Create Inclusive Holiday Activities for Meaningful Celebrations

The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with opportunities to celebrate, learn, and grow together. For preschool educators, it’s also a chance to foster inclusivity by teaching children about diverse traditions and celebrations. Aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), these activities can help children develop a sense of belonging, respect for diversity, and an understanding of the world around them. Here are some practical and engaging ideas for inclusive holiday celebrations in a preschool classroom, featuring products from ABC School Supplies to bring the ideas to life.

The EYLF emphasises the importance of fostering Belonging, Being, and Becoming in young children. Inclusive holiday celebrations support Learning Outcome 1 (children have a strong sense of identity) by helping children feel seen and valued. Additionally, they align with Learning Outcome 2 (children are connected with and contribute to their world) by encouraging respect for diverse traditions and fostering a sense of community. Through these celebrations, children can begin to develop empathy and an appreciation for the richness of cultural diversity.

Celebrate Christmas while also exploring other traditional holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. Use age-appropriate language and visuals to explain the history and significance of these traditions. For example:

• Use Storytelling Puppets to act out stories about Christmas, Hanukkah, or other celebrations. Puppets make learning interactive and help children visualise cultural narratives.
• Create a timeline of holidays with Magnetic Whiteboards to showcase when and how each tradition is celebrated.

Books are an excellent way to introduce children to different cultures. Build a classroom library with inclusive holiday titles, such as:

• Celebrations Around the World Big Book

Pair these books with ABC’s Classroom Reading Rug to create a cozy reading corner. Storytime becomes a space for children to explore diverse perspectives in an engaging and comfortable environment.

Art projects are a fun and hands-on classroom activities for children to express their understanding of cultural traditions. For example:

• Make Christmas ornaments, Hanukkah dreidels, or Kwanzaa kinaras using Craft Supplies Packs that include paper, paints, and embellishments.
• Create holiday cards featuring global symbols with Washable Markers and Glitter Glue.
• Encourage children to share their artwork with peers and families, reinforcing Learning Outcome 5 (children are effective communicators).

Music brings joy and energy to the classroom while introducing children to cultural diversity. Host a holiday sing-along featuring Christmas carols, African drumming, or Diwali-inspired rhythms.

• Use Rhythm & Percussion Kindergarten Set to explore sounds from different cultures.
• Teach children simple dances or rhythmic clapping games to accompany the music, promoting Learning Outcome 3 (children have a strong sense of wellbeing).

Decorate the classroom with a “Holidays Around the World” theme. Encourage families to contribute photos, artifacts, or stories from their traditions to increase cultural awareness. 

• Use Bulletin Boards to create a vibrant, ever-changing display featuring children’s artwork and family contributions.
• Incorporate Multicultural Posters to visually represent the diversity of celebrations.

Invite families to share their holiday traditions with the class is a great opportunity for children to learn about diverse cultures. For example:

• Host a “Multicultural Holiday Celebration” potluck where families can bring dishes or share stories.
• Provide children with Blank Journals to document what they learn from these activities, reinforcing their connection to the community.

• Use inclusive language, such as “holiday season” or “festive celebrations,” to ensure no child feels excluded.
• Be mindful of children who may not celebrate holidays. Provide alternative activities to include everyone in the learning experience.
• Incorporate EYLF’s Principles of High Expectations and Equity by celebrating all cultures equally and encouraging children to share their unique stories.

Inclusive holiday programs are a powerful way to teach children about respect, empathy, and diversity. By aligning these activities with the EYLF, educators can create a welcoming environment where every child feels valued. Using products from ABC School Supplies makes it easy to bring these ideas to life while fostering a joyful and inclusive classroom atmosphere. Let’s celebrate the richness of our communities this holiday season and beyond!