Question: Do holiday events need to be inclusive?

Breakfast With Santa has long been one of our traditional PTO events. It’s much enjoyed by the children and their families. However, we’ve had one or two people make comments that this event is no longer “politically correct.” What do you think?

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Advice from PTO Today

Elly writes:

As the parent group for your school, you certainly want to be sensitive to all interests. Why not keep the favorite activities of your Breakfast With Santa program but expand to include other winter celebrations such as Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Chinese New Year? You could also explore how Christmas is celebrated in different countries.

Many PTOs hold an event like “Winter Holidays Around the World” and use it to showcase a variety of cultural traditions via crafts, stories, songs, and food. You don’t have to cross Santa off your list, and this could prove a wonderful opportunity to extend your program into a multicultural event!

There is a wealth of information available on other holidays and celebrations on the Internet, from teachers, and probably from families in your own school. A more diverse program allows you to blend your popular traditions with new ideas and demonstrate respect for rich beliefs and customs of multiple cultures.