Books can help children understand and respect cultural celebrations and traditions different from their own.
Children must understand their cultural traditions before they can understand others. Many families use stories, music, and rituals to help children understand their culture. Young children are constantly observing and trying to make sense of the world around them. At this time of the year, lights, decorations, and displays of all kinds may give a child a false impression that everyone is celebrating the same holiday. We live in a diverse world with a wide range of beliefs and traditions. Books can provide children with a window into a cultural tradition that is different from their own. Books can offer children a picture of celebrations they don’t see reflected in a store window. When we work to deepen children’s understanding of the world, we work toward creating compassionate, empathetic adults.
Here is a list of books about holiday celebrations in different cultures.