Respect During the Holidays
In her informative article, Allison Robinson gives ideas on how to respect everyone during the holiday season.
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How to Respect Everyone During the Holidays
How to Respect Everyone During the Holidays
By Allison Robinson
By Allison Robinson
For many people, November and December are times of great cheer. These months of celebration, however, are not celebrated the same way by everyone around the world or in the school. As we prepare for the holiday season, it is important to be respectful toward everyone’s beliefs and their ways of honoring them.
In order to respect everyone’s personal beliefs and celebrations, it is important to not assume. While many do observe a holiday, it might not be the same as yours. Others do not observe any at all. Your experience is not universal, so do not think that it is. It is okay to ask about holiday celebrations, but do it in a curious, thoughtful way. If done respectfully, people may enjoy questions about their culture and appreciate talking about it. Do not be unkind about someone else’s religious or non-religious celebrations, as nobody wants to feel put down for their beliefs and culture. This being said, it is okay to ask if they would like to participate in your culture’s celebration. As journalist Amanda McArthur of Sweety High says, “Even if you don't think they'll be interested, it never hurts to offer.” If they propose celebrating their own culture’s holiday together, assess your own comfortability and either agree or politely decline. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints says on their website, “You can show respect by learning how others worship, and you can also invite others to celebrate your religious holidays with you so they can understand what you believe.” Learning about each other's’ cultures and beliefs can help connect us to one another and invite others into our lives.
It can be difficult to fully respect someone’s holiday traditions without understanding what they are. Journalist Dori Meinart from HR Magazine compiled a list of some of the holidays observed during the fall and winter seasons.
Bodhi Day This Buddhist holiday, which commemorates the day that Siddhartha Guatama, the historical Buddha, experienced enlightenment, is traditionally celebrated on Dec. 8.
Christmas This celebration of the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, takes place on Dec. 25. For Eastern Orthodox Christians, it takes place on Jan. 7.
Diwali This five-day Hindu Festival of Lights begins November 4 in 2021.
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 2021, it started at sundown on May 13 and ended in the evening of May 14.
Hanukkah In 2021, this eight-day Jewish Festival will start at sundown on Nov. 28 and end at sundown Dec. 6. The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Kwanzaa This week-long secular holiday honoring African-American heritage is celebrated on Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 each year.
Lunar New Year This traditional Chinese holiday marking the end of winter falls on Feb. 12, 2022.
Yule This Wiccan or Pagan celebration of the winter solstice takes place every year between Dec. 20 and Dec. 23.
Many who celebrate a holiday enjoy large celebrations with friends, coworkers, and family. In order to be inclusive toward everyone, perhaps change a certain party to a non-secular party when appropriate. It is okay to celebrate your own holiday with those that have aligning beliefs and to include others in your traditions, but observe others, too, when fitting! Do not discriminate. Instead of assuming one’s religious beliefs and wishing someone cheer for a singular particular celebration, you could say “Happy Holidays” to include each person’s traditions--even if it may be a holiday off from work.
Also, there are people that do not celebrate because they do not have the money to be able to fund a holiday or they have challenging home lives. Be aware of other’s emotions during this time. It can be a very difficult time from those whose families are not able to support traditions or be there emotionally. While it is not necessarily something that we as students and classmates are able to fix, we can be charitable and empathetic toward those in need.
While celebrating a holiday, remember the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Don’t assume. Find ways to include everyone. Respect should go both ways, so always be kind and attentive to others, especially around the holiday season.
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