Faith Diversity: Holiday Greeting Paralysis — Bah! Humbug!

by Andrés T.  Tapia –

Merry Christmas!

Can I really say that?

Of course – to Christians who celebrate it can be said with gusto and warmth.

And to the Jews, “Happy Hanukkah,” and to Muslims “assalamu alaikum” during Ramadan and “Happy Diwali” to Hindus during Diwali. And when in doubt, or to a mixed group, “Happy Holidays” will do just fine.

How did an opportunity to celebrate, share, and learn from one another become such a divisive, tense time in the workplace around what we say to one another? When an intended inclusive approach becomes divisive, something has gone wrong and we need to free ourselves from the trap.

How did we end up here? There was a time when it was appropriate to raise the issue that not everyone celebrated Christmas. And a thoughtless Merry Christmas to any and everyone encountered was inadvertently eroding the spirit of the holiday because it made those who were not Christian feel excluded, overlooked, and even disrespected. There was an important point to the awareness raising. Who wants to be told “happy birthday!” on the day after? Or told “Happy Bastille Day” on the 4th of July? Or “Happy Hanukkah” when one is out buying a Christmas tree? It just doesn’t make sense!

But one thing is awareness raising, another is political correctness paralysis. And so we need a paradigm shift.

As many have rightfully pointed out, if we are going to encourage the recognition of other holidays among us like Ramadan, the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, the Solstice, and so on, then Christmas should be no different. It also doesn’t make sense to paralyze people who share a common heritage from wishing each other a Merry Christmas. We have diversity, the mix, but not inclusion because the mix is not working well.

So in this holiday season, a few pointers for defusing the non-constructive, spirit robbing tension.

It’s about reciprocity. Find out what those around you celebrate. Let them know what you celebrate. And then wish each other the best wishes that correspond.

Don’t assume that the holidays have the same level of meaning.For example, while Christmas is a high holiday for Christians, Hanukkah is a minor holiday that only looms larger than it is in the U.S. due to it being compared to Christmas. Also for some the celebration is replete with spiritual meaning, for others it is not.

Find ways to share about each others’ traditions.  While we may have a hard time understanding the meaning of each other’s celebrations, let’s get into a spirit of learning. Some sing carols, some light lights, some pray five times a day. Practices are difficult to embrace when we are from another tradition. But one thing is for sure, sharing food is something most us can understand!

What many of these holidays have in common is that it is often a time of reflection, connection. and service to others. So in the spirit of whatever higher power you serve, or even if none at all, I encourage you to reach out with a sincere desire to learn more about others and to share more of yourself in an experience of mutual discovery. And through this, each of us, in our own way, may be better co-workers because of it.

Tis the season. Shalom. Imagine.

Paz,
Andrés

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