12/17/2024
Story time!
When I was teaching second grade in an urban school, I had students with many backgrounds. One morning during breakfast, I overheard a table of students debating if Santa was white, Black, or non existent. Although the conversation was staying respectful, I was feeling like I had to step in to avoid any hurt feelings. As I was about to interrupt, one of the little boys said, "Actually guys, you can believe Santa is whatever you want, we don't have to all agree or celebrate the same way". The table of six all thought for a moment, before agreeing and continuing their conversations about their upcoming winter break. I was in awe of these seven year olds profound wisdom and understanding, but not entirely surprised, as they had shown it to me many times before. Sometimes, as an adult, I have underestimated children's capacity to understand our differences. Santa can be a passionate topic for young people, these books highlight some of the different ways we celebrate the winter holidays! ❄️☃️🎁
