Patch Blog: Merry ______

A few years back a directive was sent out to all teachers in Glendale schools to guard against endorsing any particular religion in “acknowledging the December holidays.”

I remember questioning then, as I do now, what constitutes an “endorsement” of religion? I understand a school district attempting to avoid even the semblance of religious proselytizing, but I am also aware of the tendency of public agencies to bend over backwards in this area so as not to offend any group or any individual, lest any child in our schools be misled or confused.

I must tell you though that at a personal and a professional level, I have no problem with conveying the spirit of Christmas to impressionable young minds without thinking that I’m trying to convert them to any particular religion.

Christmas in school was, when I was a student, when I was teacher, and is now in my retirement, a time of year that I wish(ed) would carry forward throughout the year...

In my 36 years of teaching I never encountered or remotely detected, a single student who felt put upon or proselytized by references to the holiday that approached at this time of year.    

What I did see, and what is imprinted on my mind every December, are kids who are more giving, kinder/more thoughtful and more loving.  

Whether that spirit is conveyed in the family, in the church, or in our schools, it is something we should promote and celebrate all year long.