Many educators want to teach about Christmas but are afraid to do so. Their fear usually stems from complaints they have had (or think they will have) from parents, administrators, or colleagues. The good news is that schools and teachers CAN teach about the religious aspects of holidays as an essential part of learning about American culture. 

Downloadable Lesson Plan

Teach your students the Christmas Story and its impact on history, culture, and values. The lesson is a paraphrase, with explanation, adapted from the Bible’s book of Luke chapters 1-2 and Matthew chapter 2. It is designed to look like a textbook lesson. It includes explanations of terms we use today in the story and sidebars, explaining how the story connects to history, art, literature, and culture.

Part of a Student’s Education
In the case of Florey v. Sioux Falls School District, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, upheld the constitutionality of the school’s policy on religious holidays. The policy stated:
”Music, art, literature, and drama with religious themes or basis are permitted as part of the curriculum for school-sponsored activities and programs if presented prudently and objectively and as a traditional part of the cultural and religious heritage of the particular holiday.”

Reading the Christmas Story
In Stone v. Graham, the Supreme Court stated, “The Bible may constitutionally be used in an appropriate study of history, civilization, ethics, comparative religion, or the like.”

State Standards and Christmas

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s guidelines on students’ religious liberties (www.ed.gov), your students have the right to express themselves regarding their personal beliefs freely. Click the link below to see what your state standards say about Christmas.

State Standards and Christmas

RESOURCES:
Other Gateways Christmas Resources
Give “Christmas Story for Teacher” to educators. It is an eight-page booklet designed to look like a greeting card. It uses a humorous story to explain what can legally be done at Christmas. It includes a model policy, quotes from court cases, and lesson plan ideas.