As we approach the end of another year and head into the cooler months, I’m always amazed at how quickly the days flew by. This is especially true of the last three months, which always feel like a blur. It starts with the excitement of Halloween and continues until the ball drops at midnight with the celebration of fireworks around the world signifying the start of a new year. Many religions have large festivals of importance throughout the year, but it feels as though the last quarter of the calendar year is unusually jampacked.
With all the excitement and attention that goes into choosing gifts, planning family gatherings, and preparing elaborate meals, the focus on these holidays often goes into completing tasks under tight time constraints. However, given the abundance of diverse festivals occurring within a short period, I propose this year that we all take time out of our busy schedules to foster discussions with our children about some holidays their classmates and friends choose to celebrate.
With the ever-changing and progressive times, it warms my heart to know that certain holidays such as Diwali and Chinese New Year are now routinely being discussed within classrooms. I was blessed to grow up in what is arguably the most multicultural city in the world, and I remember how fascinating it was to learn about the customs, traditions, and meanings of special holidays from my friends and classmates. I fondly remember an annual “Multicultural Celebration Day” in elementary school where we were encouraged to dress in traditional clothing and bring in food for the class to share that was representative of our country of origin. We also used this day as an opportunity to teach others about our unique holidays. Not only did it allow for interesting discussions, giving that child an opportunity to proudly represent their culture and teach others what is special and important to them, but it also fostered an environment of tolerance. I often tell my young children that the world would be very boring if everyone looked the same whenever they comment on someone’s appearance who seems to stand out in the crowd, but the same is true of religious and cultural beliefs.
I have been working very hard to ensure that my children are aware of their heritage and introducing them to our customs and beliefs. But I am also working equally hard to ensure that they are accepting, and even curious, of others. I encourage them to respect their friends’ religious beliefs and how they celebrate festivals, ask them questions if they are interested in knowing more, and most of all, approach differences amongst us as an opportunity to learn something new. I strongly believe that we can use this holiday season to foster tolerance, kindness, and love, and ensure that our children grow up to respect and celebrate the differences in others.
