Public school caters to Christian holiday

December 22, 2008 • written by The Packer staff  
Filed under Opinion

        Walking down the hallway, Christmas carols ring through the music department, “holiday” cookies appear in the commons and two extravagant Christmas displays are showcased: one in front of the office and one in the display case under the stairs.

        These displays cater specifically to the Christian holiday of Christmas, boasting Christmas trees with lights and ornaments, presents from Santa Claus, a “Naughty and Nice” list and even a faux fireplace with stockings hung with care.

        With such a diverse population at our school, we should be showcasing other unique holidays, such Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Eid. Instead of only displaying Christmas decorations, the display case could exhibit holidays from around the world, or showcase a different holiday each week of December. It is rather disheartening that many students aren’t even aware of the customs and traditions of these different holidays when they’re being raised in the most diverse nation in the world.

        Some students at West Fargo might not even know the other holidays that occur during the Christmas season. Kwanzaa, a holiday from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, honors the African heritage. The week consists of lighting candles, giving gifts, having a feast and remembering the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. These principles are unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. All of these principles are worth learning about, even if somebody is Christian and celebrates Christmas.

        Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday that runs for eight days, is probably more well-known among students. A Hanukkah tradition is to light the menorah, one candle each night for eight nights. Songs are sung, prayers are told and gifts are given.

        Eid ul-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. “Eid” is Arabic for “festivities” and “ul-Fitr” means “to break the feast.” Muslims have Eid decorations in their homes, yet Muslim students come to school each day in December to see only Christian decorations.

        A public school, which is open to students of all religions and beliefs, should offer decorations for holidays of all religions. We should not limit ourselves to the majority and solely support Christian holidays. In the month of December, with winter break approaching and excitement rising, all students at West Fargo should anticipate their holidays with decorations school-wide.