For some families, the holiday season is marked by pine trees in their living room and stockings hung on their walls while others decorate their homes with menorahs, dried corn, or animal figures. This time more than any, it’s important to remind yourself that no matter what someone celebrates in the winter, they deserve to feel included in social and classroom activities. From planning festive parties to greeting friends during the holidays, here are some ideas to make sure that everyone feels welcome this season.
Why be cautious of the Christmas music you play or the gifts that you give? In the month of December alone, there are over 20 holidays, each taking root from different religions, countries, and traditions. Practicing a non-Christian faith in a predominantly Christian state (73% of Pennsylvania’s population) means being constantly surrounded by Christmas while having the holiday you celebrate left unacknowledged. As we transition into December, Carlisle is littered with various Christmas decorations while others are nowhere to be seen. Along with this, there’s a consistent lack of representation online as both stores and social media influencers have turned to commercializing Christmas for profit, rather than depicting all holidays throughout the season. Believers of non-Christian religions are constantly excluded in daily life, and the holidays only heighten that emotion.
As much Christmas spirit as you may feel, it’s important to consider that not everyone has the same kind of happiness this season. To help embrace friends and acquaintances of other cultures this year, a simple “happy holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas” goes a long way. It acknowledges the fact that they may be having a completely different experience than you, but you can share the joy of the holidays. Also, take into account how you give gifts this year. Are all of your gift boxes and wrapping paper designed with Santas and elves? As pretty as those gifts are, not everyone will appreciate it if their own holiday is being looked over. There are tons of winter-based packaging options that are just as pretty and festive, but include everyone in the fun.
Hanging out with friends is frequent this time of year, and it’s tempting to make them all Christmas themed, but that doesn’t work for everyone. If some guests won’t feel comfortable with that because of what they celebrate, try to make things a bit more welcoming for them. Similar to gift giving, keep decorations winter-based. Decorate with snowmen and snowflakes, serve hot chocolate, let others talk about the holiday that they’re celebrating, and maybe even put up some decorations from their culture.
While there’s a great importance in recognizing other religions, there’s just as much importance in acknowledging the people who will not be celebrating anything this December. Whether their reasons be religious or something else, they too deserve just as much respect as anyone else this season. An amazing way to incorporate them into winter is celebrating some silly world holidays. December 3rd is National Make a Gift Day, the 19th is National Hard Candy Day, and there are so many more to have fun with! This can make some friends feel welcomed into the activities while still respecting their boundaries.
The most important thing to mention is how to handle this issue in the classroom. Specifically looking at Carlisle High School, we’ve got a diverse student body of many different cultures and religions. Teachers deserve to have a classroom that matches their holiday cheer, however, there’s one specific guideline to remember. Carlisle Area School District does not allow any religious based decorations or music playing in classes. So while putting up Angels, a menorah, or anything else taking root in religion is against the rules, filling the classroom with red and green while playing Winter Wonderland is perfectly acceptable. Encouraging students to bring a few decorations of their own to share their culture with the class is another great way to incorporate student beliefs into the classroom.
For lots of people, holidays are a very personal thing that give them family memories and a way to connect with their religion. Everyone deserves to celebrate without being shamed or excluded by others. So, when planning Christmas festivities this season, consider the ways that you can better welcome friends of all cultures.
