The concept "multicultural" is one that pertains to the mixture of cultures, ethnicities, and customs that is becoming more characteristic of contemporary American society. Multiculturalism embraces all ethnicities, races, cultures, and customs as valid and deserving of respect. .

             According to Wardle (p. 12), "It has been well documented that racial identity and developing concepts about racial and ethnic diversity are developmental tasks that begin in early childhood." Because of this early development, the promotion of multiculturalism among preschool children cannot be underestimated for its value on growth. .

             There is a difference between multicultural celebrations and multicultural holidays. Celebrations refer to parties, picnics, parades, festivals and other events during which multiple groups celebrate their ethnicity, heritage, race, and customs. Holidays, like Christmas and Chanukah, are officially recognized days of celebration that pertain to specific cultural symbols or archetypes like Jesus Christ or Mohammad. Brooklyn presents "multicultural festivities" to mark Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza and the Hispanic celebration of the Three Kings, in order to promote greater respect and appreciation of other cultures' heritages, beliefs, and customs, (Brooklyn, p. 39).

             Celebrations of multiculturalism take many forms other than those of Holidays, including parties, picnics, games, music, cooking or other forms of exploring and paying homage to other cultures. Many preschool educators engage in activities with a multicultural theme that celebrate the customs, practices, and beliefs of other cultures. Gayle Jacobs (p. 3) engages preschoolers in celebrating Hinamatursi Day, the Japanese "Day of the Dolls," in order to "Teach children that being different is okay. We're not all the same ethnic background, and people celebrate in different ways." Students all bring a doll to school and explain its significance to them, before cutting kimonos for the dolls to wear out of newspapers.