Young children can become interested in Christmas when their world is suddenly filled with decorations. They may sense something special is happening. Older children may recognise elements of Christmas because they remember the festivities of previous years.
Despite the joy it can bring to many families, Christmas can be a controversial celebration in early childhood education. Some children cannot participate in themed learning experiences for religious reasons. Also, educators need to remember that Christian families may feel disrespected by concepts like Santa Clause, because Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Most childcare centres in Australia consult with families and staff and hold Christmas festivities that meet the needs of their community. There are many different ways to celebrate. Read about how we came to celebrate Christmas on The Conversation.
EYLF learning outcomes
Christmas links with The Early Years Learning Framework as celebrations help children have a strong sense of identity (1), connect with and contribute to their world (2), and develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, creativity, enthusiasm and imagination (4.1).
How to be inclusive at Christmas
Early childhood educators can hold end-of-year celebrations that are both exciting and inclusive. Here are some strategies to get you started:
- Invite input from children and families. Find out who wants to participate in Christmas celebrations and how they want to be involved.
- Instead of a "Christmas" celebration, celebrate the end of the year. This is an event all children can participate in, regardless of their beliefs or religion. Recognise each child's achievements throughout the year. Give others your best wishes for the holidays and new year.
- Ensure children have choice in their participation. Avoid teacher-directed gift making experiences that force children to create cookie-cutter crafts. Don't use the excuse that "parents expect it".
Festive learning experiences
When planning learning experiences at Christmas time, add a festive element to your children's existing interests:
- Place all the red and green building blocks you can find on a floor mat, even if the types of blocks are mixed.
- Make white playdough. Add twigs, pieces of carrot, and other loose parts so the children can build snowmen.
- Conduct science experiments about ice or light.
- Add tinsel to the handlebars on children's bikes.
- Add Christmas-themed loose parts to the sandpit.
- Write letters or draw pictures for Santa.
- Make books. Each child can make their own book or contribute to a group book, sharing the different ways they celebrate Christmas.
Christmas decoration ideas
- Too often, Christmas decorations are hung up high where children can't touch them. Instead, make Christmas sensory treasure baskets for children to play with. Add decorations, bells and loose parts that sparkle.
- Decorate your home corner like you would decorate your home during this time of year. Set up a Christmas tree with presents underneath, hang fairy lights and serve pretend edible treats.
- Collaborate on hanging art. Hang a tree branch from your ceiling that has been decorated by the children. Find inspiration from these photos of hanging art on Fairy Dust Teaching.
- Make a paper chain as a group and hang it in your room. This is an excellent activity that promotes collaboration and choice. Some children may add many paper links to the chain while other children may not participate at all. The length of your chain will depend on your children's interest.
Christmas gift ideas
- Set up a gift-giving table for a month, that gives children choice, autonomy and flexibility. Let children choose what type of gifts to make, who they give them to, and when. Provide various materials like old wrapping paper and cards, pencils, scissors, sticky tape, glue, and bits and pieces.
- Involve children in making their own cards and wrapping paper. Let them wrap presents themselves, even if the results aren't perfect.
- Provide children with a craft book of simple Christmas gift ideas. Let the children choose if they want to follow any of the instructions or use the book to inspire their own ideas.
- Bake festive treats because cooking promotes friendship, numeracy and STEM learning. Try a Christmas biscuit recipe from Taste.
- Make your own toasted muesli as a group. Add in festive dried fruits like cranberries and apples, or cinnamon for the sensory experience. Make up your own recipe or try this recipe from Taste.
- Save an artwork from each child during the year and place it in a frame as a gift. Let older children choose their own picture and place it in the frame themselves.
- Help children grow seedlings or succulents as gifts.
Christmas party ideas
End-of-year childcare parties should be memorable, exciting, inclusive and easy for everyone involved, including staff. Try some of these ideas:
- Organise a free incursion so all families, staff and children can enjoy an end-of-year performance together.
- Hire a face painting artist.
- Hold a concert for families with each group of children performing a song or dance they have practised throughout the year. Alternatively, perform your own simple play based on a favourite book (e.g. We're going on a bear hunt).
- Hold a picnic or BBQ for children and their families.
- Hire a play centre for a few hours.
- Hold a games afternoon and invite families. Set up various experiences around your centre that family members can participate in with their children.
Discussions
- What is Christmas?
- Do you celebrate Christmas?
- What will you do on Christmas Day?
- Why is it important to celebrate the end of each year?
- Can you remember last Christmas? What happened?
Reflections
For each Christmas activity, ask these questions:
- Why are we doing this?
- How is this linked to the EYLF?
- Is this inclusive of diverse family beliefs, preferences and practices?
- Is this activity promoting unnecessary waste? How can this be more sustainable?
- Does this bring people together?
- Does this promote joy and harmony?
Resources
Picture books
- Christmas Always Comes by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
- Mog's Christmas by Judith Kerr