Skip to main content
  • Foundation
  • Executive network
  • CEO Circle
  • Enterprise Solutions
  • Linkage Logo
  • Store
  • Sign In
  • Account
    • My Account
    • Logout
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
SHRM
About
Book a Speaker
Join Today
Renew
Rejoin Now
Renew
  • Membership
  • Certification
    Certification

    Smiling asian student studying in library with laptop books doing online research for coursework, making notes for essay homework assignment, online education e-learning concept
    Get Certified!

    Be recognized as an HR leader with your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential.

    • How to Get Certified

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations. No other HR certification compares.

      • How to Get Certified
      • Eligibility Criteria
      • Exam Details and Fees
      • SHRM-CP
      • SHRM-SCP
      • Which Certification is Best for Me
      • Certification FAQs
    • Prepare for the Exam

      Give yourself the best chance to pass your SHRM certification exam.

      • Exam Preparation
      • SHRM BASK
      • SHRM Learning System
      • Instructor-Led Learning
      • Self-Study
      • Study Aids & Add-ons
    • Recertification

      Recertify your SHRM Credentials before your end date!

      • Specialty Credentials
      • Qualifications
  • Topics & Tools
    Topics & Tools

    Stay up to date with workplace news and leverage our vast library of resources to streamline day-to-day HR tasks.

    The white house in washington, dc.
    Executive Order Impact Zone

    Do not abandon, but evaluate and evolve. It is about legal, equal opportunity for all.

    • News & Trends

      Follow breaking news and emerging workplace trends.

      Legal & Compliance

      Stay informed on workplace legal updates and their impacts.

      From the Workplace

      Explore diverse perspectives from your peers on today's workplaces.

      Flagships

      Get curated collections of podcasts, videos, articles, and more produced by SHRM.

    • HR Topics
      • AI in the Workplace
      • Civility at Work
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Inclusion & Diversity
      • Talent Acquisition
      • Workplace Technology
      • Workplace Violence Prevention
      SEE ALL
      SHRM Research
    • Tools & Samples

      Access member resources and tools to streamline HR tasks.

      • Forms & Checklists
      • How-To Guides
      • Interactive Tools
      • Job Descriptions
      • Policies
      • Toolkits
      SEE ALL
      Ask an Advisor
  • Events & Education
    Events & Education

    SHRM25 in San Diego, June 29 - July 2, 2025
    Join us for SHRM25 in San Diego

    Register for the World’s Largest HR Conference being held on June 29 - July 2, 2025

    • Events
      • SHRM25
      • The AI+HI Project 2025
      • INCLUSION 2025
      • Talent 2026
      • Linkage Institute 2025
      SEE ALL
      Webinars
    • Educational Programs

      Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace.

      Specialty Credentials

      Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance credibility among peers and employers.

      Qualifications

      Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills.

    • Team Training & Development

      Customized training programs unique to your organization’s needs.

  • Business Solutions
  • Advocacy
    Advocacy

    Make your voice heard on public policy issues impacting the workplace.

    Advocacy
    SHRM's President & CEO testifies to Congress on "The State of American Education"
    • Policy Areas
      • Workforce Development
      • Workplace Inclusion
      • Workplace Flexibility & Leave
      • Workplace Governance
      • Workplace Health Care
      • Workplace Immigration
      State Affairs

      SHRM advances policy solutions in state legislatures nationwide.

      Global Policy

      SHRM is the go-to for global HR leaders and businesses on workplace matters.

    • Advocacy Team (A-Team)

      SHRM’s A-Team is a key member benefit, giving you the tools, insights, and opportunities to shape workplace policy and drive real impact.

      Take Action

      Urge lawmakers to support policies that create lasting, positive change.

      Advocacy & Legislative Resources

      Access SHRM’s curated policy materials and content.

    • SHRM-Led Coalitions
      • Generation Cares
      • The Section 127 Coalition
      • Learn More & Partner with SHRM Government Affairs
  • Community
    Community

    Woman raising hand in group
    Find a SHRM Chapter

    Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area.

    • Chapters

      Find local connections from over 607 chapters and state councils and create your personalized HR network.

      SHRM Connect

      Post polls, get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online.

      SHRM Northern California

      Join SHRM members in the greater San Francisco Bay area for local events and networking.

    • Membership Councils

      Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC).

      • Membership Advisory Council
      • Regional Councils
    • Volunteers

      Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM.

      • Volunteer Leader Resource Center
Close
  • Membership
  • Certification
    back
    Certification
    Smiling asian student studying in library with laptop books doing online research for coursework, making notes for essay homework assignment, online education e-learning concept
    Get Certified!

    Be recognized as an HR leader with your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential.

    • How to Get Certified

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations. No other HR certification compares.

      • How to Get Certified
      • Eligibility Criteria
      • Exam Details and Fees
      • SHRM-CP
      • SHRM-SCP
      • Which Certification is Best for Me
      • Certification FAQs
    • Prepare for the Exam

      Give yourself the best chance to pass your SHRM certification exam.

      • Exam Preparation
      • SHRM BASK
      • SHRM Learning System
      • Instructor-Led Learning
      • Self-Study
      • Study Aids & Add-ons
    • Recertification

      Recertify your SHRM Credentials before your end date!

      • Specialty Credentials
      • Qualifications
  • Topics & Tools
    back
    Topics & Tools

    Stay up to date with workplace news and leverage our vast library of resources to streamline day-to-day HR tasks.

    The white house in washington, dc.
    Executive Order Impact Zone

    Do not abandon, but evaluate and evolve. It is about legal, equal opportunity for all.

    • News & Trends

      Follow breaking news and emerging workplace trends.

      Legal & Compliance

      Stay informed on workplace legal updates and their impacts.

      From the Workplace

      Explore diverse perspectives from your peers on today's workplaces.

      Flagships

      Get curated collections of podcasts, videos, articles, and more produced by SHRM.

    • HR Topics
      • AI in the Workplace
      • Civility at Work
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Inclusion & Diversity
      • Talent Acquisition
      • Workplace Technology
      • Workplace Violence Prevention
      SEE ALL
      SHRM Research
    • Tools & Samples

      Access member resources and tools to streamline HR tasks.

      • Forms & Checklists
      • How-To Guides
      • Interactive Tools
      • Job Descriptions
      • Policies
      • Toolkits
      SEE ALL
      Ask an Advisor
  • Events & Education
    back
    Events & Education
    SHRM25 in San Diego, June 29 - July 2, 2025
    Join us for SHRM25 in San Diego

    Register for the World’s Largest HR Conference being held on June 29 - July 2, 2025

    • Events
      • SHRM25
      • The AI+HI Project 2025
      • INCLUSION 2025
      • Talent 2026
      • Linkage Institute 2025
      SEE ALL
      Webinars
    • Educational Programs

      Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace.

      Specialty Credentials

      Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance credibility among peers and employers.

      Qualifications

      Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills.

    • Team Training & Development

      Customized training programs unique to your organization’s needs.

  • Business Solutions
  • Advocacy
    back
    Advocacy

    Make your voice heard on public policy issues impacting the workplace.

    Advocacy
    SHRM's President & CEO testifies to Congress on "The State of American Education"
    • Policy Areas
      • Workforce Development
      • Workplace Inclusion
      • Workplace Flexibility & Leave
      • Workplace Governance
      • Workplace Health Care
      • Workplace Immigration
      State Affairs

      SHRM advances policy solutions in state legislatures nationwide.

      Global Policy

      SHRM is the go-to for global HR leaders and businesses on workplace matters.

    • Advocacy Team (A-Team)

      SHRM’s A-Team is a key member benefit, giving you the tools, insights, and opportunities to shape workplace policy and drive real impact.

      Take Action

      Urge lawmakers to support policies that create lasting, positive change.

      Advocacy & Legislative Resources

      Access SHRM’s curated policy materials and content.

    • SHRM-Led Coalitions
      • Generation Cares
      • The Section 127 Coalition
      • Learn More & Partner with SHRM Government Affairs
  • Community
    back
    Community
    Woman raising hand in group
    Find a SHRM Chapter

    Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area.

    • Chapters

      Find local connections from over 607 chapters and state councils and create your personalized HR network.

      SHRM Connect

      Post polls, get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online.

      SHRM Northern California

      Join SHRM members in the greater San Francisco Bay area for local events and networking.

    • Membership Councils

      Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC).

      • Membership Advisory Council
      • Regional Councils
    • Volunteers

      Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM.

      • Volunteer Leader Resource Center
Join Today
Renew
Rejoin Now
Renew
  • Store
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
  • About
  • Book a Speaker
  • Foundation
  • Executive network
  • CEO Circle
  • Enterprise Solutions
  • Linkage Logo
SHRM
Sign In
  • Account
    • My Account
    • Logout
Close

  1. Topics & Tools
  2. Workplace News & Trends
  3. HR Magazine
  4. How to Make Holiday Celebrations More Inclusive
Share
  • Linked In
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.


Error message details.

Copy button
Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.


Learn More
News

How to Make Holiday Celebrations More Inclusive

Tensions can rise in December when numerous religious and secular holidays occur. Make employees feel included by recognizing the religious observances important to them throughout the year.

October 31, 2018 | Dori Meinert



Introduction

​December is the time of year to be jolly—or so the department store TV commercials tell us. But the traditional year-end company “holiday” festivities can leave some workers feeling left out and unhappy. 

As a result, HR professionals, who often are tasked with planning the events, can become frustrated.

It’s the perennial “December dilemma,” which occurs every year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day when several religious and secular holidays occur. Emotions can be heightened, tensions can rise and misunderstandings can occur. Even those with the best intentions make mistakes.

“It can be a bit of a dilemma to make sure you are trying to be inclusive of everyone [while] also being mindful of where you might not be—and that is an ongoing journey,” says Rev. Mark Fowler, deputy chief executive officer of the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding in New York City.

While the U.S. workforce is growing increasingly diverse, Christians still make up about three-quarters of the country’s population. Yet if even just a small number of employees feel excluded, it can have a negative impact on an organization’s engagement and productivity, experts say. 

So, developing a greater awareness of which religious holidays are important to employees—and how people prefer to celebrate (or not)—can have significant benefits for workers and employers alike, Fowler says.

Be Aware

The goal of most end-of-year celebrations is to show appreciation for employees. Leaders who want to be inclusive will focus on making workers feel that they belong and that their presence is valued, says Eric Peterson, a diversity and inclusion trainer in Silver Spring, Md. 

“One way to not be inclusive is to make somebody feel invisible, to make them feel as though the organization just has no idea who they are, what is pleasing to them and what is offensive,” says Peterson, a senior consultant with Cook Ross Inc. 

That might happen, for example, when what an employer calls a “holiday party” is “really a Christmas party in disguise,” Fowler says. “There’s a big tree with ornaments and gifts underneath,” which for most people corresponds with Christmas.

That doesn’t mean you should shy away from acknowledging Christmas. “Christians are part of the workforce, too,” he says. “Make sure people understand that it’s fine to say ‘Merry Christmas’ to those who celebrate that tradition, but that not everyone does.”

However, the significant attention and buildup to Christmas can overshadow non-Christian holidays.

“There are holidays and celebrations that happen throughout the year,” Fowler says, “and yet they don’t seem to get the same kind of attention that holidays at the end of the year do.”

A more inclusive approach is to recognize that employees come from a variety of faiths and traditions that mark special days at many different times, he says.

​Fall and Winter Holidays

Bodhi Day. This Buddhist holiday, which commemorates the day that Siddhartha Guatama, the historical Buddha, experienced enlightenment, is traditionally celebrated on Dec. 8.

Christmas. This celebration of the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, takes place on Dec. 25. For Eastern Orthodox Christians, it takes place on Jan. 7.

Diwali. This five-day Hindu Festival of Lights begins Nov. 6 in 2018 and Oct. 27 in 2019.

Eid al-Fitr. This celebration that marks the end of Ramadan in the Muslim faith has shifting dates and can sometimes fall in December. However, in 2019, it will start at sundown on June 4.

Hanukkah. In 2018, this eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights will start at sundown on Dec. 2 and end at sundown Dec. 10.

Kwanzaa. This weeklong secular holiday honoring African-American heritage is celebrated Dec. 26-Jan. 1 each year.

Lunar New Year. This traditional Chinese holiday marking the end of winter falls on Feb. 5, 2019.

Yule. This Wiccan or pagan celebration of the winter solstice takes place every year between Dec. 20 and Dec. 23.

Source: Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding.

It's Personal

For many employees, their religion helps define them as people.

“It informs them about what sort of people they ought to be” at work and at home, says Kent Johnson, a religious diversity trainer in Houston.

Religious holidays can be reminders or expressions of those values, he says.

“When a culture ignores that facet of their employee base, it’s sending a message—and maybe it’s not an intended message—that your faith doesn’t matter here,” Johnson says.

In some workplace cultures, employees are encouraged to “bring their whole selves to work.” But if employees are worried about hiding an essential element of who they are, such as their deeply held religious beliefs, they can’t actually do that.

Sumreen Ahmad, global change management director at Accenture in Detroit, says of her Muslim faith, “[It has allowed me] to tap into parts of who I am as a leader that normally I might not have otherwise. I’m driven by my faith.” 

Ahmad, who leads the Interfaith North America Employee Resource Group at Accenture, says her religion gives her a greater sense of purpose and drives her to a higher standard of accountability and performance.

[SHRM members-only toolkit: Introduction to the Human Resources Discipline of Diversity]

A Better Way

Here are some tips for holding more-inclusive year-end events:

Create a diverse planning committee. Avoid missteps by involving people with varying beliefs when preparing for any holiday events, says Deborah Levine, editor-in-chief of the American Diversity Report. But remember that not all people of the same faith choose to observe and celebrate holidays the same way.

Avoid scheduling mistakes. Check an interfaith calendar to avoid scheduling the end-of-year celebration on any of the holidays that might fall in December. For example, Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, begins at sundown on Dec. 2 and ends the same time on Dec. 10 this year. Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day on Dec. 8.  

‘There are holidays and celebrations that happen throughout the year, and yet they don’t seem to get the same kind of attention that holidays at the end of the year do.’
—Rev. Mark Fowler

Make it voluntary. If you’re hosting a holiday party, don’t make it mandatory. Some people won’t feel comfortable attending. Jehovah’s Witnesses, for example, don’t celebrate holidays. Others may have personal reasons for wanting to steer clear. For instance, people who are grieving, depressed or otherwise dissatisfied with some aspect of their lives can find the holidays to be painful reminders of who or what they’re missing. 

Make it clear to employees that their attendance is optional, says attorney Helene Wasserman, a shareholder with Littler in Los Angeles. Make sure that supervisors understand that as well. The HR team may say it’s optional, but do employees really believe it? 

“Is your boss going to be offended that you’re not there?” Wasserman asks. Will you miss out on that next promotion? “That’s why it’s vital that managers realize—that all their employees realize—exactly how voluntary it is [and] that nothing is going to happen if you go or don’t go,” she says.

Provide food options. “Christmas ham is popular, but many groups would not eat that ham—Jewish, Muslim, Hindu,” Levine says. That’s why it’s important to serve food that meets employees’ kosher, halal and vegetarian dietary needs. However, just offering variety might not suffice. For some, even seeing certain meats next to their preferred dishes would be offensive, she says, so consider placing different kinds of food on separate tables.

Consider a two-stage party. Committed Muslims don’t drink alcohol, and “they also don’t want to be present where alcohol is served,” says Hanadi Chehabeddine, a diversity trainer on Islam in Eden Prairie, Minn. Many also might be uncomfortable with secular music and dancing. She suggests planning a party with two parts, one with no alcohol in the initial stage when leaders thank employees and make any special announcements, and then a more free-flowing celebration in which alcohol is available and music is played. The schedule of events should be clearly spelled out in the invitation, she advises, so that attendees know what to expect and can make their choices accordingly.

This approach wouldn’t accommodate only Muslims. The alcohol-free portion of the event might also be appreciated by pregnant women, recovering alcoholics and people of other faiths, she says. 

Choose decorations carefully. If your office chooses to put up holiday decorations, seek ways to make them inclusive. Consider adding educational cards nearby to explain the religious tradition to others, the Tanenbaum Center advises. Be aware that red and green decorations are associated with Christmas, Levine says, while blue and white are traditionally used for Hanukkah celebrations.

Make gift exchanges optional. Employees shouldn’t be forced to buy gifts for their co-workers, Peterson says. At Cook Ross, all employees receive a $20 Visa gift card from the company that they can use to purchase a present for a colleague. Those who want to participate sign up on a website and receive a co-worker’s name and a list of things that the person might like, he says. 

Create awareness of other religions. Even HR professionals at small companies can help employees learn about other religions and holidays throughout the year, Ahmad says. Start with an interfaith calendar. Ask employees which holidays are important to them and recognize those religious holidays throughout the year. At Accenture’s New York City office, for example, workers participated in a “challah bake” to learn more about the special bread made for the Jewish Sabbath. 

“When you bring people together to celebrate in those ways, it creates better engagement,” Ahmad says. “When people get to know and understand one another, we know that collaboration increases.”

At Texas Instruments, employees are invited to panel discussions to learn more about the various religions of their fellow workers, Johnson recalls. “They have much more in common than people realize,” he says.

Panelists are asked to share how their faith relates to their work.

Some might fear conflicts that could erupt over discussions of religions, but such conversations can help dispel myths and stereotypes, Johnson says, if conducted with mutual respect.

If the workplace culture discourages employees from talking about their faith, he says, “they’ll only seek people of their own faith, and they’ll worry about people who are different from them, and distrust will creep in.”

Another thing to keep in mind: 21 percent of the U.S. population reports no religious identity or faith tradition, including atheists and agnostics, according to Gallup. You can be inclusive of these individuals by building awareness around recognition days that focus on human rights, Fowler says. And make it clear that it’s OK for them to opt out of any events.

Offer floating holidays. A good way to show employees that you value their beliefs is to offer floating holidays so they can take time off for religious observances that are meaningful to them throughout the year, Peterson says. Make sure that supervisors respect those holidays and are not asking employees to respond to e-mail on these days, for example, he says. Only 30 percent of employers now offer paid floating holidays, according to a SHRM report on 2017 holiday schedules.

Employers with more than 15 employees must grant requests for time off for religious observances not listed on the company’s holiday schedule, unless it would cause an undue hardship, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Invite feedback. Provide a way for workers to offer feedback anonymously. If they choose to leave their names, make sure you follow up with them to show you value their suggestions and explain whether you will make changes for next year.

“Whatever you want to do, give people a way to respond [so that] they won’t feel punished if they give honest feedback,” Peterson says. “One of the ways to make someone feel invisible is to not give them a voice.”

Be forgiving. Don’t be too hard on yourself. “A diverse and inclusive organization is not one that never makes a mistake,” Peterson says. Rather, it’s one that has people who respond inclusively when things don’t go well.  

Ways to Make All Employees Feel Included

Celebrate in January

We have opted for a New Year gathering after the main holiday season has wound down. We acknowledge the previous year’s accomplishments and speak about our future goals. We usually schedule the event for the second week of January, after everyone is back from vacation and settled into a normal routine. We hold it after work at an offsite location. 

Our president speaks, and we play a video highlighting our victories for the past year. We also show photos of employees at work so we can reminisce together. 

We celebrate with food, drinks, music, dancing and games. A favorite game is “Staff Member Bingo,” which requires players to collect the signatures of other staff members who meet the criteria, such as someone who can do a handstand.

—Kristen Stine, human resources director, PETA Foundation, Norfolk, Va. 

 

Offer Floating Holidays

At WVU Medicine, we will offer a floating holiday to our 17,000 employees starting in 2019. In addition to six standard paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July Fourth, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas), workers will be offered one extra paid day off each year to use at their discretion. This gives employees the flexibility to recognize any day based on their individual preference.

—Alicia Jade Martin, HR customer service specialist, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, W. Va.

 

Host Charity Events

In addition to the usual festivals celebrated at work, we participate in programs like planting saplings and making donations to retirement homes and orphanages. That’s the way we share joy with others in a society-inclusive approach.

—Swati Sinha, self-employed HR consultant, New Delhi, India

Dori Meinert is senior writer/editor for HR Magazine.

Communication
Global Mindset
Inclusion and Diversity
Leadership & Navigation
Organizational & Employee Development
Workplace Culture

Related Articles

Kelly Dobbs Bunting speaks onstage at SHRM24
(opens in a new tab)
News
Why AI+HI Is Essential to Compliance

HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.

(opens in a new tab)
News
A 4-Day Workweek? AI-Fueled Efficiencies Could Make It Happen

The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.

(opens in a new tab)
News
How One Company Uses Digital Tools to Boost Employee Well-Being

Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.

HR Daily Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest HR news, trends, and expert advice each business day.

Success title

Success caption

Manage Subscriptions
  • About SHRM
  • Careers at SHRM
  • Press Room
  • Contact SHRM
  • Book a SHRM Executive Speaker
  • Advertise with Us
  • Partner with Us
  • Copyright & Permissions
  • Post a Job
  • Find an HR Job
Follow Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • SHRM Newsletters
  • Ask An Advisor

© 2025 SHRM. All Rights Reserved

SHRM provides content as a service to its readers and members. It does not offer legal advice, and cannot guarantee the accuracy or suitability of its content for a particular purpose. Disclaimer


  1. Privacy Policy

  2. Terms of Use

  3. Accessibility

Join SHRM for Exclusive Access to Member Content

SHRM Members enjoy unlimited access to articles and exclusive member resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Limit Reached

Get unlimited access to articles and member-exclusive resources.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join to access unlimited articles and member-only resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join the Executive Network and enjoy unlimited content.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join and enjoy unlimited access to SHRM Executive Network Content.

Already a member?
Unlock Your Career with SHRM Membership

Please enjoy this free resource! Join SHRM for unlimited access to exclusive articles and tools.

Already a member?

Your membership is almost expired! Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew now

Your membership has expired. Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew Now

Your Executive Network membership is nearing its expiration. Renew now to maintain access.

Renew Now

Your membership has expired. Renew your Executive Network benefits today.

Renew Now