Beyond Merry Christmas: 5 Ways to Make Your Workplace Holiday Celebrations Truly Inclusive
As December begins and the festive season is on the horizon, let's broaden our definition of the holidays this year. In our diverse workplaces, we must remember that not everyone celebrates Christmas. Several holidays are observed during this season, and some people might not celebrate at all. December is rich with different cultural celebrations holidays, each offering a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and foster inclusivity. Let's explore five simple ways to ensure your holiday celebrations are inclusive and meaningful for all.
Tip #1: Move Beyond Traditional, Single-Cultural Holiday Practices
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognise, accept, and celebrate those differences”
Did you know that religious diversity in the EU has grown significantly in recent decades? In the 1950s, up to 95% of people identified as Christian in some places, but that number dropped to 50% in 2023 (1). With increasing numbers of people identifying as Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, or non-religious, this shift opens doors to learning from an array of cultures and traditions. This also signals that we must shift away from a Christian, Eurocentric view of the holiday season. Embracing a more inclusive view of December celebrations fosters belonging among all employees. By recognizing the various ways in which people celebrate, we can ensure that everyone feels recognized and supported during this time.
Tip #2: Acknowledge and Respect Diverse Holidays and Beliefs
December is vibrant with many different holidays!
Bodhi Day (Dec 8): A Buddhist day of meditation and reflection, commemorating the Buddha's enlightenment.
Yule (Dec 21 - Jan 1): Pagan and Wiccan winter solstice observances, celebrating the rebirth of the sun and natural cycles.
Christmas (Dec 25): A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, often observed with church services, family gatherings, and gift-giving.
Hanukkah (Dec 25 - Jan 2): The Jewish Festival of Lights, observed with daily Menorah lightings, prayers, and gift exchanges.
Kwanzaa (Dec 26 - Jan 1): Honouring African American culture through communal feasts, rituals, and reflections on shared principles.
And finally, New Year’s Eve and Day is celebrated globally with festivities to mark the end of one year and the beginning of another, often with fireworks, parties, and personal reflections.
To find out what holidays your colleagues might be observing this December, you can use an anonymous survey to learn about people's preferences. This allows space for people to share their traditions or comfortably opt out of celebrations.
Tip #3: Use Neutral Decor and Language
Holiday decorations always add colour and warmth to the office on these cold and gloomy days, but it's essential to consider how décor might make some feel excluded. Instead of religious symbols, choose neutral, festive decorations like fairy lights, wreaths, or seasonal colours. Additionally, rather than wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas," you could say "Happy Holidays!" or "Seasons greetings!" This way you ensure all December festivities are included.
Tip #4: Offer Flexible Time-Off Policies
Since various holidays are observed in December, a one-size-fits-all approach to time off is unlikely to accommodate everyone's needs. Instead, we encourage you to implement a flexible schedule where employees can individually indicate what days they need off according to their own cultural or religious holidays. While some people may want to take the 25th off, others may prefer to work and instead take a different day off during this season or at a later date in the year. This flexibility shows respect for everyone's traditions and helps employees feel valued for who they are.
Tip #5: Encourage Allyship and Cross-Cultural Awareness
The holidays are a perfect time to build bridges. Consider hosting a multicultural celebration to foster an environment where employees can learn from one another. Invite your colleagues to share their holiday traditions or food through an inclusive event that recognises the diversity of people's beliefs. This fosters a safe place for storytelling and cross-cultural awareness that allows people to connect and learn from each other. Additionally, you could organise team volunteering activities during the holiday season to support diverse causes. Volunteering together fosters unity while providing an opportunity to connect with communities different from one's own.
Conclusion
By incorporating these tips, workplaces can transform holiday celebrations into opportunities for meaningful connection, learning, and allyship, ensuring everyone feels valued and included. Let's make this festive season one where everyone feels valued and comfortable sharing their traditions. Together, we can create a workplace that celebrates December's diversity.
At LAUDACE, we are committed to empowering communities & organisations to become equity-driven and intersectionality-focused through our ED&I Education, ED&I consultancy and Courageous Conversations Series solutions to foster more inclusive cultures, empower marginalised voices, and social impact.
If you're ready to make a real impact on your teams or communities, contact Laudace today. Together, we can ignite a positive transformation within your organisation and create a more equitable world.
Sources
Bertelsmann Stiftung (2023) Europe's religious landscape: Faith and religious diversity in an era of rapid change.