How Can Holiday Traditions Be Adapted for the Classroom to Celebrate Inclusion?

Swoopie the Elf has made his second appearance in our household this year. As in many homes, the mischievous Elf on the Shelf is painting crafts, hanging on ornaments, and writing with cereal on our counter! Swoopie’s daily tricks are part of the growing holiday tradition that brings a smile to children’s faces, bringing a little more of that magic that is the holiday season into homes around the world.

But what about in the classroom? While Elf on the Shelf is charming, it’s important to ensure holiday traditions in schools are inclusive and respectful of the diverse cultures and beliefs represented by students. Here's how teachers can adapt the concept to foster fun and inclusivity during the holiday season!

Holiday Helper Anyone?

Instead of a single elf, introduce a "Holiday Helper" that reflects various cultural traditions. For example, a globe-trotting character could share different holiday practices around the world—Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and more—while still offering daily playful antics and challenges through December.

Fostering Holiday Joy Through Kindness and Inclusivity

Have a "Classroom Kindness Keeper" who "reports back" not to Santa, but to the class each morning about acts of kindness or inclusivity they noticed happening the day before. This can inspire your class to focus on building a positive classroom community during the holidays.

Holidays Aren’t the Only Thing Happening!

Not all students celebrate holidays during this time of year. Expand the focus by having a “Winter Wonder Buddy” who explores themes of seasonal change, gratitude, and giving back to the community. I’m a big fan of snow people and penguins!

School-Wide for the Win

My first year as a full time teacher was in an alternative education high school building. Holiday times were often a BIG struggle. Younger me organized a program-wide scavenger hunt for the week before winter break. Each classroom created a winter class door that had locations where our minion (the students’ choice of mascot) would hide each day. When students came in, they could search for the minion, and at lunch time, if they told me where he was, they could get a candy cane or other little treat. This school-wide community-building activity provided a joyful experience for students while staying budget-friendly and inclusive for everyone. Looking for a budget-friendly and inclusive gift for your class this year? Try out these Winter Assignment Passes!

Now...for our Elf Friends

We’ve done some research, and if you're looking for some simple (yet effective!), inexpensive, and silly activities for your elf at home or in the classroom, we recommend the following:

Have your elf making a snow angel with mini-marshmallows
Create a snowball launcher with the inside of toilet paper rolls/craft rolls and a red balloon. Cut the balloon and place it over one side of the roll. Use cotton balls as the snowballs.
Potty training? Teepee your tree with new underwear for your toddler-in-training!
Have a pen pal exchange with “Letters from a Reindeer” (Etsy has some great premade ones!)
Scavenger hunt! Hide 5-10 holiday-themed items around the room and have your elf bring a checklist with the title “Holiday Scavenger Hunt” and the items listed.
Have your elf reading one of the classroom books and sitting on a pillow/chair/desk.
Write a note to the class on the whiteboard saying they convinced your teacher to do a fun activity today such as a review game, color by code, or Winter Sounds Brain Break.

A Season of Joy for All

December is a time to focus on diversity, kindness, and inclusivity. Teachers can bring the magic of the season into their classrooms in a way that makes every student feel seen and valued. The holidays are about connection and joy, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing everyone together?

How do you adapt holiday traditions in your classroom? Let us know your favorite ideas! Send us an email at hello@survivinginsecondary.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.