At Kalexedy Learning Center, we believe that holidays are more than just a day on the calendar—they’re opportunities for learning, cultural exploration, and, of course, fun! While many schools stick to traditional celebrations, we take a broader approach, embracing both common and uncommon holidays with a multicultural twist. Whether it’s a well-known festivity or a lesser-known cultural tradition, we love finding creative ways to bring learning into the celebration.
For us, holidays aren’t just about parties and decorations; they’re a chance to explore history, culture, art, and even science in hands-on ways. A celebration might lead to a deep dive into the historical roots of a holiday, a cooking activity featuring traditional foods, or a math and science connection that surprises everyone. The beauty of our approach is that no two years are exactly the same—there’s always something new to discover, and we love the excitement that comes with exploring traditions from around the world.
Our Halloween decorations were epic this last year. We created a wall-sized gratitude tree for November with real leaves. We had a ton of fun sharing our winter holiday traditions with each other through decorating and exchanging holiday cards with families around the country! We all went shopping together and purchased gifts for Project Just Because and donated them as a group. New Years was focused on setting goals. It was a wonderful experience for everyone. Between Valentine's Day, Black History Month, Lunar New Year, Women's History Month, AAPI Month, everyone's birthdays -- you name it, we're celebrating it.
Recently, we hosted our Valentine’s Teen Night Out, a special event designed for our 12- to 17-year-olds. Instead of the typical classroom exchange of cards and candy, our teens got to celebrate in a way that truly fit their age group—playing games, crafting, and capturing fun memories with friends. It was a night filled with laughter, creativity, and connection, all wrapped up in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. Events like this provide a space where students can relax, bond, and enjoy a holiday in a way that feels meaningful to them.
And Valentine's Day is just one example! Throughout the year, we explore holidays from various cultures and traditions. For instance, we might celebrate Lunar New Year by learning about the zodiac animals and making paper lanterns, or explore Diwali through the beauty of rangoli art and discussions about the festival’s significance. We’ve looked at Día de los Muertos, discovering the history behind the ofrendas and the artistry of sugar skulls. Even lesser-known holidays, like Pi Day, turn into a mathematical adventure where students explore the wonders of circles—while, of course, enjoying a slice of pie!
By celebrating in this way, we create an inclusive environment where students can see the beauty in different cultures and traditions. Instead of simply recognizing the same holidays year after year, we encourage students to ask questions, think critically, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. Every celebration at Kalexedy is designed to be both fun and enriching, making learning a natural and exciting part of the experience.
Another thing we love about our approach is the way it fosters creativity. Holidays aren’t just about learning history—they’re about storytelling, self-expression, and creating lasting memories. Whether it’s designing Valentine’s crafts, cooking a traditional dish, or staging a fun re-enactment of a historical event, we give students the chance to actively participate rather than just observe. It’s this kind of hands-on engagement that makes learning stick.
At Kalexedy, we believe that education should never feel one-size-fits-all, and that includes the way we celebrate. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, and we want to honor that by making sure our holiday celebrations reflect a wide range of cultures and traditions. This helps foster respect, curiosity, and a sense of global awareness—all while having a great time!
We love seeing our students light up as they learn through celebration, and we can’t wait to see what new traditions we’ll explore next. Stay tuned for more exciting events, and if you have a favorite holiday or tradition, let us know—we’re always looking for fresh ideas to bring into the Kalexedy community!
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