All Are Welcome: Creating Inclusive Holiday Spaces in Libraries

 

Yesterday was the last day of school for most if not all, public schools in America.  I've been thinking this month about how to best capitalize on the season's spirit while considering ALL my students.  I've seen many posts by teachers and librarians with spectacularly decorated spaces, and it triggered me to think about and research this post.  Many schools and libraries are adorned with Christmas trees this time of year.  As a teacher librarian, I understand the intent behind these traditions—to create joy and celebration during a festive time of year.  However, I also believe it is our responsibility to pause and consider the implications of these practices, specifically in public schools.

I write this not as a critic but as a fellow educator, hoping to spark reflection.  I have a Christmas tree in my home, exchange gifts, and enjoy listening to holiday music.  Yet, as someone who deeply values inclusivity, I struggle with the presence of Christmas trees in public schools and school libraries.  Am I being a Scrooge?  Some would say yes.  Am I squishing Christianity?  Am I taking Christ out of Christmas?  Am I trying to keep Christianity out of public schools?  That's more complicated to answer.

Why It Matters

Public schools are meant to serve all students, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds.  When we fill our schools and school libraries with symbols that have Christian connotations, even if they’ve become secularized for some, we risk sending a subtle but powerful message: this space prioritizes Christian traditions over others.

This perception can alienate students and staff who do not celebrate Christmas or who come from non-Christian backgrounds.  It also reinforces a sense of otherness for those whose traditions are less visible or acknowledged.  Our schools should be places where every student feels seen, respected, and included—not just during the holidays but throughout the year.

The Constitutional Perspective

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

This Establishment Clause is foundational to maintaining a separation of church and state, ensuring that public institutions do not promote or endorse any particular religion.

Legal scholars have interpreted this clause to mean that public schools, as government entities, must remain neutral on matters of religion.  As a constitutional law scholar, Erwin Chemerinsky, explains,

"The government violates the Establishment Clause when it endorses religion or acts in a way that a reasonable observer would perceive as endorsing religion."

The presence of overtly Christian symbols, like nativity scenes or Christmas trees, in schools can blur this line, potentially making non-Christian students feel excluded.

There have been several legal cases that highlight this issue:

• Stratechuk v. Board of Education (2009): A federal appeals court upheld a school district’s policy prohibiting celebratory religious music at school-sponsored events, highlighting the importance of avoiding religious endorsement in public schools.

• Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Concord Community Schools (2015): This case challenged an Indiana school district’s annual "Christmas Spectacular," which included a live nativity scene.  The court ruled that the nativity scene in its original form was unconstitutional but could be included in a broader, educational context that did not promote a particular faith.

However, the Supreme Court also stated that Christmas Trees are, in fact, not religious, and therefore, public schools CAN display them.

• County of Allegheny v. American Civil Liberties Union, Greater Pittsburgh Chapter (1989): The court ruled that the creche's "principal or primary effect" was to advance religion.  The court also agreed that displaying a menorah with a Christmas tree did not violate the Establishment Clause.

These cases reveal the delicate balance public schools must strike to comply with constitutional requirements while respecting cultural traditions.

What Even Is the History of the Christmas Tree?

I hadn't thought much about the history of the Christmas tree.  It simply has been a part of my life and culture.  So, like any good librarian, I did some research.  It has a pretty interesting story.  Here are some highlights:

• Pagan Roots: Ancient cultures, including Egyptians and Romans, used evergreen boughs during winter solstice celebrations to symbolize life and renewal.
• German Beginnings: The modern Christmas tree originated in 16th-century Germany, where devout Christians decorated trees in their homes, sometimes with candles.
• Martin Luther's Influence: A legend credits Martin Luther with adding candles to a tree, inspired by the sight of starlight through evergreens.
• Spread to Britain: The tradition gained prominence in the 1840s after Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, showcased a decorated Christmas tree in Windsor Castle.
• Arrival in America: German immigrants brought Christmas trees to the U.S. in the 1800s, where the tradition gradually became a mainstream holiday custom.

If you want to learn even more, this article from History.com is excellent!

Recent Discussions and Cultural Shifts

The conversation about holiday traditions in schools has shifted in recent years.  It's not just about ensuring everyone feels included—it’s about bigger political and cultural battles.  Christian nationalism, which blends Christian and American identities, has sparked debates about religion in public spaces.  This movement is about pushing Christian symbols and practices into schools to make a statement about cultural dominance.

Plus, political groups that openly target diversity and immigrants' rights are making these debates more urgent than ever.  When schools put the spotlight on Christian-centered traditions, they create an environment that leaves people out and adds to a troubling trend of using religion to marginalize and oppress others.

The recent episode of Abbott Elementary provides an excellent example of embracing the holidays in an inclusive and celebratory way for all.  The show featured a holiday concert incorporating traditions and stories from various cultures and religions, creating a space where everyone felt represented.  This approach is both thoughtful and practical for public schools.  I love this article about the importance of this show's approach.  The article also points out that the episode isn't perfect.  It is a step forward; viewers will see that the intent was to include all students.  I haven't watched every episode of the show, but this one made me want to!  Plus, RUN DMC!

A Better Way Forward

Here are a few suggestions for creating a more inclusive school and library environment during the holidays:

1. Focus on Winter Themes: Decorate with snowflakes, mittens, and winter scenes that celebrate the season without centering on a specific holiday or religion.

2. Celebrate Diversity: Highlight books and resources that showcase a range of cultural traditions, from Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to Diwali and Lunar New Year.  At my school, I put together a WEBSITE that includes a tab with various holidays and celebrations during this time of year.  It isn't exhaustive, but it is a start.  

3. Engage the Community: Invite students and staff to share their traditions through displays, storytelling, or collaborative projects.

4. Facilitate Critical Conversations: Use this time to encourage discussions about the meaning of traditions, the diversity of celebrations, and the importance of inclusivity.

This is not about banning Christmas or removing joy from the season.  

It’s about ensuring that our public spaces reflect and respect the diversity of our communities.  As information leaders, we have a unique opportunity to model inclusivity and teach students about the beauty of different cultures and perspectives.

This quote sums up my thinking after doing a lot of reflection: 

Teachable Moments

What can be lost in this legal quagmire is, I believe, the chance to engage children in religious literacy. If educators and the courts prohibit students from learning about the religious traditions of their peers, especially when teachable moments emerge during holidays, one must wonder how children can develop tolerance of – and respect for – faiths different from their own.

-The Conversation

By rethinking how we approach holiday symbols in our schools and libraries, we can create environments where every student feels a sense of belonging.  Isn’t that the true spirit of the season?  I welcome your thoughts.  

Resources For Further Exploration:

• What Does the First Amendment Say About Displaying Religious Symbols?
• Why It's Perfectly Okay To Have a Christmas Tree In a Public School Classroom
• On the First Day of Christmas…Teachers Got a Legal Headache over Blurring the Line Between Church and State
• Opinion: Holiday Decorations Don't Belong In Classrooms Period
• Christmas Doesn't Have To Be Controversial In Public Schools (Column)
• Mommy, There Is a Holiday Tree In My School