Christmas & Thanksgiving: Celebrating Gratitude Across Cultures
As an IB MYP student at Manchester International School, the festive season at school holds a special kind of magic—one that goes far beyond decorations and the familiar melodies of Christmas carols. It is a time when our diverse international school community comes together, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth, connection, and shared understanding.
Thanksgiving, in particular, offers us a meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect. As part of the IB philosophy of reflection and inquiry, we are encouraged to express gratitude—not just for celebrations, but for the teachers who guide us, the peers who support us, and the learning spaces that nurture our curiosity and growth. Gratitude becomes an essential part of our learning journey, reinforcing values that extend beyond academics.
What makes these celebrations truly powerful is how they foster intercultural understanding, a core element of the IB Middle Years Programme. By sharing stories, food traditions, and personal experiences, we gain insight into the many cultures represented within our school. These moments help us appreciate diversity and recognise how our differences strengthen our sense of community.
Through these experiences, we learn that kindness, empathy, and appreciation are universal values—not limited by geography or culture. Whether it is tasting a traditional holiday dish or listening to a classmate speak about their family customs, each interaction deepens our understanding of shared humanity and global citizenship.
At Manchester International School, an IB World School that champions global mindedness and international education, celebrations like Christmas and Thanksgiving are more than calendar events. They become living lessons in empathy, respect, and collaboration. They remind us of our responsibility as IB learners and global citizens—to embrace diversity, build meaningful relationships, and lead with compassion.
As we celebrate together, we discover that the true gift of the festive season lies in unity, understanding, and gratitude—values that shape us not only as successful learners, but as thoughtful individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.
