Too much Christmas Education in my Public School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What school is this?

My kids are out of elementary school now, but their schools were always very careful to make everything about winter holiday fun, and never, never did anything directly Christmas related, other than situations where they learned about many different religions and cultures. I’d be curious to know what school is allowing what is described in the OP to happen: it sounds as though they are going backwards instead of forward.

I know, right?! This was never the case when I was younger. I was surprised and kind of sad for her. They did do a thing where parents can come in and talk about your holiday and we did that over Chanukah... but the last three weeks have ONLY been Christmas. I do t want to call the school out, but it’s in DC.

Doesn’t sound like Ga, Tenn, the Deep South, or the Midwest.

It sounds like Oklahoma to me - though they would have thrown the 10 commandments in there too, it’s true.

Ever heard that Moses was Jewish????

Jesus was born Jewish too, so why not celebrate Christmas anyway.

I know, it would be so much easier if these pesky religious minorities just adopted Christianity and its holidays. Then we wouldn't have to worry any of this nonsense.

Well the Jews did kill Jesus, so they need to be especially sensitive to respect Christmas and Easter.

Jesus died for Humanity. Anyone who can read the Bible and miss that idea, that Jesus’ death was both preordained and necessary to bring people back to God, has entirely missed the point.

On the other hand, Christians have massacred Jews and driven them to brink of extinction, because of Christian sinfulness. Yes, we (Christians) need to recognize that while religion and cultural practices related to religion don’t belong (except in the context of unbiased, balanced social studies lessons which is not what OP described at all) in the public schools regardless of the makeup of the class, Jewish families have specific reasons to be wary of attempts by Christians to force their religion and culture on others, and to equate Christianity and nationalism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What school is this?

My kids are out of elementary school now, but their schools were always very careful to make everything about winter holiday fun, and never, never did anything directly Christmas related, other than situations where they learned about many different religions and cultures. I’d be curious to know what school is allowing what is described in the OP to happen: it sounds as though they are going backwards instead of forward.

I know, right?! This was never the case when I was younger. I was surprised and kind of sad for her. They did do a thing where parents can come in and talk about your holiday and we did that over Chanukah... but the last three weeks have ONLY been Christmas. I do t want to call the school out, but it’s in DC.

Doesn’t sound like Ga, Tenn, the Deep South, or the Midwest.

It sounds like Oklahoma to me - though they would have thrown the 10 commandments in there too, it’s true.

Ever heard that Moses was Jewish????

Jesus was born Jewish too, so why not celebrate Christmas anyway.

I know, it would be so much easier if these pesky religious minorities just adopted Christianity and its holidays. Then we wouldn't have to worry any of this nonsense.

Well the Jews did kill Jesus, so they need to be especially sensitive to respect Christmas and Easter.

Gross, you sure know how to pull out that f*cking martyr card. Typical. And disgusting.

Um, can you translate, please?

Religious nutters frequently have a martyr complex. Of course, one has to pull the ultimate “martyr card” - JFC himself. Disgusting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the point of doing Christmas activities in school is to “educate” the kids about different traditions then they need to teach kids that Santa is fictional, a story told by parents as part of a “cultural experience”. I would be totally ok with that.

(But, of course, that will never happen because the real purpose is to allow Christian kids a chance to celebrate their Christian holiday within the publically funded school.)

Santa isn’t a Christian figure.

Santa is the centerpiece of celebrating Christmas, a Christian holiday

But to PP's point, my DS's 1st grade teacher actually did give a lesson on the historical St Nicholas! I thought that was pretty cool.

The Christians I know who celebrate Christian Christmas would disagree with you vehemently that Santa is the centerpiece of celebrating Christmas. "Jesus is the reason for the season" and all that.

I celebrate Christmas as a secular holiday and Santa is a centerpiece of our holiday.

Do you believe in god and consider yourself a Christian, though? I call shenanigans on most people who claim to celebrate Christmas "secularly." Unless you're truly an atheist or from a completely different faith tradition, it's most likely in the US that you identify with being Christian, either actively or as part of your upbringing. Just because you don't actually have manger or go to midnight mass does not mean that Christmas is secular, for the vast majority of Americans. I mean, I'm an atheist, but I fully acknowledge that the specialness of Christmas (and why I celebrate it with my child) stems from the religious aspects of my upbringing, and the fact that I have a Christian background.

I am an atheist. My husband is an atheist. Our children are atheists. We celebrate Christmas, and we celebrate it as an entirely secular holiday.

For us, Santa is a centerpiece. For anyone who celebrates Christmas as a religious holiday, that statement would be outrageous. The PP who made the claim that Santa is the centerpiece of the Christian holiday of Christmas sounds like someone like me - someone who only celebrates secular Christmas and isn't aware of how many Christians perceive the "commercialization" of Christmas. Which I also think is bogus - when your religion is the dominant one, and you encourage people to join your religion, you don't get to complain when we take the things we like and leave the rest. Or take back, I suppose, for the pagans who are celebrating the solstice.

That's not true at all. Many (most?) families that consider Christmas to be Christian also include Santa, a tree, and gifts as a centerpiece. They're all part of the same holiday.

That is not my experience. While it's a minority of families I know who celebrate Christmas without Santa and reindeer, the christian families consider santa and reindeer as a part of it. The centerpiece is Jesus. They observe advent, have advent calendars, light candles, talk about wisemen and have a nativity. Those are the centerpiece.

[Anonymous]

I guess that some people do not understand that it is difficult to change two hundred years of tradition in a country. It is already changing slowly--some will take longer than others. And, yes, until recently most Americans were overwhelmingly Christian and schools were not concerned about differing religions because it was not a problem. It will change, be patient.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess that some people do not understand that it is difficult to change two hundred years of tradition in a country. It is already changing slowly--some will take longer than others. And, yes, until recently most Americans were overwhelmingly Christian and schools were not concerned about differing religions because it was not a problem. It will change, be patient.

The reason it is changing is because of people, like OP, who is taking the time to point out what needs to be changed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What school is this?

My kids are out of elementary school now, but their schools were always very careful to make everything about winter holiday fun, and never, never did anything directly Christmas related, other than situations where they learned about many different religions and cultures. I’d be curious to know what school is allowing what is described in the OP to happen: it sounds as though they are going backwards instead of forward.

I know, right?! This was never the case when I was younger. I was surprised and kind of sad for her. They did do a thing where parents can come in and talk about your holiday and we did that over Chanukah... but the last three weeks have ONLY been Christmas. I do t want to call the school out, but it’s in DC.

Doesn’t sound like Ga, Tenn, the Deep South, or the Midwest.

It sounds like Oklahoma to me - though they would have thrown the 10 commandments in there too, it’s true.

Ever heard that Moses was Jewish????

Jesus was born Jewish too, so why not celebrate Christmas anyway.

I know, it would be so much easier if these pesky religious minorities just adopted Christianity and its holidays. Then we wouldn't have to worry any of this nonsense.

Well the Jews did kill Jesus, so they need to be especially sensitive to respect Christmas and Easter.

Jesus died for Humanity. Anyone who can read the Bible and miss that idea, that Jesus’ death was both preordained and necessary to bring people back to God, has entirely missed the point.

On the other hand, Christians have massacred Jews and driven them to brink of extinction, because of Christian sinfulness. Yes, we (Christians) need to recognize that while religion and cultural practices related to religion don’t belong (except in the context of unbiased, balanced social studies lessons which is not what OP described at all) in the public schools regardless of the makeup of the class, Jewish families have specific reasons to be wary of attempts by Christians to force their religion and culture on others, and to equate Christianity and nationalism.

I am OP. I can’t believe this thread is 20 pages! There goes religious talk around Christmas for you...
I also am astounded by that horrific antisemetic comment, a myth that perpetuates anti Semitism, and is another reason I need to talk to the teacher. I am just not sure what to say. Maybe someone suggested something in page 8 or 16, but I missed it, lol.

I am pleasantly surprised by all the posters who completly understand my perspective about too much Christmas stuff and why it feels uncomfortable (poster above says it perfectly) and especially the whole nativity thing. She knows a lot about that story: about the wise men, baby Jesus, why they were wise, what they did, etc. This story was explicitly taught to her (Not other 5 or 6 years old talking about it... and no, she does not attend a Spanish immersion school). I think it’s fine she knows, and I learned about it too in spanish class in public school, but i was in high school. I get that it’s part of Spanish culture, but kindergarten seems young and coupled with everything else just seems overkill.

Any suggestions of how I bring up with the teacher.... who as I said was not born in the United States and has another cultural perspective from her home country that is nearly 100% Christian.

[Anonymous]

The "religious nutter" you told to 'GFY' kindly responds...God bless you this holiday season.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What school is this?

My kids are out of elementary school now, but their schools were always very careful to make everything about winter holiday fun, and never, never did anything directly Christmas related, other than situations where they learned about many different religions and cultures. I’d be curious to know what school is allowing what is described in the OP to happen: it sounds as though they are going backwards instead of forward.

I know, right?! This was never the case when I was younger. I was surprised and kind of sad for her. They did do a thing where parents can come in and talk about your holiday and we did that over Chanukah... but the last three weeks have ONLY been Christmas. I do t want to call the school out, but it’s in DC.

Doesn’t sound like Ga, Tenn, the Deep South, or the Midwest.

It sounds like Oklahoma to me - though they would have thrown the 10 commandments in there too, it’s true.

Ever heard that Moses was Jewish????

Jesus was born Jewish too, so why not celebrate Christmas anyway.

I know, it would be so much easier if these pesky religious minorities just adopted Christianity and its holidays. Then we wouldn't have to worry any of this nonsense.

Well the Jews did kill Jesus, so they need to be especially sensitive to respect Christmas and Easter.

Jesus died for Humanity. Anyone who can read the Bible and miss that idea, that Jesus’ death was both preordained and necessary to bring people back to God, has entirely missed the point.

On the other hand, Christians have massacred Jews and driven them to brink of extinction, because of Christian sinfulness. Yes, we (Christians) need to recognize that while religion and cultural practices related to religion don’t belong (except in the context of unbiased, balanced social studies lessons which is not what OP described at all) in the public schools regardless of the makeup of the class, Jewish families have specific reasons to be wary of attempts by Christians to force their religion and culture on others, and to equate Christianity and nationalism.

You are crazy, not Christian.

It was atheist Nazis and Communists who drove Jews to the brink of extinction.

And it is Jews who are returning the favor today to ... Palestinians, of all people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What school is this?

My kids are out of elementary school now, but their schools were always very careful to make everything about winter holiday fun, and never, never did anything directly Christmas related, other than situations where they learned about many different religions and cultures. I’d be curious to know what school is allowing what is described in the OP to happen: it sounds as though they are going backwards instead of forward.

I know, right?! This was never the case when I was younger. I was surprised and kind of sad for her. They did do a thing where parents can come in and talk about your holiday and we did that over Chanukah... but the last three weeks have ONLY been Christmas. I do t want to call the school out, but it’s in DC.

Doesn’t sound like Ga, Tenn, the Deep South, or the Midwest.

It sounds like Oklahoma to me - though they would have thrown the 10 commandments in there too, it’s true.

Ever heard that Moses was Jewish????

Jesus was born Jewish too, so why not celebrate Christmas anyway.

I know, it would be so much easier if these pesky religious minorities just adopted Christianity and its holidays. Then we wouldn't have to worry any of this nonsense.

Well the Jews did kill Jesus, so they need to be especially sensitive to respect Christmas and Easter.

Jesus died for Humanity. Anyone who can read the Bible and miss that idea, that Jesus’ death was both preordained and necessary to bring people back to God, has entirely missed the point.

On the other hand, Christians have massacred Jews and driven them to brink of extinction, because of Christian sinfulness. Yes, we (Christians) need to recognize that while religion and cultural practices related to religion don’t belong (except in the context of unbiased, balanced social studies lessons which is not what OP described at all) in the public schools regardless of the makeup of the class, Jewish families have specific reasons to be wary of attempts by Christians to force their religion and culture on others, and to equate Christianity and nationalism.

I am OP. I can’t believe this thread is 20 pages! There goes religious talk around Christmas for you...
I also am astounded by that horrific antisemetic comment, a myth that perpetuates anti Semitism, and is another reason I need to talk to the teacher. I am just not sure what to say. Maybe someone suggested something in page 8 or 16, but I missed it, lol.

I am pleasantly surprised by all the posters who completly understand my perspective about too much Christmas stuff and why it feels uncomfortable (poster above says it perfectly) and especially the whole nativity thing. She knows a lot about that story: about the wise men, baby Jesus, why they were wise, what they did, etc. This story was explicitly taught to her (Not other 5 or 6 years old talking about it... and no, she does not attend a Spanish immersion school). I think it’s fine she knows, and I learned about it too in spanish class in public school, but i was in high school. I get that it’s part of Spanish culture, but kindergarten seems young and coupled with everything else just seems overkill.

Any suggestions of how I bring up with the teacher.... who as I said was not born in the United States and has another cultural perspective from her home country that is nearly 100% Christian.

I'm a teacher (I posted earlier) and I wouldn't bring it up to the teacher. It is a building-wide issue if a teacher can do so much holiday stuff. He/she isn't alone and likely has a team doing the same lessons. It's the culture in the building. I would just politely say what you said here. Your child felt left out by the overwhelming focus on Christmas. You don't want to exclude her from fun activities but would appreciate balance or swapping out specific religious icons for neutral ones (Rudolph to snowflakes). It may also be worth reaching out to your PTO/PTA and if you are in DCPS your LSAT to share your concerns as those groups often help plan these types of activities or at least have some say in how much is done (but no actual decision making--hence going to the principal first).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What school is this?

My kids are out of elementary school now, but their schools were always very careful to make everything about winter holiday fun, and never, never did anything directly Christmas related, other than situations where they learned about many different religions and cultures. I’d be curious to know what school is allowing what is described in the OP to happen: it sounds as though they are going backwards instead of forward.

I know, right?! This was never the case when I was younger. I was surprised and kind of sad for her. They did do a thing where parents can come in and talk about your holiday and we did that over Chanukah... but the last three weeks have ONLY been Christmas. I do t want to call the school out, but it’s in DC.

Doesn’t sound like Ga, Tenn, the Deep South, or the Midwest.

It sounds like Oklahoma to me - though they would have thrown the 10 commandments in there too, it’s true.

Ever heard that Moses was Jewish????

Jesus was born Jewish too, so why not celebrate Christmas anyway.

I know, it would be so much easier if these pesky religious minorities just adopted Christianity and its holidays. Then we wouldn't have to worry any of this nonsense.

Well the Jews did kill Jesus, so they need to be especially sensitive to respect Christmas and Easter.

Jesus died for Humanity. Anyone who can read the Bible and miss that idea, that Jesus’ death was both preordained and necessary to bring people back to God, has entirely missed the point.

On the other hand, Christians have massacred Jews and driven them to brink of extinction, because of Christian sinfulness. Yes, we (Christians) need to recognize that while religion and cultural practices related to religion don’t belong (except in the context of unbiased, balanced social studies lessons which is not what OP described at all) in the public schools regardless of the makeup of the class, Jewish families have specific reasons to be wary of attempts by Christians to force their religion and culture on others, and to equate Christianity and nationalism.

I am OP. I can’t believe this thread is 20 pages! There goes religious talk around Christmas for you...
I also am astounded by that horrific antisemetic comment, a myth that perpetuates anti Semitism, and is another reason I need to talk to the teacher. I am just not sure what to say. Maybe someone suggested something in page 8 or 16, but I missed it, lol.

I am pleasantly surprised by all the posters who completly understand my perspective about too much Christmas stuff and why it feels uncomfortable (poster above says it perfectly) and especially the whole nativity thing. She knows a lot about that story: about the wise men, baby Jesus, why they were wise, what they did, etc. This story was explicitly taught to her (Not other 5 or 6 years old talking about it... and no, she does not attend a Spanish immersion school). I think it’s fine she knows, and I learned about it too in spanish class in public school, but i was in high school. I get that it’s part of Spanish culture, but kindergarten seems young and coupled with everything else just seems overkill.

Any suggestions of how I bring up with the teacher.... who as I said was not born in the United States and has another cultural perspective from her home country that is nearly 100% Christian.

I'm a teacher (I posted earlier) and I wouldn't bring it up to the teacher. It is a building-wide issue if a teacher can do so much holiday stuff. He/she isn't alone and likely has a team doing the same lessons. It's the culture in the building. I would just politely say what you said here. Your child felt left out by the overwhelming focus on Christmas. You don't want to exclude her from fun activities but would appreciate balance or swapping out specific religious icons for neutral ones (Rudolph to snowflakes). It may also be worth reaching out to your PTO/PTA and if you are in DCPS your LSAT to share your concerns as those groups often help plan these types of activities or at least have some say in how much is done (but no actual decision making--hence going to the principal first).

I don't disagree with you overall, but wouldn't you be annoyed if a parent went straight to the administration without at least talking to you first?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What school is this?

My kids are out of elementary school now, but their schools were always very careful to make everything about winter holiday fun, and never, never did anything directly Christmas related, other than situations where they learned about many different religions and cultures. I’d be curious to know what school is allowing what is described in the OP to happen: it sounds as though they are going backwards instead of forward.

I know, right?! This was never the case when I was younger. I was surprised and kind of sad for her. They did do a thing where parents can come in and talk about your holiday and we did that over Chanukah... but the last three weeks have ONLY been Christmas. I do t want to call the school out, but it’s in DC.

Doesn’t sound like Ga, Tenn, the Deep South, or the Midwest.

It sounds like Oklahoma to me - though they would have thrown the 10 commandments in there too, it’s true.

Ever heard that Moses was Jewish????

Jesus was born Jewish too, so why not celebrate Christmas anyway.

I know, it would be so much easier if these pesky religious minorities just adopted Christianity and its holidays. Then we wouldn't have to worry any of this nonsense.

Well the Jews did kill Jesus, so they need to be especially sensitive to respect Christmas and Easter.

Jesus died for Humanity. Anyone who can read the Bible and miss that idea, that Jesus’ death was both preordained and necessary to bring people back to God, has entirely missed the point.

On the other hand, Christians have massacred Jews and driven them to brink of extinction, because of Christian sinfulness. Yes, we (Christians) need to recognize that while religion and cultural practices related to religion don’t belong (except in the context of unbiased, balanced social studies lessons which is not what OP described at all) in the public schools regardless of the makeup of the class, Jewish families have specific reasons to be wary of attempts by Christians to force their religion and culture on others, and to equate Christianity and nationalism.

I am OP. I can’t believe this thread is 20 pages! There goes religious talk around Christmas for you...
I also am astounded by that horrific antisemetic comment, a myth that perpetuates anti Semitism, and is another reason I need to talk to the teacher. I am just not sure what to say. Maybe someone suggested something in page 8 or 16, but I missed it, lol.

I am pleasantly surprised by all the posters who completly understand my perspective about too much Christmas stuff and why it feels uncomfortable (poster above says it perfectly) and especially the whole nativity thing. She knows a lot about that story: about the wise men, baby Jesus, why they were wise, what they did, etc. This story was explicitly taught to her (Not other 5 or 6 years old talking about it... and no, she does not attend a Spanish immersion school). I think it’s fine she knows, and I learned about it too in spanish class in public school, but i was in high school. I get that it’s part of Spanish culture, but kindergarten seems young and coupled with everything else just seems overkill.

Any suggestions of how I bring up with the teacher.... who as I said was not born in the United States and has another cultural perspective from her home country that is nearly 100% Christian.

I'm a teacher (I posted earlier) and I wouldn't bring it up to the teacher. It is a building-wide issue if a teacher can do so much holiday stuff. He/she isn't alone and likely has a team doing the same lessons. It's the culture in the building. I would just politely say what you said here. Your child felt left out by the overwhelming focus on Christmas. You don't want to exclude her from fun activities but would appreciate balance or swapping out specific religious icons for neutral ones (Rudolph to snowflakes). It may also be worth reaching out to your PTO/PTA and if you are in DCPS your LSAT to share your concerns as those groups often help plan these types of activities or at least have some say in how much is done (but no actual decision making--hence going to the principal first).

I don't disagree with you overall, but wouldn't you be annoyed if a parent went straight to the administration without at least talking to you first?

Normally, yes, but I would also be more defensive if I was part of a team and following school culture. If it was something the teacher was clearly doing on her own, for sure go to her first. But this sounds like a team effort that's more school culture than individual teacher. Of course it never hurts to go to the teacher first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What school is this?

My kids are out of elementary school now, but their schools were always very careful to make everything about winter holiday fun, and never, never did anything directly Christmas related, other than situations where they learned about many different religions and cultures. I’d be curious to know what school is allowing what is described in the OP to happen: it sounds as though they are going backwards instead of forward.

I know, right?! This was never the case when I was younger. I was surprised and kind of sad for her. They did do a thing where parents can come in and talk about your holiday and we did that over Chanukah... but the last three weeks have ONLY been Christmas. I do t want to call the school out, but it’s in DC.

Doesn’t sound like Ga, Tenn, the Deep South, or the Midwest.

It sounds like Oklahoma to me - though they would have thrown the 10 commandments in there too, it’s true.

Ever heard that Moses was Jewish????

Jesus was born Jewish too, so why not celebrate Christmas anyway.

I know, it would be so much easier if these pesky religious minorities just adopted Christianity and its holidays. Then we wouldn't have to worry any of this nonsense.

Well the Jews did kill Jesus, so they need to be especially sensitive to respect Christmas and Easter.

Jesus died for Humanity. Anyone who can read the Bible and miss that idea, that Jesus’ death was both preordained and necessary to bring people back to God, has entirely missed the point.

On the other hand, Christians have massacred Jews and driven them to brink of extinction, because of Christian sinfulness. Yes, we (Christians) need to recognize that while religion and cultural practices related to religion don’t belong (except in the context of unbiased, balanced social studies lessons which is not what OP described at all) in the public schools regardless of the makeup of the class, Jewish families have specific reasons to be wary of attempts by Christians to force their religion and culture on others, and to equate Christianity and nationalism.

You are crazy, not Christian.

It was atheist Nazis and Communists who drove Jews to the brink of extinction.

And it is Jews who are returning the favor today to ... Palestinians, of all people.

The Crusades? The Spanish Inquisition? Cossacks? Blood Libel? Polish and Lithuanian (etc., etc.) willing executioners in WWII. All Christians.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What school is this?

My kids are out of elementary school now, but their schools were always very careful to make everything about winter holiday fun, and never, never did anything directly Christmas related, other than situations where they learned about many different religions and cultures. I’d be curious to know what school is allowing what is described in the OP to happen: it sounds as though they are going backwards instead of forward.

I know, right?! This was never the case when I was younger. I was surprised and kind of sad for her. They did do a thing where parents can come in and talk about your holiday and we did that over Chanukah... but the last three weeks have ONLY been Christmas. I do t want to call the school out, but it’s in DC.

Doesn’t sound like Ga, Tenn, the Deep South, or the Midwest.

It sounds like Oklahoma to me - though they would have thrown the 10 commandments in there too, it’s true.

Ever heard that Moses was Jewish????

Jesus was born Jewish too, so why not celebrate Christmas anyway.

I know, it would be so much easier if these pesky religious minorities just adopted Christianity and its holidays. Then we wouldn't have to worry any of this nonsense.

Well the Jews did kill Jesus, so they need to be especially sensitive to respect Christmas and Easter.

Jesus died for Humanity. Anyone who can read the Bible and miss that idea, that Jesus’ death was both preordained and necessary to bring people back to God, has entirely missed the point.

On the other hand, Christians have massacred Jews and driven them to brink of extinction, because of Christian sinfulness. Yes, we (Christians) need to recognize that while religion and cultural practices related to religion don’t belong (except in the context of unbiased, balanced social studies lessons which is not what OP described at all) in the public schools regardless of the makeup of the class, Jewish families have specific reasons to be wary of attempts by Christians to force their religion and culture on others, and to equate Christianity and nationalism.

You are crazy, not Christian.

It was atheist Nazis and Communists who drove Jews to the brink of extinction.

And it is Jews who are returning the favor today to ... Palestinians, of all people.

Jews aren’t doing it: Israel is. There are plenty of Jews around the world (me included) who detest Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians.

[jsteele]

Much to everyone's surprise, I'm sure, this thread has gone completely off the rails. I'll put it out of everyone's misery.