To Celebrate or Not

Happy Holidays! I am unsure why this phrase is only allowed around Christmas, but it should be used any time there is a holiday! With Halloween upon us, I say… *HAPPY HOLIDAYS*

Fall is my favorite time of year. October is my favorite month of the year; not only because my birthday occurs this month, but because of the holiday as well. As a child I have such fond memories of celebrating Halloween. I loved dressing up as something other than myself- a way to escape for a little while. I remember being able to wear my costume to my school and have a Halloween parade to show off our creativity!

Somehow from childhood to adulthood, Halloween became taboo. Actually, any holiday celebration became taboo. With freedom of expression came political correctness. Now because everyone is allowed to believe and celebrate anything they want, we can’t talk about it because someone might be offended. So instead of celebrating one thing that leaves someone out, we don’t celebrate anything. I am frustrated. I respect those individuals who do not celebrate Halloween or Christmas or even Arbor Day. But, please allow the others to celebrate. By being politically correct in everything we do, we miss out on everything.  Everyone is afraid to step on toes so we do nothing. Everyone just stands still. What kind of life is that? I am not saying purposely put it in front of others or make them feel left out, but come on…let us be us, and you be you. That includes being proud of what we celebrate.

In the classroom, we are no longer allowed to do fun crafts during holiday time. Any holiday. Ever. “Not everyone celebrates that holiday.” I am so upset by this statement. In efforts to express our rights, we don’t express them at all in fear of hurting someone’s feelings. Can’t we all just be mature and respectful of each other? If you don’t celebrate, that’s fine. But does that means I now cant? If your family does not celebrate a certain holiday, ask for that child to be removed during the celebration time. End of story. As a teacher I too look forward to talking about our holiday traditions, decorating the classroom, making my lessons correlate with the holiday, etc. The fun part of teaching is now taken away. The kids are even confused.

I do not mean to be negative. I am just so fed up with everyone walking on egg shells to ensure everyone is included 100% of the time. In everything. Sometimes there just has to be a winner. We can’t pass out 1,000 awards to each student to keep it fair. Sometimes in order to help our kids learn, we have to teach them about one particular culture- not every culture on the globe. This craziness has to stop. NOW.

I just want to have some fun with my students. Don’t worry, I can tie in a few Common Core standards to ensure it is appropriate and worthwhile. Heck, I’ll even ensure it parallels the pacing guide. But for heaven’s sake (oops, can I not say that either?) can we just be ourselves without worrying about someone else? Trust me, I think they will be okay if I pass out a pumpkin cookie. They might just like it.

Can you celebrate holidays at school?

If not, have you figured out a way to celebrate while following the “DO NOT DO THIS” ruling?

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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