INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Indiana students are closer to learning about Christmas in class next winter after lawmakers approved a bill allowing holiday celebrations in schools.

State lawmakers approved the bill in a 7-1 vote Wednesday afternoon in the Senate Education and Career Development Committee.

If passed, schools could teach the history of winter celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Children and teachers could exchange a “Merry Christmas'' or “Happy Hanukkah'' greeting in class, and schools could decorate for the holidays if they don't encourage any particular religion.

Schools could house Nativity scenes if another religion also is represented or there are secular decorations on display as well.