Focus on these shared values through books, kindness projects, giving trees, or class discussions. This helps children connect cultural differences with universal human experiences.
7. Celebrate Diversity All Year—Not Only in December
Holiday celebrations are just one piece of a larger picture. To cultivate lifelong inclusivity:
- Highlight cultural events throughout the year (e.g., Ramadan, Indigenous celebrations, Holi, Pride, Black History Month)
- Rotate multicultural toys and books regularly
- Encourage ongoing conversations about differences and similarities
- Model inclusive language, empathy, and curiosity daily
When inclusivity is woven into everyday practice, holiday celebrations feel natural and meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity in childcare during the holidays is about more than festivities, it’s about helping children feel seen, heard, and valued. When educators thoughtfully integrate different traditions and create open, welcoming environments, they lay the foundation for empathy, respect, and global awareness.
By celebrating both the uniqueness of each child and the shared values across cultures, childcare programs can make the holiday season magical for everyone.
