Holidays and Holy Days
A Whole Year of Celebrations

By Charlene Brotman, Barbara Marshman, and Ann Fields

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Theme and Description

In this program, participants learn about the origins and meanings of holiday and holy day celebrations. The authors state, "Holidays are the natural, age-old vehicle of religious socialization. Their festivities tell a story which children absorb with delight, through experiences far more than through words. Decorations, colors, costumes, dances, lights, songs, foods, festivity, gifts, excitement, pageantry, solemnity, ceremony, and ritual: it is of these that tradition is woven, that memories, beliefs, values, fears, hopes, and reverence are transmitted. A holiday is not something to talk about . . . it's something to DO." The program is divided into three calendar sections: fall, winter, and spring.

Goals for Participants

To become aware of values that Unitarian Universalists find important;
To learn that celebrating is part of a universal response to life;
To honor the diversity and particularity of cultural tradition and the commonality of the human condition;
To develop an interest in and an understanding of the ethnic traditions of our world neighbors;
To "meet" some of the heroes and heroines of our liberal tradition;
To become acquainted with a few great religious events, stories, myths, and persons;
To have opportunities for expressions of social concern.

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Age Range

8-9

Size of Group

5 to 15 (although larger groups are manageable with adequate leadership)

Space Requirements

A medium- to large-sized room for discussions and activities. Occasional use of a kitchen is necessary.

Number and Length of Sessions

1 session per holiday, with more than 30 holidays included in the program
Length: Approximately one hour

Leader Training

Individualized training for teaching this program is not required, but leaders should have a knowledge and understanding of the developmental characteristics of elementary-age children. Teaching experience is desirable. Participation in a training workshop for teaching elementary children is essential for the inexperienced leader.

Leader Preparation

2 to 4 hours per session, possibly longer for some sessions

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Strengths

Offers stimulating, participant-centered activities that hold the children's interest.
Self-contained session plans make erratic attendance more manageable.
Includes enough material to allow leaders to tailor activities individually.
Relates each celebration to a specific Unitarian Universalist value or belief.
Includes clear, well-illustrated directions for each activity.
Suggests intergenerational involvement for each celebration.
Includes a leader's guide and a "Planning Ahead" page for each session.
Contains excellent illustrations throughout.

Limitations

Makes little effort to help children with the concepts of and beliefs about God: even though many of the religious holy days acknowledge and celebrate God in some way.
Offers few time estimates for steps within the session, which may create planning difficulties for beginning teachers.
Leaves little time for expressions of reverence, empathy, and personal aspiration.
Leaders may want to raise for discussion patriarchal concepts of God, which are common to several religious groups.

Adaptability

Can be adapted to varying numbers of participants across a wide age range, including intergenerational groupings.
Selected holidays can be celebrated in camp and conference settings, on retreats, and on family weekends.

Unitarian Universalist Values

A specific value, or "belief," is stated for each holiday celebration. That belief is acknowledged and celebrated by the participants as they reenact the holiday or holy day. All the Unitarian Universalist Principles are addressed in some way during the program.

Reviewed on June 30, 1996

Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100