ThinkEDI 12 Weeks of Festive Allyship
Sophie Mason
October 2024
Why This Campaign Matters
Festive inclusivity is more than just being polite or careful with words—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels they belong, whether in the workplace, with family, or in wider social settings. This includes understanding that not everyone celebrates Christmas, and recognising that some people may find the season emotionally or mentally difficult.
As professionals, leaders, and businesses, we have the power to create inclusive spaces. We can be allies for those around us by making thoughtful choices, using inclusive language, and ensuring our actions are considerate of the diverse range of experiences people may have during this time. While this is important year-round, the festive season is a crucial time to show extra compassion and understanding.
![[Image description: The image features a purple background with a Christmas bauble hanging from the top centre. Inside the bauble, there is a snow-like effect, and white text in the centre reads: "12 Weeks of Festive Allyship." Gold stars and sparkles are scattered around the bauble for a festive feel. Below the bauble is the "ThinkEDI" logo, with a lightbulb icon followed by the company name. At the bottom, the website URL is displayed: www.ThinkEDI.co.uk. The overall design is elegant and festive, with a clear message promoting the campaign.]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/610fb0_8d4c4e3ce6f94d47b87cd5ab846d48b2~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Main%2012%20weeks%20of%20festive%20allyship.png)
[Image description: The image features a purple background with a Christmas bauble hanging from the top centre. Inside the bauble, there is a snow-like effect, and white text in the centre reads: "12 Weeks of Festive Allyship." Gold stars and sparkles are scattered around the bauble for a festive feel. Below the bauble is the "ThinkEDI" logo, with a lightbulb icon followed by the company name. At the bottom, the website URL is displayed: www.ThinkEDI.co.uk. The overall design is elegant and festive, with a clear message promoting the campaign.]
What to Expect from Our Campaign
Over the next 12 weeks, we’ll be sharing practical tips, useful resources, and insights on how to be a better ally during the festive period. Each week will focus on a different theme related to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone who follows along can learn how to better support their colleagues, friends, and communities.
Here’s a preview of what’s in store:
Week 1: Cultural and Religious Awareness
Learn how to respect and celebrate different cultural and religious holidays, and make sure your workplace or community space is inclusive of all beliefs.
Week 2: Supporting Mental Health
Discover ways to support those who may find the holidays a difficult or lonely time, and how to create a safe environment for mental health conversations.
Week 3: Respecting Dietary Needs
Get tips on how to cater inclusively and avoid common mistakes when planning meals, parties, or events involving food during the festive season.
Week 4: Navigating Grief During the Holidays
Understand how grief can affect people during the holiday period and how to offer support in a way that is compassionate and respectful.
Week 5: Being Inclusive of Carers
Explore how to be mindful of the unique challenges faced by carers and how to help them manage their responsibilities during the busy season.
Week 6: Embracing Different Family Structures
Learn how to be inclusive of all family structures—whether single parents, LGBTQ+ families, or chosen families—and ensure no one feels excluded.
Week 7: Supporting People with Disabilities
Understand how to make your events, communications, and spaces accessible for people with disabilities, both visible and invisible.
Week 8: Inclusivity in the Workplace During the Holidays
Find out how to create an inclusive holiday atmosphere in your workplace, recognising the different needs and preferences of all employees.
Week 9: Financial Inclusivity
Learn how to reduce the financial pressures of the holidays by offering alternatives to expensive celebrations and being mindful of financial strain.
Week 10: LGBTQ+ Inclusion During Festivities
Discover ways to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals feel welcomed, included, and celebrated during the festive period, both in and out of the workplace.
Week 11: Supporting People Without Family Connections
Understand how to support individuals who may be without family connections during the holidays, offering inclusion and community during this often isolating time.
Week 12: Acts of Allyship & Kindness
Learn how small acts of kindness and allyship can make a big difference during the festive season, whether with colleagues, clients, or your local community.

[Image description: The image shows two people standing outdoors at what appears to be a winter or festive event. Both are dressed warmly, wearing winter coats, scarves, and gloves. The individual on the left is a man wearing a blue winter jacket and a scarf, while the individual on the right is a woman in a green coat with a fur-lined hood and a white knitted hat. They both hold white cups, likely containing a warm beverage, and seem to be enjoying the atmosphere. The background is softly lit with festive lights, creating a cozy, wintery ambiance.]

ThinkEDI 12 Weeks of Festive Allyship
Why Follow Us?
By following our “12 Weeks of Festive Allyship” campaign, you’ll gain access to practical tools and advice that will help you become a better ally—not just during the festive season, but throughout the year. We’ll be providing actionable tips you can apply in your workplace, within your community, and with your family and friends.
We’ll also share real-life stories and examples to inspire you to take action and lead by example. Whether you're a manager looking to create a more inclusive workplace or someone hoping to support a friend or colleague, this campaign will offer guidance and insights to help you navigate the season with care and understanding.
A Season of True Togetherness
Inclusivity isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about making sure everyone feels valued and included, no matter who they are or what they believe. As we enter the festive season, let’s make it a time of true togetherness by being mindful of the diverse needs, challenges, and experiences of those around us.
Join us on this journey towards a more inclusive festive season. Follow along, share with your network, and let’s make this holiday period one where everyone feels they belong.
Together, we can make a difference.