The holiday season is upon us! December through the new year is a magical time—but let’s be real, it’s also a complicated one. For businesses, it’s a chance to show employees and customers what inclusion looks like in action.
Here’s the thing: the “holiday season” isn’t just about Christmas. In fact, December and January are packed with holidays celebrated by people from all sorts of cultural and religious backgrounds.
Hanukkah
This eight-day Jewish festival, often called the Festival of Lights, usually happens in December. It’s all about resilience and celebration with family.
Kwanzaa
Rooted in African heritage, this week-long celebration starts December 26 and focuses on community, culture, and values like unity and creativity.
Las Posadas
A Latin American tradition celebrated December 16–24, re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay.
Winter Solstice
On December 21 or 22, some cultures mark the shortest day of the year with reflection and rituals.
New Year’s Eve & Day
Of course, everyone loves to welcome the new year, whether with quiet traditions or big celebrations.
Chinese New Year
Also known as the Lunar New Year, this holiday typically falls in late January or early February. Celebrated across many Asian cultures, it’s a time for family reunions, feasts, and traditions like giving red envelopes for good luck.
Orthodox Christmas (January 7) and Orthodox New Year (January 14)
Celebrated by many Eastern Orthodox Christians following the Julian calendar.
And don’t forget Festivus for the rest of us!
Now that we’ve established there’s a lot more going on than eggnog and Secret Santas, let’s talk about how companies can embrace all the holidays:
Switch Up the Decorations
Instead of decking the office halls exclusively with tinsel and candy canes, create a holiday display that reflects multiple traditions. Think menorahs, kinaras (used during Kwanzaa), winter greenery, and maybe even a nod to the solstice. Adding neutral “season’s greetings” messaging keeps it welcoming for everyone.
Be Flexible with Time Off
Not all holidays fall neatly within standard time-off policies. Offering flexibility for employees to celebrate their important days—whether it’s Hanukkah, Christmas, or Orthodox New Year—is a simple way to show that you care about their traditions.
Host Inclusive Celebrations
Office parties don’t have to center on one holiday. Instead, throw a “winter gathering” or “year-end celebration” that emphasizes community over specific traditions. If you want to add some cultural flair, consider hosting a potluck where employees can share food tied to their heritage or traditions.
Acknowledge All Holidays in Communications
Whether it’s an email to customers or a message to employees, broaden your language beyond “Merry Christmas.” Saying “Happy Holidays” or explicitly mentioning a few key celebrations shows awareness and respect for diverse traditions.
Give Back Thoughtfully
The holidays are a time for generosity, so why not make your giving inclusive? Support organizations that serve diverse communities or participate in drives that benefit everyone, such as toy collections or food banks.
Educate and Engage
Use this season as an opportunity to share knowledge about different holidays. Host lunch-and-learns, share cultural fact sheets, or spotlight employees who celebrate different traditions. These small steps can spark understanding and connection.
Consider External Customers
If your business interacts with customers, think about how your messaging, promotions, and offerings reflect inclusivity. Simple changes, like offering gift options that aren’t Christmas-specific or designing ads that feature diverse celebrations, can make a big difference.
Why It Matters
Being inclusive during the holidays isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels seen and valued. Plus, when your employees feel respected, they’re more likely to bring their authentic selves to work, which boosts morale and productivity. And for customers, inclusive businesses send a clear message: “We welcome and celebrate you.” Helping hit the bottom line of profits.
So, this holiday season, let’s make inclusion the best gift of all. Whether it’s sharing a warm “Happy Holidays,” adjusting your policies, or simply learning about a tradition you didn’t know before, the effort counts. After all, the season is all about connection—and that’s something we can all celebrate.
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