Perhaps the children are very interested in plants and animals. Often our attempt at celebrating holidays with young children includes making crafts or art work. When selecting art materials for a holiday celebration, look carefully at what the children are doing in making the item. As part of their social development, children learn about themselves, their families, and their community. How and what we teach in this process helps shape the values and beliefs of tomorrow's leaders.
Many people use holidays to teach children about other cultures.
If holidays, with their traditions, foods, and activities, are the only things we teach children about other cultures, we aren't really communicating a true picture of that culture. Incorporate aspects of those other cultures throughout the day and the year, not just on one holiday. Imagine what visitors from Mars would think about us if they only saw how we act and dress on October 31. Using only holidays to teach about other cultures may be just as misleading. But child care and education professionals can build on holiday experiences to help children understand the people around them and the world they live in.