Polar Express Day

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Yeah. I'd tell him that Santa isn't real too. Santa isn't real that's the truth so at this point, there's no reason for a Jewish kid to keep believing this fallacy.

[HouseofWool]

Absolutely explain that Santa isn't real, but go a step further and explain how many families use Santa to convey the joy that comes from sharing with others.

[Thirteen]

Absolutely explain that Santa isn't real, but go a step further and explain how many families use Santa to convey the joy that comes from sharing with others.

I agree with this.
As children, we talked with my parents about Santa being the spirit of giving and kindness that surrounds Christmas (for those who participate) and it never took away any magic or joy.


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[Ravenclaw]

As I was reading this thread, my daughter's first grade newsletter popped up in my email informing us they will be watching Polar Express at the end of the week. We are Muslim. There are 3 Muslims in the class, 1 Hindu...I'm not sure if there are other minority faiths but the district itself is fairly diverse.

I am not terribly bothered by the watching of Polar Express TBH but I was upset that her homework last week included questions about what we celebrate in December. My daughter initially wrote Christmas. I discussed it with her and we ended up putting down that we celebrate Jesus's birth (since we do revere Jesus but don't technically celebrate Xmas). But I think it's unfair to put us in that position. We also saw her class had display of paper stockings hanging in the cafeteria with the question, "what do you hope Santa bring you for Xmas?"

I've told my 6 year old Santa and Elf on the Shelf aren't real but to also be respectful of her friends that believe in them and not announce it. I don't really know what the solution is. As children, we did celebrate Christmas with the tree, presents and stockings but my parents also explained we were just doing it for fun so we wouldn't feel left out. We aren't doing that with our children but I do feel bad for them. I've explained that we don't technically celebrate Christmas but we can enjoy it with our Christian friends. We are giving gifts to our neighbors, teachers and Christian friends. When we had our Eid holiday this fall, the teachers were very accommodating. They asked for a book about Eid that they read in class and my daughter handed out treats.

I am also irritated by the over commercialization and materialism of Christmas in the US. It's really gotten ridiculous!

[Phoebe]

My kids watch Polar Express in school every year starting from preschool. It's a fun time to wear pajamas and take a break from the routine of school. They have always enjoyed it. They have been given bells and tickets. That said, we celebrate Christmas and the spirit of Santa. In first grade, my kids did a unit on World Holiday Traditions capped off with a visit to the city's Children's Museum that has awesome holiday exhibits. Today, my 3rd grader emptied out her backpack and showed me an assignment that her class had written a letter to Santa as a way to practice cursive and writing. My daughter knows Santa isn't real but didn't have a problem with the assignment probably because it is in line with her holiday traditions. I am sure others felt it was uncomfortable.


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[houseelf]

Here's how our district celebrates in kindergarten...

"Next week we will begin a unit on celebrations. We will discuss winter celebrations of Hanukah, Kwanza, Chinese New Year, Los Posada and Christmas. We will not emphasize the religious aspects, but will focus on the traditions and how they are the same and different. If you have any questions about what we will cover, please do not hesitate to contact me......

*We will have a special snack each day to go with our celebrations. You may want to pack an additional snack in case your child doesn’t like or doesn’t want to eat the one provided. Monday – latkes and applesauce; Tuesday – fruit and popcorn: Wednesday – corn chips, salsa and cheese sauce; Thursday – fortune cookies, rice and tea; Friday – hot chocolate and sugar cookies."

The teacher corrects the kindergartners when they call the dramatic play area a "Christmas cafe" to "Holiday cafe" (It is a play kitchen decorated with bells and garland).

Really, how hard is this curriculum compared to The Polar express? It acknowledges that there are some things that are different about this time of year. Tolerance and peace may be the most important aspects of the season.