A Guide to Inclusive Decorations for the Winter Festive Period

As the winter holidays approach, we start seeing decorations everywhere – homes, offices, shops. It’s part of what makes this season feel special. 

But as the UK becomes more diverse, it’s worth thinking about how the decorations we put up reflect the people around us. Are we including everyone, or just focusing on one tradition?

The truth is, not everyone celebrates Christmas. For some, other holidays like Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Winter Solstice are the highlight of the season. And for others, the season may hold no particular religious or cultural significance. Being inclusive with our decorations—whether at work, in public spaces, or even at home—can go a long way in making sure everyone feels seen and valued during this time of year.

In this article, I’m going to walk through the different kinds of festive decorations people might use during the winter months, and offer some ideas on how we can all make sure our spaces are welcoming and respectful of everyone’s traditions.

Christmas Decorations

Let’s start with the most familiar one in the UK: Christmas. For many, Christmas is a big deal, and the decorations can be beautiful and meaningful. You’ll usually see:

• Christmas Trees: Decorated with lights, baubles, and tinsel. It’s a symbol of joy and togetherness for a lot of families.

• Nativity Scenes: If people are more religious, you might also see nativity displays that depict the birth of Jesus.

• Wreaths: Evergreen wreaths symbolising life through the cold of winter.

• Santa and Fairy Lights: There’s also Santa Claus, reindeer, and lots of twinkling lights.

It’s lovely, but we need to remember that not everyone celebrates Christmas. If you’re decorating a shared space—like an office—keep it balanced. Christmas can be part of it, but let’s make room for other holidays too.

Hanukkah Decorations

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival celebrated over eight days, usually in December. Some of the key decorations you might see include:

• Menorah: A nine-branched candelabrum, with one candle lit each night.

• Dreidels and Stars of David: Small, symbolic touches like dreidels (spinning tops) and the Star of David are common decorations.

• Blue and White Lights: These colours are often used in Hanukkah celebrations, sometimes seen in string lights or other decor.

If you know someone celebrates Hanukkah, including a menorah in your decorations could make them feel recognised. It’s a small, respectful gesture that can mean a lot.