Celebrate Diversity
Mark Your Calendars
To increase awareness and be mindful of other celebrations, take a few minutes to find the dates of important cultural events throughout the year. Record Kwanzaa, Ramadan or the Lunar New Year, for instance, in your calendars as reminders.
Plan a Party Related to the Season
If you're planning a party with guests from different cultures, like for an office, one way to be more inclusive is to theme to something neutral, such as the season, rather than a specific holiday. Instead of having a Christmas tree and the Nativity scene, for instance, make it a Winter Wonderland by decorating with snowflakes and silver-sprayed branches.
Or Include a Variety of Symbols
An alternative to a neutrally themed party is to include special symbols from everyone attending. Ask coworkers or friends what they would like to have included in the decoration and activities for the event.
Encourage Sharing
Find opportunities to get the family involved in an open and respectful exchange of cultures. Perhaps invite friends over to share their traditions or take part in their celebrations if they invite you.
Learn About New Dishes
One meaningful way to share cultures is to learn about the various foods people partake in during the holidays. In Japan, it's customary to slurp a bowl of toshikoshi soba to break off the old year from the new. For Ethiopians, the traditional dish on Christmas Day is doro wat, prepared with a chicken or rooster cut into 12 pieces of meat, after 40 days of a vegan fast. This holiday season, take the time to learn a new dish or organize a multicultural potluck where people can bring a celebratory dish in their culture, such as tamales, mince pies or latkes.
Accommodate Diverse Dietary Preferences
Include food options that can be enjoyed by all of your guests so no one is alienated (and hungry). Ask ahead of time if your guests have any dietary preferences or restrictions. Keep in mind that your Hindu friend may not eat beef, Jewish and Muslim people don't eat pork, and some Buddhists are vegetarian.
