Setting is a Unitarian Universalist Sunday school classroom. The teacher is Ms. Dennis. One day Ms. Dennis tells them they are going to sing a song in the Winter concert, so they need to choose a song. Taylor suggests "the Little Drummer Boy"  Alex does not like this idea because Alex is Jewish. Alex suggests singing "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel". But Avery, who is not religious does not want to sing a song about Hannukah. River suggests they sing "Rudolf the red nosed reindeer". the children are excited except Mako. Mako says she does not know that song because she does not celebrate Christmas. The other children ask Mako to just sit out. Ms. Dennis tells them no, they are not going to exclude someone. Ms. Dennis tells the children find something they have in common, and asks them to bring an item that symbolizes the holidays they celebrate. When the children return, Avery brought a red, a blue, and a gold candle Avery's family celebrates Human Light, the candles represent, reason, compassion & hope. Jordan brings a Kinara his family celebrates Kwanzaa they light the candles to symbolize their community. Taylor brings a star from his Christmas tree. He explains that he celebrates Christmas and that the star is a reminder of the North Star the wise men followed to find Jesus. Mako brings a Bodi tree with lights. Mako's her family celebrates Bodi day, the day when the Buddha achieved enlightenment the lights on the tree represent the path to enlightenment. Alex brings a Menorah,  Alex's family celebrates Hannukah, and the candles symbolize light's triumph over dark. River brings in a crown made of holly candles sticking out of it. her family celebrates Winter Solstice & the return of the sun. Ms. Dennis says all their celebrations revolve around light and the symbol of the Unitarian Universalist Church is a flaming chalice, each of the children have a light inside of them. River suggests they sing "This little light of mine" for the winter concert. Everyone agrees.

A song for everyone

Ms. Dennis standing in a Sunday school classroom, smiling as she talks to Taylor and Alex who look thoughtful

In the Sunday school classroom, Ms. Dennis announced an exciting news. They were going to sing a song at the Winter concert. Taylor quickly suggested "The Little Drummer Boy". But Alex didn't like the idea because Alex is Jewish. Alex suggested "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel", but Avery, who wasn't religious, didn't want to sing a song about Hannukah.

Choosing the Song

River with a hopeful expression, suggesting a song in a classroom, while Mako looks uncertain

River then suggested "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer", which excited everyone except Mako. Mako said she didn't know that song because she didn't celebrate Christmas. The other children suggested Mako could just sit out. Ms. Dennis shook her head and said they should not exclude anyone. She asked the children to find something they all had in common and bring an item that symbolizes their holiday celebrations.

Different Celebrations

Avery holding red, blue, and gold candles, Jordan showing a Kinara, and Taylor holding a star, all smiling

The next day, the children returned with their items. Avery brought red, blue, and gold candles from Human Light, symbolizing reason, compassion, and hope. Jordan showed a Kinara for Kwanzaa, symbolizing community. Taylor brought a star from his Christmas tree, representing the North Star. Mako brought a Bodi tree with lights, symbolizing enlightenment.

Sharing Traditions

Alex holding a Menorah, River with a holly crown, and Ms. Dennis smiling warmly, a sense of unity in the room

Alex shared a Menorah for Hannukah, symbolizing light's triumph over darkness. River brought a holly crown with candles for Winter Solstice, celebrating the return of the sun. Ms. Dennis noticed all their celebrations revolved around light. She explained that the Unitarian Universalist Church's symbol is a flaming chalice. River then suggested they sing "This Little Light of Mine" for the concert, and everyone agreed happily.