Top 5 Ways to Foster Inclusivity for Employees Who Don’t Celebrate Christmas

Top 5 Ways to Foster Inclusivity for Employees Who Don’t Celebrate Christmas

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for some employees, it can also be a time of discomfort if inclusivity and sensitivity aren’t prioritized. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, and it’s essential for organizations to create an environment where all employees feel respected and valued—regardless of their personal traditions or beliefs.

Here are the top five ways to ensure your workplace is inclusive and sensitive to employees who do not celebrate Christmas.

1. Avoid Blanket "Merry Christmas" Messages to All Employees

It may feel natural to send an email or Teams message wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas," but this can unintentionally alienate employees who do not observe the holiday.

Why It Matters: A holiday greeting that assumes universal participation in Christmas may inadvertently exclude employees who celebrate other holidays—or none at all—during this season. Inclusivity begins with recognizing the diversity of your workforce.

Recommendation: Consider using neutral language in your communications, such as “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.” This small shift ensures your message is welcoming to everyone and sets an example for inclusive communication.

2. Avoid Requiring Participation in Christmas Activities

While branded activities like ugly Christmas sweater contests, holiday gift exchanges, or themed potlucks can be fun for many, they might not resonate with everyone. Requiring participation in such events can put undue pressure on those who don’t observe the holiday.

Why It Matters: Mandatory participation in Christmas-centric activities can create feelings of exclusion or discomfort for employees who don’t celebrate. It can also lead to a lack of engagement and a sense that their personal beliefs are undervalued.

Recommendation: Make participation in holiday activities optional. Better yet, consider hosting more inclusive events that celebrate the diversity of your team, such as multicultural potlucks or a “Season of Giving” volunteer day that allows employees to give back to their communities in ways that align with their values.

3. Take Time to Know Your Team

Assuming everyone celebrates Christmas can lead to misunderstandings and even awkward interactions. Inclusivity begins with understanding and respecting the unique traditions, beliefs, and preferences of your team.

Why It Matters: Building strong relationships with employees helps foster a culture of trust and respect. It also helps leaders avoid making assumptions that may alienate team members.

Recommendation: Engage with your employees and ask open-ended questions to understand their perspectives. For example, you could ask, “What’s your favorite way to celebrate the holiday season?” This invites them to share their traditions—if they’re comfortable doing so—without feeling pressured to conform to yours.

4. Ask, Don’t Assume

It’s easy to assume that everyone around you celebrates Christmas, especially when the holiday dominates conversations, marketing, and events. But these assumptions can unintentionally marginalize those who don’t share the same traditions.

Why It Matters: By asking instead of assuming, you demonstrate respect for your employees’ individuality and create an environment where they feel seen and heard.

Recommendation: If you’re planning holiday celebrations or sending greetings, take a moment to check in with employees. A simple question like, “Do you celebrate Christmas, or are there other holidays you observe during this time of year?” shows genuine interest and ensures you’re not inadvertently excluding anyone.

5. Diversify Your Approach to the Holidays

The workplace shouldn’t feel like it’s catering exclusively to one holiday or tradition. A narrow focus on Christmas can leave employees who celebrate other holidays—or none at all—feeling like they don’t belong.

Why It Matters: Diversity in holiday celebrations creates a sense of belonging for everyone. It also provides opportunities for employees to learn about and appreciate each other’s cultures and traditions.

Recommendation: Expand your workplace celebrations to reflect the diversity of your team. Consider recognizing other holidays celebrated during the season, such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Diwali. Better yet, make it about community and togetherness rather than specific holidays—focus on team-building and shared values that resonate across cultures.

Closing Thoughts

Creating an inclusive workplace during the holiday season doesn’t mean canceling Christmas or taking away anyone’s joy. It’s about expanding the way we celebrate to ensure everyone feels seen, valued, and respected. By being thoughtful about language, activities, and assumptions, you can create a workplace culture where the holiday season is a source of joy and connection for everyone—no matter what they celebrate.

Inclusivity isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s a must-have for a thriving, harmonious workplace. This holiday season, let’s embrace diversity and make inclusivity the gift we give to our teams.

What steps are you taking to create an inclusive holiday season? Share your ideas in the comments!