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ThinkEDI

Sophie

Mason

she/her

Chief Executive Officer

ThinkEDI

Week One ThinkEDI 12 Weeks of Festive Allyship

Sophie Mason

October 2024

Week 1: Cultural and Religious Awareness – How to Be an Ally During the Festive Season


For centuries, western countires have largely followed Christian traditions, particularly during the festive season. Christmas has long been at the centre of winter celebrations, influencing everything from public holidays to cultural customs. 


However, as the UK has grown more diverse, it's important to recognise that not everyone shares the same religious beliefs or festive practices. Today, our society reflects a rich tapestry of faiths and traditions that extend far beyond Christianity.


In fact, according to the 2021 census, the religious landscape of the UK is changing. For the first time, less than half the population (46.2%) identifies as Christian. 


This marks a significant shift, as more people either follow other faiths or identify as having no religion at all. Approximately 37% of the population reports no religious affiliation, making it the second-largest group, while Islam (6.5%), Hinduism (1.7%), Sikhism (0.9%), Judaism (0.5%), and Buddhism (0.5%) are among the other prominent faiths represented. This diversity means that the holiday season can hold very different meanings for different people, and not everyone observes Christmas.


In response to this evolving cultural and religious landscape, Week 1 of our “12 Weeks of Festive Allyship” focuses on Cultural and Religious Awareness—helping you understand the importance of being sensitive to various traditions and how to create a truly inclusive environment, especially in professional settings.


[Image description: The image features a dark purple background with white and gold elements. At the top left is the ThinkEDI logo, which includes a lightbulb icon followed by the company name in bold. To the right of the logo, there is a festive bauble hanging from above, with text inside reading "12 Weeks of Festive Allyship" in white. Below this, there are gold sparkles adding a festive touch.

The main text is prominently displayed in large, white letters reading "WEEK ONE: Cultural & Religious Awareness", clearly marking the theme for the first week of the campaign. At the bottom of the image, the website URL www.ThinkEDI.co.uk is included.]

[Image description: The image features a dark purple background with white and gold elements. At the top left is the ThinkEDI logo, which includes a lightbulb icon followed by the company name in bold. To the right of the logo, there is a festive bauble hanging from above, with text inside reading "12 Weeks of Festive Allyship" in white. Below this, there are gold sparkles adding a festive touch.

The main text is prominently displayed in large, white letters reading "WEEK ONE: Cultural & Religious Awareness", clearly marking the theme for the first week of the campaign. At the bottom of the image, the website URL www.ThinkEDI.co.uk is included.]

Why Cultural and Religious Awareness Matters


With such a wide variety of religious beliefs and practices in the UK, the festive season is no longer just about Christmas. Many people observe other significant holidays, while others may not participate in any religious festivities. Being culturally aware means understanding and respecting these differences and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their beliefs, feels included and respected.


For those of us in professional environments, failing to acknowledge this diversity can leave some people feeling excluded, particularly if workplace celebrations focus solely on Christian traditions. Inclusivity is about recognising that while Christmas remains important to many, it is equally important to honour the other holidays celebrated by your colleagues, clients, and friends. When we approach the festive season with cultural awareness, we foster an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.


Key Holidays During the Festive Season


Here are some key religious and cultural holidays observed around the same time as Christmas:

  • Diwali: Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, this Festival of Lights symbolises the victory of light over darkness. It typically takes place between October and November.


  • Hanukkah: An eight-day Jewish celebration that usually falls in December, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and celebrates themes of resilience and miracles.


  • Kwanzaa: A cultural celebration from 26th December to 1st January, Kwanzaa is observed by African diasporic communities. It celebrates unity, self-determination, and collective responsibility.


  • Winter Solstice: The shortest day of the year, celebrated by many who follow spiritual or nature-based practices. It symbolises the return of light and longer days ahead.


  • Christmas: Observed on 25th December by Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. For many, it’s a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and religious reflection.


Five Ways to Be a Cultural Ally During the Festive Season



1. Use Inclusive Language



One of the simplest ways to be a more inclusive ally is to adjust your language to reflect the diversity around you. While "Merry Christmas" is a traditional greeting, it may not resonate with everyone. Phrases like "Happy Holidays" or "Season’s Greetings" are more inclusive and respectful of the fact that not everyone celebrates Christmas.

  • In Internal Communications: Use inclusive greetings in office emails, newsletters, or meetings to ensure you’re not excluding anyone from your messaging.


  • In Customer-Facing Messaging: If you’re in marketing or customer service, use language that recognises a variety of holidays, not just Christmas. Tailoring your language can make all customers feel welcome.


2. Acknowledge Diverse Holidays in the Workplace


The workplace is where a wide range of cultures and beliefs come together, making it an important place to promote inclusivity during the festive season. Acknowledging different religious celebrations shows respect and encourages learning about different traditions.

  • Leadership Responsibility: Managers should lead by example by acknowledging and celebrating different holidays. Encourage colleagues to share their traditions, and consider hosting events that reflect the diversity of your team.


  • Decorations: If your office decorates for the festive season, include symbols from multiple celebrations. A mix of Christmas trees, menorahs, and rangoli designs can show that your workplace values all traditions.


3. Be Flexible with Holiday Leave Requests



In the UK, Christmas is a public holiday, but other important religious holidays like Diwali and Hanukkah are not. This means employees may need to request time off to observe their faith. Being flexible with holiday requests is a crucial aspect of religious inclusivity.

  • Fair Leave Policies: Managers should ensure that holiday leave policies accommodate various religious observances. Being open and accommodating helps to ensure all employees feel supported in observing their religious practices.


  • Fair Distribution of Work: If someone needs to take time off for a religious holiday, ensure workloads are managed fairly and that their absence is respected.


4. Avoid Making Assumptions About Celebrations


While Christmas is widely celebrated in the UK, not everyone participates in festive activities. Some may choose not to for religious, cultural, or personal reasons. Being mindful of this can help avoid unintentional exclusion or discomfort.

  • Event Participation: When organising office events, be mindful of how they’re framed. Give employees the option to participate in festivities without making them feel pressured. Ensure non-religious or neutral activities are part of the event.


  • Respect Personal Preferences: Instead of asking colleagues "What are you doing for Christmas?" ask, "Do you have any plans for the holidays?" This inclusive language ensures you’re not assuming everyone celebrates Christmas.


5. Respect Traditions and Practices



Many people hold deep personal connections to their holiday traditions, and some may have specific practices that require accommodation, such as dietary restrictions or prayer times. Respecting these practices is an important part of being an ally.

  • Be Curious and Open: If a colleague celebrates a holiday you’re unfamiliar with, ask them respectfully about their traditions. People are often happy to share, as long as they feel their beliefs are being valued.


  • Accommodate Diverse Needs: Be open to adjusting event menus to cater to different dietary requirements, or offering flexibility for prayer times during holiday periods.


Key Considerations for Leaders and Managers


Managers and leaders have a key role to play in setting the tone for inclusivity during the festive season. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

  • Encourage Open Conversations: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their religious holidays or opting out of festive events if they choose.


  • Review Holiday Policies: Ensure that your holiday leave policies are inclusive and fair to all employees, regardless of their religious background. Make it easy for people to request time off for their own religious holidays.


  • Plan Inclusive Events: When planning holiday events, ensure they include elements from different cultural traditions, and offer flexibility so that all employees can participate.


[Image description: The image shows a beautifully decorated street with intricate overhead holiday lights creating an archway. The design features colourful, stained-glass-style patterns framed by lighted arches, resembling Gothic church windows. The lights stretch along the length of the street, creating a tunnel effect with twinkling white and gold lights.

On both sides of the street, tall buildings line the pathway, and traditional street lamps are adorned with festive red and green wreaths. The atmosphere is festive and elegant, likely part of a holiday light display in a city or shopping district, with the illuminated archways giving the scene a grand and celebratory feel.]

Week One ThinkEDI 12 Weeks of Festive Allyship


Customer Relations and Cultural Awareness



It’s not just within the workplace that cultural awareness matters—it also plays a critical role in how businesses engage with customers. Whether through marketing, customer service, or other public-facing interactions, inclusivity should be a key consideration.

  • Diverse Marketing Campaigns: Include imagery, language, and symbols that reflect a variety of holidays, ensuring that your campaigns speak to customers from different backgrounds.


  • Training for Customer-Facing Roles: Train your customer service teams to use inclusive language and be aware of the diverse ways people celebrate during the festive season. Avoid assumptions about religious or cultural practices in customer interactions.

Final Thoughts

The festive season is a time for celebration, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the diversity of beliefs, cultures, and practices that make up our communities. By being more aware of how different people celebrate, and by making small adjustments to language, policies, and traditions, we can create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

As we kick off our “12 Weeks of Festive Allyship” campaign with a focus on Cultural and Religious Awareness, we encourage you to take the time to learn about the holidays that are important to those around you. Let’s work together to make this festive season truly inclusive for everyone—by being mindful, respectful, and supportive allies.

Stay tuned for next week’s focus on Supporting Mental Health during the festive season.

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