Tactful and Sensitive Ways to Involve Friends from other Religions in your Christmas Celebrations

(516 Words)
In today’s diverse world, you likely know people who do not celebrate the same holidays that you do. According to the United States Census, approximately one quarter of Americans do not identify themselves as Christian. If you want to include your friends from other religions in your Christmas celebrations, you must be very careful so as not to offend anyone. A variety of measures can allow you to celebrate with everyone, no matter what they do – or do not – celebrate.
Add in elements of other people’s religions into your celebrations
Your non-Christian friends will appreciate if you add in a little of their religion into the celebration. For instance, if you are decorating your home for a holiday party and you have up many Christmas-themed decorations such as Santa Claus and a Nativity, then maybe add in a Dreidel or a Menorah for Jewish friends. Small measures like that can really make a difference for someone who celebrates another holiday. You can add in some traditional Hanukkah foods such as latkas. If someone celebrates a different holiday such as kwanza then add in elements of that as well.
One nice idea is to ask them how you can add their holiday into your celebration. If they want to bring something to the party, for instance, then you can ask that they bring a traditional food from their religion. They may be pleased by your inclusion of their traditions.
Use generic holiday terms and elements
Instead of having everything be “Merry Christmas” in your holiday celebrations, use more generic terms such as “Season’s Greetings.” If you are having a party you can put up some winter decorations that would be pertinent to everyone no matter what their religion. Place up pictures of snowmen, for instance. For party favors, give things related to winter such as snowflake pens and stationary.
Do not greet someone who does not celebrate Christmas with the term “Merry Christmas.” Instead say “Happy Holidays” to them. Also, be careful about what you say during your celebrations so as not to offend your guests of different religions. For instance, do not have a loud boisterous argument over why it is wrong to say “Happy Holidays” and how everything should just focus on Christmas. You do not want people having an argument that there is a “war on Christmas,” as deemed by the American Civil Liberties Union, that will make your friends feel uncomfortable.
If you are going to invite your friends to a more religious celebration, be sure to tell them how religious it is. You do not want them to be uncomfortable when you start a prayer or another religious practice.
If your friends take part in your Christmas celebrations, then consider taking part in their celebrations. Show that you are interested in what they do.
Your friends will appreciate the tactful and sensitive measures you take to include them in your celebrations while respecting their religion. Make sure to always keep the lines of communication open so that no one gets offended and everyone can enjoy the festive time of year.