I just watched the latest episode of Abbott Elementary, and it struck a deeply personal chord. In this episode, Barbara decides to transform the school's Christmas program into a winter program so that one of her students, who doesn’t celebrate Christmas, can participate. The storyline brought up bittersweet memories of my own childhood when I was teased for not celebrating holidays: “Santa doesn’t like you,” and similar taunts echoed in my mind as I watched the episode.
What I found most impactful was how Barbara handled the situation. She didn’t make a spectacle of the student’s differences or demand that the child explain why she didn’t celebrate. Instead, she treated the matter with quiet dignity and empathy, gently reminding her class that “we are all nice in Kindergarten.” When the student expressed sadness over not being able to perform on stage, Barbara simply adjusted the program so that everyone could participate.
Of course, there was backlash from the administration and PTA. But Barbara stood her ground, demonstrating the importance of inclusivity over tradition. The result? A program that parents genuinely enjoyed. The decorations and logistics weren’t the focus—what mattered was the joy and effort of the children.
As a parent, I’ve attended my fair share of school programs. I’ve never heard another parent say, “Wow, those decorations were phenomenal.” Instead, we rave about the kids. Whether they’re singing off-key or missing a step in the choreography, it’s their effort and happiness that shine through.
This episode reminded me that inclusivity doesn’t have to be about making a big statement—it can be as simple as creating space for everyone to feel like they belong. And sometimes, that quiet advocacy can leave the most lasting impression.
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