Celebrating Christmas and the End of Year in Early Childhood Education

Answering all your Christmas in Childcare Questions

By BEST Childcare Consulting

Keeping the Magic, Meaning, and Mindfulness Alive

As the year draws to a close, the air fills with excitement, gratitude, and a gentle sense of wonder — especially for the children in our care. In early childhood education, this time of year offers a magical opportunity to pause, celebrate, and connect — to recognise growth, nurture joy, and honour the diverse traditions that make each child, family, and educator unique.

At BEST Childcare Consulting, we believe the spirit of Christmas and the end of the year isn’t just about tinsel and gifts — it’s about belonging, kindness, and community. It’s the sparkle in a child’s eyes when they create something meaningful with their own hands; it’s families coming together to share their cultures, foods, and stories; and it’s educators taking a quiet moment to reflect on the difference they’ve made.

When planned with care, end-of-year celebrations can keep the magic of Christmas alive for children while honouring the rich cultural diversity of Australian communities — including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and global traditions of light, renewal, and gratitude. These moments can be both joyful and deeply respectful, helping services demonstrate genuine commitment to inclusion, sustainability, and the Exceeding themes of the National Quality Standard.

This guide answers every question you’ve ever had about celebrating the festive season in early childhood — ethically, inclusively, and beautifully — while preserving the wonder and warmth that make childhood magical.

Are We Allowed to Celebrate Christmas?

Yes — services can celebrate Christmas and end-of-year occasions, provided they do so in a way that is inclusive, ethical, and respectful of all cultures and beliefs. Under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), celebrations should focus on the values of belonging, being, and becoming — not on promoting any one religious tradition.

Christmas, for many Australian families, is both a cultural and social event. It’s a time to reflect, connect, and express gratitude. However, it’s also important to recognise that not all families celebrate Christmas, or they may do so differently. The goal for educators is to create shared meaning — celebrations that help all children feel recognised and valued.

The best approach is to:

Seek family input about traditions, foods, and stories.
Focus on universal values — giving, kindness, togetherness, reflection.
Avoid mandatory participation in any specific custom.
Keep documentation (family consultation records, curriculum reflections) to show how your planning promotes inclusion and agency.

Are We Allowed to Make Crafts and Gifts?

Yes, but with a focus on authentic, ethical, and sustainable practice. When every child’s “gift” looks identical, it can unintentionally diminish children’s agency. Instead, gifts should be led by children’s choices, creativity, and voice.

Ethical and Sustainable Gift Ideas

Plant Something to Give: Children plant a small herb or native seedling in a reused jar, decorating the label with their own drawings.
Recycled Creations: Use cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, or bottle lids to make sculptures or “kindness art.”
Clay and Natural Ornaments: Encourage free design using local clay or salt dough coloured with food-based dyes.
Photo Memory Pebbles: Print a small photo of the child and attach it to a painted rock as a keepsake.
Gratitude Books: Children dictate or draw what they are thankful for this year — a meaningful and individualised reflection piece.
Upcycled Fabric Wraps: Instead of paper, children decorate squares of reused fabric for families to wrap gifts sustainably.

See examples:

Clean Up Australia – Sustainable Craft Ideas
Cool Australia – Ethical and Sustainable Christmas Activities
Planet Ark – Make It Merry and Sustainable https://planetark.com/newsroom/news/how-to-be-thrifty-savvy-and-sustainable-this-festive-season

How do we include Other Cultures and Traditions?

End-of-year celebrations in Australian early childhood settings offer a valuable opportunity to embrace cultural diversity and nurture a sense of belonging for all children. The most important aspect is to consult with your community and ensure you are accurately and respectfully including their true needs. Instead of focusing solely on Christmas, services can explore global traditions of light, renewal, and gratitude that occur around the same time of year.
ACECQA – Inclusion and Diversity in Practice https://www.acecqa.gov.au/resources/practice-topic/inclusion-and-diversity

For example, educators could introduce Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, through colourful rangoli art using flower petals or chalk powder, while reading children’s books such as “Binny’s Diwali” by Thrity Umrigar.
Children’s Library Lady – “Binny’s Diwali” Storytime Ideas https://www.childrenslibrarylady.com/binnys-diwali-activities-lesson-plan-ideas/

For Hanukkah, children could experiment with shadow and light play using torches or battery candles while discussing family togetherness and the meaning of light across cultures.
PBS Kids – Hanukkah Activities and Resources for Children https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/hanukkah-for-kids

Kwanzaa, a celebration of African heritage and creativity, can inspire collaborative group art focusing on unity and community.
Scholastic – Teaching Kwanzaa Through Art and Music https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/teach-children-about-kwanzaa/

Chinese families may recognise Dongzhi, celebrating the winter solstice with food and family — children can explore dough play, pretend soup kitchens, or sensory tubs that represent warmth and sharing.
China Highlights – Dongzhi Festival Traditions https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/dongzhi-festival.htm

Bodhi Day (Buddhist) offers an opportunity to introduce mindfulness and reflection activities, like painting calm “gratitude rocks” or practicing quiet moments under a “peace tree.”
BBC Teach – Bodhi Day Explained for Children https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/religious-studies-ks1-bodhi-day/znph7nb

Services can also invite families to contribute ideas for end-of-year reflection — perhaps a “Traditions Tree”, where each family adds a photo or symbol representing something meaningful in their culture.
Be You – Celebrating Diversity in Early Learning https://beyou.edu.au/resources/tools-and-guides/diversity-inclusion

Through these shared experiences, children learn that there are many ways to celebrate connection and kindness, helping to build empathy and global awareness.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives on Christmas and New Year

For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the end of the year is less about Western commercial celebrations and more about connection to Country, family, community gatherings, and renewal.

Many communities mark this season through mob gatherings, family reunions, feasts, and reflection on ancestors and land. In the Torres Strait Islands, the Christmas and New Year period is a vibrant time featuring island hymns, dance, and tombstone-opening ceremonies — community events that celebrate both remembrance and joy. (BW Tribal – Christmas in the Torres Strait Islands)

Food and nature are central. Indigenous families may share bush foods such as native herbs, berries, seafood, and damper, combining tradition with sustainability. (Indigenous.gov.au – Celebrating Christmas with Bush Food)

Educators can include these perspectives by:

Inviting local Elders or community members to share stories or traditional songs.
Exploring seasonal cycles and how summer gatherings connect with Country.
Holding an Acknowledgement of Country at end-of-year events, recognising the traditional custodians of the land.
Incorporating bush-tucker tastings, plant growing, or native seed art as part of celebrations.
Discussing how Indigenous communities celebrate with family, music, and nature — not just gifts or decorations.

Wingaru Education – Traditional Ceremonies & Gatherings
BW Tribal – Acknowledging Country This Christmas

These approaches help services respectfully embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in holiday programming — promoting reconciliation and cultural competence through authentic learning experiences.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander–Inspired Craft and Gift Ideas

Integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into festive crafts supports reconciliation, cultural respect, and environmental stewardship. Always approach these activities as learning about culture, not reproducing sacred or ceremonial art. Where possible, consult with local Elders or Aboriginal educators.

Examples of Culturally-Inspired, Sustainable Activities:

Native Plant Gift Pots: Plant local bush foods or native flowers (with permission) — label using Aboriginal language words for “earth,” “water,” or “life” sourced from AIATSIS language maps.
Ochre or Earth Paint Art: Make natural pigments from soil, charcoal, and water for painting wrapping paper or cards — linking art to Country and sustainability.
Shell or Seed Mobiles: Collect shells, gum nuts, and native seeds to create hanging mobiles representing connection to land and sea.
Torres Strait Islander Weaving and Patterns: Use recycled paper or raffia to weave simple mats or bracelets inspired by Torres Strait weaving techniques — focus on patterns and storytelling, not ceremonial forms.
“My Country” Keepsake Stones: Children decorate small rocks with natural paints, showing their favourite places or land features they feel connected to.
Cultural Story Stones or Tiles: Paint symbols from Dreaming stories shared with permission by local Elders, using them as storytelling prompts in the classroom.
Bush Food Recipe Cards: Work with families to write or draw favourite recipes using native ingredients (lemon myrtle, wattle seed, quandong) and create a “Community Bush Food Booklet.”
Sea and Sky Collages (Torres Strait Focus): Use recycled paper and ocean hues to depict the sea, wind, and stars important to Torres Strait culture.

Useful Resources:

BEST Tip:
Use these projects as child-led explorations of connection, care, and Country — not as decorations to be mass-produced. Add reflections in your QIP showing how activities promote sustainability, reconciliation, and creativity.

End-of-Year Parties and Celebrations

Yes — end-of-year celebrations and parties are allowed, but they should be child-focused, inclusive, and ethically mindful. Rather than centring on a “Christmas concert” that not all families may relate to, many services are shifting toward “Celebrations of Learning,” “Community Picnics,” or “Thank You Days.” These events reflect the entire year’s achievements and community connections rather than one tradition.

Ideas for Inclusive End-of-Year Events

“Around the World Celebration”: Each room represents a different cultural tradition (Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, etc.) with art, music, or food tastings.
Family Picnic in the Park: Sustainable catering (BYO reusable plates, no balloons), with recycled decorations made by children.
Gratitude Garden Gathering: Families contribute a small plant to add to a communal garden — representing growth and togetherness.
Child-Led Learning Exhibition: Children choose their favourite artwork, photo, or memory to display; families walk through “learning stations.”

Useful links

Kids in Nature Network – Nature Play Celebrations https://www.kidsinnaturenetwork.org.au

Sustainability Victoria Sustainability Victoria – Eco-Friendly Party Tips

What About Father Christmas?

The figure of Father Christmas or Santa can be included ethically and imaginatively, provided participation is optional and respectful. Some families embrace Santa as a fun, imaginative story; others may prefer to focus on gratitude and kindness instead.

To handle this inclusively:

Frame Santa as one of many cultural traditions rather than a central figure.
Invite families to share their views — some may not wish their child to engage with Santa-related activities.
Encourage educators to explore “gift-giving” as an act of kindness rather than commercialism.
Offer alternative activities like writing thank-you letters, storytelling about kindness heroes, or exploring how children around the world celebrate generosity.

Sustainably, consider avoiding disposable Santa costumes or commercial “photo booths.” Instead, create a Story Corner of Giving, with recycled fabrics, books like “The Giving Tree” or “Last Stop on Market Street”, and a space where children can role-play acts of kindness rather than product-based gifting.

See:

Are We Allowed to Give Staff Gifts?

Yes — services may give gifts to staff, provided it is done transparently, fairly, and within budgetary and ethical guidelines. Gifts should never create feelings of exclusion or financial pressure among team members. Many services now choose collective recognition over individual material gifts.

Ethical and Inclusive Gift Ideas:

Sustainability-Based Gifts: Donate native plants, reusable coffee cups, or eco-starter kits.
Personalised Notes of Gratitude: Each leader or peer writes a short reflection for every educator, sharing appreciation and highlights from the year.
Experience Vouchers: A team movie night, local café voucher, or wellness session instead of a physical item.
Professional Development Tokens: Offer educators a self-chosen PD session or resource for next year’s goals.
Charity Contributions: Services can pool funds to donate to a cause chosen by the team — reflecting community responsibility.

Resources and Inspiration:

Can We Do End-of-Year Staff Parties and Celebrations?

Yes — staff parties are allowed and can be a wonderful way to close the year, provided they uphold professional boundaries, cultural sensitivity, and equity. The goal is to celebrate safely, inclusively, and in line with the service’s code of conduct and alcohol policies. The end of the year is also a time to recognise the dedication and resilience of educators and leaders. Thoughtful staff acknowledgment can strengthen morale and belonging — but just like children’s celebrations, these gestures should align with ethical, inclusive, and sustainable practice. Whether through a shared lunch, a tree-planting day, or a gratitude ceremony, ethical end-of-year celebrations show that excellence in early childhood education includes caring for the adults who make it possible.

Tips for an Ethical and Inclusive Celebration:

Inclusive Timing: Hold the event during paid hours or in a way that accommodates family and cultural commitments (e.g., a brunch or lunch rather than an evening event).
Safe and Respectful: Reinforce service policies around respectful conduct and alcohol consumption.
Venue Choice: Support local community spaces or sustainable venues (parks, gardens, eco-cafés) rather than commercial or high-cost locations.
Food Inclusivity: Offer culturally diverse, vegetarian, and allergy-friendly options.
Acknowledgment and Gratitude: Use the event to share reflections, recognise achievements, and celebrate growth — not just to exchange gifts.
Sustainable Decorations: Avoid single-use plastics or balloons; use recycled bunting, fairy lights, and natural décor.
Reflective Moment: Include a small gratitude circle or “year in review” slideshow to celebrate team milestones.

Guidance:

Safe Work Australia – End-of-Year Celebrations Guidance https://www.business.gov.au/news/how-to-have-a-safe-and-happy-work-party
Reconciliation Australia – Inclusive Workplace Events

QIP Write-Ups

QA1 – Educational Program and Practice

Goal Achieved: The program reflected authentic, inclusive, and sustainable learning experiences that promoted children’s agency, creativity, and cultural connection.

Embedded Practice: Educators embedded opportunities for children to lead festive projects, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander–inspired activities such as ochre art, bush-food planting, and Torres Strait weaving patterns.
Critical Reflection: Teams critically reflected on how traditional Christmas crafts could be redesigned to support reconciliation, inclusion, and environmental awareness.
Meaningful Engagement: Families contributed cultural stories and sustainable craft ideas, helping children understand different ways of celebrating connection, gratitude, and giving.

QA2 – Children’s Health and Safety

Goal Achieved: End-of-year experiences supported children’s emotional wellbeing and social safety.

Embedded Practice: Educators ensured festivities were calm, inclusive, and focused on belonging, not performance or competition.
Critical Reflection: Teams reviewed event procedures to ensure safety, inclusion, and accessibility for all families and children.
Meaningful Engagement: Families were informed of plans in advance, with opportunities to share dietary, sensory, or cultural preferences to ensure all children could participate confidently.

QA3 – Physical Environment

Goal Achieved: The environment reflected sustainability, cultural respect, and community connection.

Embedded Practice: Educators used natural and recycled materials for decorations and gifts, promoting environmental responsibility.
Critical Reflection: The team reviewed purchasing practices and eliminated single-use decorations in favour of reusable, child-created designs.
Meaningful Engagement: Children planted native herbs and bush tucker plants to gift families, connecting learning to Country and sustainability.

QA4 – Staffing Arrangements

Goal Achieved: End-of-year practices promoted fairness, wellbeing, and inclusion across all staffing roles.

Embedded Practice: Staffing and celebrations were planned to ensure all educators—permanent, casual, and relief—were acknowledged and included.
Critical Reflection: The team reflected on equitable workloads, wellbeing, and how end-of-year practices can model professional respect.
Meaningful Engagement: Educators collaborated in planning staff events and recognition, strengthening team culture and shared appreciation.

QA5 – Relationships with Children

Goal Achieved: Relationships strengthened through shared celebration and recognition of each child’s uniqueness.

Embedded Practice: Educators listened to children’s ideas about celebration and supported them in designing their own gifts and displays.
Critical Reflection: Educators discussed how to move from adult-directed to child-led celebrations that honoured children’s voices and cultures.
Meaningful Engagement: Children expressed belonging through storytelling, gratitude journals, and cultural activities that reflected their identities and experiences.

QA6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities

Goal Achieved: The service strengthened partnerships through inclusive celebration planning and meaningful engagement with community and culture.

Embedded Practice: Families were invited to share end-of-year customs, songs, and recipes, creating a “Traditions Tree” that represented community diversity.
Critical Reflection: The team reflected on feedback to ensure future events better represented Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and multicultural perspectives.
Meaningful Engagement: Local Elders and community groups participated in storytelling, bush-food planting, and music, embedding cultural learning across the program.

QA7 – Governance and Leadership

Goal Achieved: Leadership demonstrated ethical, inclusive, and sustainable governance in celebration planning and staff recognition.

Embedded Practice: Policies on events and gifts included sustainability, fairness, and cultural inclusivity principles. Leadership modelled ethical gifting practices and environmentally responsible planning.
Critical Reflection: Teams reviewed how workplace celebrations and staff appreciation aligned with service philosophy, WHS, and psychosocial wellbeing obligations.
Meaningful Engagement: Staff collaborated to design an inclusive end-of-year event reflecting gratitude, respect, and belonging, strengthening team cohesion and morale.

BEST Childcare Consulting

At BEST Childcare Consulting, we believe end-of-year celebrations should reflect community, culture, and conscience. By combining sustainability with cultural inclusion, your service not only meets compliance expectations — it embodies Exceeding practice through genuine respect, reflection, and connection. Celebrate ethically. Reflect meaningfully. Exceed proudly.