My child’s school is putting on a holiday concert. My main complaint is the way the music teacher plans to celebrate every ethnic holiday without celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. He is planning to sing the dreidel song, a song about poinsettias for Las Posadas, a song about Kwanza, and then “Santa Clause is Coming to Town”. When I suggested “Away in a Manger”, he said that he was sticking with his original program. It is either a time to recognize all holidays or it isn’t.
Teachers work hard to find an acceptable balance while still tapping into the fun of the holidays for all children. I have a feeling your question will stir quite a reaction, both from those who agree with you and those who don’t, but I must admit that I feel for the teacher in all of this. His is a tough job: please everyone. As much as I am sure he would like to, it just isn’t possible.
Your music teacher is obviously trying to touch upon those holidays celebrated by all children. Rather than focusing on what he isn’t including, look at what he is. The dreidel song does not address the religious significance of Hanukkah, it is a song about something children play with as the holiday approaches. The Santa Clause song is a fun staple many children associate with the Christmas holiday. These titles suggest to me that we are talking about very young children who just need a chance to sing and learn about celebrations.
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