¶ Happy Holidays in Ohio
I’m surprised how Ohio public schools deal with Christmas versus Utah public schools. In Utah (Provo, no less), the schools were very, very careful to be very inclusive: the kids sang just as many Hanukkah songs as Christmas ones. Official publications never, in my recollection, mentioned “Christmas” but used instead “Holidays.” Despite a demographic topping 90% Mormon, Provo city schools went overboard to be non-denominational and secular.
Ohio? Ha. My kids have learned no Hanukkah songs and never mentioned non-celebrations. Elizabeth brought home a worksheet that looked appropriately secular, “Holiday Traditions” but when it got down to details was less inclusive: “What is your favorite Christmas tradition?”
Around here, we’ve opted for the neologism coined by our friend and collaborator, Nate Hale: Smappy Schmolidays.
11 December 2007