Why Kids Like the Culture and Religion Where They Grow Up
Children are not born with a fixed attachment to any religion or culture. Instead, their preferences, interests, and emotional connections develop naturally from the environment in which they grow up. What children like, celebrate, and feel excited about is shaped far more by their surroundings than by religious teachings alone. This is why kids often feel drawn to the culture and religion dominant in their community—even when it is different from the one they practice at home.
One of the strongest influences on children is their friends’ circle. Friends are central to a child’s world. They play together, go to school together, share stories, and create memories. When most friends celebrate certain festivals, follow certain customs, or participate in specific religious or cultural activities, children naturally want to be part of those experiences. The desire to belong is powerful, especially in childhood. Kids do not want to feel different or left out; they want to share joy with their peers.
For example, many Hindu and Muslim children living in countries where Christmas is widely celebrated often show more excitement for Christmas than for festivals from their own religion. This does not mean they are rejecting their faith or culture. Instead, it reflects the social environment they are immersed in. Christmas is usually associated with decorations, lights, gifts, school events, music, movies, and group celebrations. These elements make the festival highly visible and engaging for children. When friends talk about Santa Claus, exchange gifts, decorate classrooms, and attend parties, children from all backgrounds naturally want to join in.
Another major reason kids are drawn to the culture around them is fun-oriented activities. Children experience religion and culture not through philosophy or theology, but through emotions, play, and excitement. Festivals that include games, sweets, costumes, music, food, and shared celebrations leave a strong impression. If a particular religious or cultural celebration offers more public activities, interactive events, or school involvement, children are more likely to be attracted to it.
In many cases, kids find celebrations outside their own religion more exciting simply because they encounter them more often. Schools, malls, TV shows, social media, and neighborhoods amplify certain festivals. Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and Thanksgiving, for instance, are celebrated not only in churches but also in public spaces, schools, and media. This exposure makes these festivals feel larger and more exciting. In contrast, a child’s own religious festivals may be celebrated quietly at home or within a smaller community, making them feel less visible or less “fun” by comparison.
Another important factor is curiosity and novelty. Children are naturally curious. Anything new, colorful, or different attracts their attention. When kids grow up seeing multiple cultures and religions around them, they become interested in exploring what others do. Participating in another culture’s celebrations can feel like an adventure. It allows children to experience something different from their daily routine, which makes it exciting. Over time, this curiosity can turn into appreciation and enjoyment.
Peer acceptance also plays a crucial role. Children often measure what is “cool” or “fun” based on what their friends like. If most friends are excited about a festival or cultural activity, a child will likely adopt the same excitement. This social alignment helps children feel connected and accepted. In contrast, if their own religious practices are not shared or understood by their peers, children may feel hesitant to express enthusiasm about them in public spaces.
Additionally, many modern celebrations focus more on joy than rules. Children tend to enjoy religions or cultural practices that are presented in a relaxed, playful, and inclusive way. When a festival emphasizes happiness, kindness, giving, and togetherness rather than strict rituals, it becomes more appealing to young minds. Children do not yet understand complex religious meanings; they respond to feelings. A celebration that makes them feel happy, included, and free will naturally attract them.
This phenomenon does not mean that children value one religion over another. Rather, it shows that children connect emotionally before they connect spiritually. Their understanding of religion is experiential, not doctrinal. What they enjoy is not the belief system, but the shared happiness, community bonding, and sense of belonging that come with celebrations.
Parents sometimes worry when their children show more interest in another culture’s festivals than their own. However, this should not be seen as a loss of identity. Instead, it can be an opportunity. Exposure to different cultures can help children develop empathy, openness, and respect for diversity. At the same time, it highlights the importance of presenting one’s own culture and religion in an engaging and joyful way.
When families actively involve children in their own traditions—by explaining meanings in simple ways, creating fun activities, sharing stories, cooking special foods together, and celebrating with community—children are more likely to develop a deeper connection to their roots. Children need experiences, not lectures. If their own culture offers warmth, fun, and emotional bonding, they will naturally value it.
In conclusion, kids like the culture and religion where they grow up mainly because of friends, fun, visibility, and emotional experiences. Their attraction to celebrations like Christmas among Hindu or Muslim children is not about belief, but about joy, inclusion, and social connection. Children follow happiness and companionship. Understanding this helps parents, educators, and communities guide children gently—allowing them to enjoy diversity while also nurturing pride and love for their own cultural identity.