As December is now upon us, the holiday season is officially underway. Shopping is reaching a feverish pitch, Christmas tree sales are raising, and radio stations are all singing holiday songs. Now is the time for teachers and parents to start reminding children about the reason for the season and what better way than with some beloved traditions.
Christmas Traditions for Teachers
Teachers are often restricted in what they can say and do around Christmas time because of the political anti-Christmas sentiment. Holiday greetings and Holiday cheer are choking out the joy and peace that surrounds a baby boy, born in Bethlehem, who was the Son of God. The miracle of his birth is shrouded by visions of Santa Claus and reindeer.
While there is not much that can be done to change this political sentiment, there are still some Christmas traditions that teachers can implement in their classroom.
Decorate a Christmas Tree – Even those families who do not read the Christmas story from the Bible put Christmas trees up in their homes, so decorating a miniature tree or even creating a Christmas Tree bulletin board can bring some Christmas cheer to the classroom.
Discussion topics for Christmas Trees: Why is a star or angel placed on top of the tree? This is a great lead-in to the entire story of Christmas. Provide balance to the discussion by then researching the origin of the Christmas tree itself, as it does not have roots in Christianity.
Singing Christmas Carols – What child does not like singing Christmas carols? With a careful mix, teachers can sing about Rudolph and Baby Jesus and provide opportunities for great discussions. Some great songs that can provide discussion topics for the meaning behind Christmas include Silent Night, Away in a Manger, and The First Noel.
Worried about singing Christian songs at Christmas? Check with the music teacher in the school and find out what Christmas songs are in the approved school curriculum. You may be surprised at what songs the children are allowed to sing. Be sure to have discussions about each song, both the Christian songs and the non-Christian songs, researching their origin.
Homemade Christmas Gifts – Encourage children to make homemade Christmas gifts for each other. Discussions about why we give gifts can provide background to Christmas and start great conversations about why gifts have become the main point of Christmas in today’s society.
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