Create a diverse planning committee. Avoid missteps by involving people with varying beliefs when preparing for holiday events, But remember that not all people of the same faith choose to observe and celebrate holidays the same way.
Avoid scheduling mistakes. Check an interfaith calendar to avoid scheduling the end-of-year celebration on any of the holidays that might fall in December.
Make it voluntary. If you’re hosting a holiday party, don’t make it mandatory. Some people won’t feel comfortable attending. Some people don’t celebrate holidays. Others may have personal reasons for wanting to steer clear. For instance, people who are grieving, depressed or otherwise dissatisfied with some aspect of their lives can find the holidays to be painful reminders of who or what they’re missing.
Provide food options. Christmas ham is popular, but many groups would not eat that ham—Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, That’s why it’s important to serve food that meets kosher, halal and vegetarian dietary needs. Consider placing different kinds of food on separate tables.
Consider a two-stage party. Consider planning a party with two parts, one with no alcohol in the initial stage, and then a more free-flowing celebration in which alcohol is available and music is played. The schedule of events should be clearly spelled out in the invitation so that attendees know what to expect and can make their choices accordingly. This approach wouldn’t accommodate only Muslims. The alcohol-free portion of the event might also be appreciated by pregnant women, recovering alcoholics and people of other faiths.
Choose decorations carefully. Seek ways to make your decordations inclusive. Be aware that red and green decorations are associated with Christmas, while blue and white are traditionally used for Hanukkah celebrations.
Make gift exchanges optional. Some cultures don’t participate in gift-giving. Consider having the exchange as an optional part of your party.
Fall and Winter Holidays
| Bodhi Day. This Buddhist holiday, which commemorates the day that Siddhartha Guatama, the historical Buddha, experienced enlightenment, is traditionally celebrated on December 8th. Christmas. This celebration of the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, takes place on December 25th. For Eastern Orthodox Christians, it takes place on January 7th, 2023. Diwali. This five-day Hindu Festival of Lights began on Monday, October 24th, 2022, yet often times occurs in November. Eid al-Fitr. This celebration that marks the end of Ramadan in the Muslim faith has shifting dates and can sometimes fall in December. However, in 2022, it began on May 3rd. Hanukkah. In 2018, this eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights will start at sundown on December 18th and end at sundown December 26th. Kwanzaa. This weeklong secular holiday honoring African-American heritage is celebrated December 26th – January 1st each year. Lunar New Year. This traditional Chinese holiday marking the end of winter falls on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023. Yule. This Wiccan or pagan celebration of the winter solstice takes place every year between December 21st and ends on Sunday, January 1, 2023. |
Author: Amber Louchart
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
