Myths about the meaning of Christmas and why teachers don't need to be afraid of it.

1. Why Teachers Don’t Need to be Afraid of the “C” Word Is Christmas a Bad Word?

2. Myth: Christmas is All About Christians Christmas traditions have origins in places like Scandanavia, Ancient Rome, and Mesopotamia. Some Christmas traditions considered “christian” even have a root or two planted in Solstice celebrations hundreds of years old, considered “pagan rituals” by the early Church

3. Myth: Santa Claus Isn’t Religious Santa was originally and is still known around the world as St. Nicholas. Born in the third century in southern Turkey, he eventually became a saint of the church, caring for the poor and needy. St. Nicholas became known for his generosity and his love for children.

4. Myth: Christmas Imposes Beliefs Teaching kids about Christmas isn’t forcing religion. Our classrooms as microcosms of our communities and our world. We celebrate American Christmas Traditions – including the stories, films, commercials, consumerism, decorations, food, and the spirit of giving - to name a few.

5. Myth: Exclusion Encourages Diversity Ignoring Christmas teaches kids how to exclude others. Teach your kids about Christmas in the context of the various cultures represented in your classroom. Don’t forget December holidays like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to help widen your students’ perspectives! Do you have students who don’t celebrate any December holidays? Take this opportunity to encourage conversations about respecting the beliefs of others.

6. Myth: Vocabulary Equals Reality The tree by the school office is called the “Holiday Tree.” Our school’s Christmas program is now called the “Winter Program,” even though all of the songs are Christmas-oriented. Changing the vocabulary doesn’t mean Christmas has gone away. While others use phrases like “Happy Holidays” and “Season’s Greetings,” consider wishing your kids a Merry Christmas!