As the seasons change, it’s a perfect opportunity to talk to our kids about the variety of holidays people enjoy across cultures and beliefs. Kids are hearing about different holidays at school, on the playground, and from their friends, and they always have questions.
But where do we start? How do we make sure our little ones understand that everyone’s beliefs are important and deserve respect? Here are some helpful tips for how you can guide your child through the wonderful world of holiday diversity.
Explain the Basics in a Fun, Engaging Way
When your child asks, “What is Hanukkah?” or “Why do people celebrate Diwali?” try to break down the holiday in simple, positive terms. Much like Genie says (I asked Genie, for fun), “Thanksgiving is a holiday where people gather with family and friends to give thanks for the good things in their lives,” use relatable and easy-to-digest explanations when you’re talking with your kids.
Here’s a couple examples that could work:
- “Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight nights. Families light a special candleholder called a menorah, adding a new candle each night to remember a miracle that is believed to have happened long ago. They eat yummy fried foods like latkes (kind of like crispy potato pancakes) and jelly donuts, and sometimes play a fun spinning game with something called a dreidel.”
- “Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights! People decorate their homes with little oil lamps called diyas and colorful designs made of sand or rice called rangoli. There are fireworks, sweet treats called laddoos, and big family feasts to celebrate the victory of light over darkness.”
These short but vivid explanations open the door to curiosity and understanding, making diverse and previously unfamiliar holidays sound exciting and relatable. You can also ask them if they know anyone that celebrates Hanukkah (or Diwali, or Ramadan, you get the idea), they probably do!
Emphasize That It’s Okay to Celebrate Differently—or Not at All
It’s important to teach our kids that some families may not celebrate certain holidays—or any at all—and that’s completely okay. You can say something like, “Just like some people love peanut butter by itself and some prefer it with jelly, and some may not even want peanut butter at all, everyone’s traditions and beliefs are unique.”
As Genie would put it: “Some families don’t celebrate Christmas or Halloween, and others might have different festivals that are special to them. Isn’t it amazing that there are so many ways to be part of a community?” You can also share that some celebrations are tied to specific religious or cultural beliefs, and everyone gets to decide what they want to celebrate.
Encourage Questions with an Open Heart
Kids are naturally curious, and that curiosity can lead to some tough or unexpected questions. “Why don’t we celebrate that?” or “What’s faith?” are common ones. Keeping your answers warm and affirming is key. If your child asks about faith, you might say something like “Faith is something that’s special to people, giving them comfort and strength. Sometimes people have different faiths, and it’s okay for everyone to believe in what feels right to them.”
Make sure your kids know they can ask you anything, and that asking questions is part of understanding the world around them, and respecting everyone who lives in it.
Share Stories and Explore Together
I think one of the best ways to talk about different holidays is to learn together. You could read books about Kwanzaa and discover why families light the kinara to honor principles like unity and self-determination. Or maybe try your hands at cooking a simple Spring Festival (Lunar New Year) dish like dumplings, while explaining how it traditionally symbolizes wealth and good fortune. Not a chef? You could watch a short video on Ramadan to learn why Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and how they celebrate Eid al-Fitr with prayers, gifts, and sweets.
Maybe your family doesn’t celebrate every, or any, holiday, and that’s perfectly fine! It’s still valuable to share stories with your kids about the celebrations of others. Even though your family might not celebrate Diwali, it’s pretty cool that some people light lamps and fill their houses with lights to bring in the new year. We can appreciate the beauty in all kinds of traditions like these, and we should help our kids do the same.
Teach Empathy and Respect
Ultimately, my goal is to raise kids who treat everyone with kindness and respect. I do my best to remind them that our differences are such a big part of what makes the world rich and interesting. Let’s take this opportunity during the season of celebrations as a chance to practice empathy.
By encouraging our kids to think from someone else’s perspective, we give them the tools to be compassionate, open-hearted individuals, so try asking them something like “Do you have any friends that celebrate holidays we don’t? What do you think that would feel like if no one else celebrated (insert holiday that your family celebrates) like we do?”
Celebrating or acknowledging holidays doesn’t mean you have to share the same beliefs. It’s about appreciating diversity and creating a space where everyone’s customs are respected and valued.
At Genie, we’re all about those conversations. As parents (and a fun uncle!), we understand that parenting is a journey filled with learning and growth for both you and your little ones. Our team is here to support and inspire your family along the way.
Meanwhile, I´ll be out here, too, trying to guide my little fam, grateful for every tradition that teaches us something new.
Darius
Bonus Tip: If your kid is a fan of bedtime (or anytime) stories, check out The Barefoot Book of Children by Tessa Strickland, Kate DePalma, and David Dean. It’s a children’s book that aligns perfectly with this purpose of teaching our kids about celebrating and understanding the many different ways to live, celebrate, and believe.
