Holiday Considerations = Diversity Awareness

With the commercialization of Christmas at many stores (Santa's, ornaments, and Christmas fanfare), it is easy to overlook the diversity in America during the holiday season. Tens of millions of people in the United States do not celebrate Christmas or other holidays, either as followers of non-Christian religions (Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews) or as individuals with no religious affiliation. Many different events that are spiritual, religious, or tradition-based, are being celebrated in many different ways during these times. As an employer can we celebrate the season and be mindful of the diversity of our staff and clients with a little creativity.

"Awareness" used to mean sending out politically correct "Happy Holidays" greeting cards and having holiday parties instead of Christmas parties. Today, it is about more than changing labels and titles; it is about using the holiday celebration time to build understanding and awareness about others, as well as being with friends and family. Make the time to find out what is celebrated by your coworkers, clients, or even your friends and family. Here are a few suggestions to build your diversity awareness and create a more inclusive holiday environment.

• Learn. Learn about another culture's celebrations. Watch a TV special, do a Google search, or check out books. Share what you have discovered and use it to expand the conversation at parties or the dinner table.

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• Make no expectations. Understand that people celebrate a variety of holidays during this time of year, and some choose to celebrate none. Be respectful of these differences by taking interest in other people's traditions. Don't be afraid to ask people what holidays they celebrate. Find out what they do during this time of the year that is special.

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• Mark your calendar and your address book. Mark your calendar with holidays like Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Ramadan, or other reminders that apply to your friends and colleagues. Many software calendar programs make this task quick and effortless. When writing holiday cards, recognize their holiday, and include a little hand-written note acknowledging their celebration or choose a special card for their occasion.

Here are a few suggestions to make your workplace more inclusive during the holidays.

• Post holiday greetings on your webpage and Intranet for many religious holidays.
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• Display a multi-cultural calendar to help everyone stay aware of important cultural events for the year.
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• Be respectful of these special dates, and plan events and meetings around various holidays.
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• Be flexible with the needs of different employees about religious or holiday celebrations.
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• Encourage employees to share their celebrations through stories, decorations, and foods that they can bring to their workplace.
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• Be certain your holiday party isn't a Christmas party in disguise. Decorations and food should not be specific to any religion.
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• Consider having a New Year's party instead of a holiday party. This type of party can get everyone on board with the company's mission and vision for the New Year.

Most of all, take time to enjoy the holidays by enriching yours and others' lives around you by sharing culture.