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Nevertheless, traditionalists have balked, saying that the school’s concert was a prime source of Christmas cheer.

“For me and my kids, Christmas is really important,” said Mary Ellen Schellenberg. “I don’t think we should lose out on what we believe in, especially when it’s a small group of people who sit out by choice.”

“If we accept their cultures and beliefs, our culture and beliefs should be accepted as well,” she said.

The mother of three Cambridge students — who also attended the school and remembers with fondness the annual Christmas concert — emailed the principal as soon as she heard about the decision.

Ms. Schellenberg isn’t a religious person, and said people in Canada celebrate the holiday for different reasons. “We can appreciate it without it just being religious.”

Laura Bond said she is shocked by the decision.

For her and her family, the school’s Christmas concert kicks off the holiday season and puts everyone in a festive mood. “It’s just something I thought would never go away,” she said.

Ms. Bond wondered why the concert couldn’t just broaden its musical horizons to include everyone’s traditions. “I have no problem with them putting on a ‘holiday’ concert and celebrating every culture; I would welcome it actually,” she said.

Neither parent is pleased by the school’s alternate plan and say they have no intention of attending the December 15 craft night. “If I wanted to do crafts, we could just do crafts here,” Ms. Bond said.