Be Inclusive this Holiday Season
Colourful outdoor light displays, holiday songs, an abundance of seasonal baked goods and foods and festive celebrations — the holiday season is officially here and in full swing! In Canada, Christmas, is the most widely celebrated holiday. Due to its popularity in North America, it is not unusual to be greeted with “Merry Christmas” as a gesture of goodwill or be invited to Christmas parties. As much as we want to share the holiday spirit, we must be inclusive in our language and actions.
York Region is one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada. As of 2021, our residents speak over 120 different languages and come from 238 distinct ethnic origins. Our organization and community consist of people who practice different faiths and celebrate various religious holidays.
Did you know there are many significant days observed this month? It is a special time with many celebrations, providing many opportunities for us to learn about one another.
Here are a few tips to consider this holiday season to ensure you are being inclusive:
Wish one another “Happy Holidays”
Recognizing the religious holidays of others can be a powerful way to connect. If you don’t know if someone celebrates a specific holiday, consider wishing them “Happy Holidays”. By switching to a seasonal greeting, you are creating a more inclusive environment that respects and honours others’ dimensions of diversity. Not everyone celebrates the same holidays, and that’s the beauty of it. Diversity is what makes our community stronger!
Remember the platinum rule in treating others the way they want to be treated. If you know a colleague is celebrating a certain holiday, wish them well in that greeting. For example, if you know someone celebrates Hanukkah or Christmas, wish them a “Happy Hanukkah” or “Merry Christmas.” Personal touches show you care.
Keep holiday celebrations open to all
Are you organizing a holiday celebration in a public setting? A great holiday celebration should feel welcoming and inclusive to all. Keep the following in mind when organizing celebrations:
- Neutral themes: Instead of focusing on one holiday, go for a theme like Gratitude or The Joy of Giving
- Food for thought: Offer diverse catering options — vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free—you name it. Nobody should feel left out at the buffet table
- Optional fun: Make sure participation in events or gift exchanges is optional. Nobody wants to feel pressured into singing carols if they are not feeling it
Learn more about celebrations occurring during this time
To demonstrate your commitment to inclusion, spend some time learning more about the other festivities that take place at this time of year and how they are celebrated. Use the diversity calendar available at york.ca/inclusiveyr to learn about the many faith-, religion-based and cultural days of significance to your family, neighbours, colleagues and friends, along with brief descriptions of each.
Let us use this time to reach out, connect and celebrate with one another.
While this season may be the merriest time of the year for some, it may be tough for others for various reasons, including current global happenings. One of the best things we can do for each other is spread kindness, care, patience and support.
Whatever you celebrate at this time of year – we wish you a very happy holiday season!
Want to know how diverse our community is? Check out our most recent 2021 census data reports including Language, Immigration, Ethnocultural Diversity, Religion and Mobility and others on york.ca/census
How do you say “Happy Holidays” in your language?
York Region is dedicated to a welcoming and inclusive environment that recognizes and celebrates all dimensions of diversity. For more information, visit york.ca/inclusiveyr
