Practicing Inclusivity during the Winter Holidays Ensuring we are recognizing the other holidays that are taking place will make all our members feel included and solidify a sense of belonging to our organizations. It’s that time of year and we are excited to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. While we typically see Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa being celebrated around a military installation, be mindful that there are members of our community who are celebrating and/or upholding other traditions. Ensuring we are recognizing the other holidays that are taking place will make all our members feel included and solidify a sense of belonging to our organizations. One of the best ways to show support during this season is to share the importance of the various holidays and traditions that are celebrated by your club members and community. This can easily be done through recognition on social media, mentions at membership meetings or socials, as well as providing a space for members to share their traditions with anyone that may be interested. Your club can even connect with your military installation to see if any type of event is going on during the holiday season and incorporate that event into your club’s calendar. These small gestures are a big step in the direction of a versatile and inclusive holiday season within your community. Along those lines, did you know that in October many members of the Indian community celebrate Diwali (a celebration about being triumphant and overcoming obstacles)? This holiday is the biggest and one of the most important celebrations in the Indian culture. Closing out Hispanic Heritage month is Día De Los Muertos, which takes place on November 2. The month of November also is National Native American Heritage Month in addition to being a time to recognize and appreciate service members with the Month of the Military Family and Veterans Day. But, don’t forget Friendsgiving, and Thanksgiving! As we head into the final month of the year, December has several cultural and religious holidays not previously mentioned, such as Las Posadas, a religious festival in Mexico and some parts of the U.S, and the Winter Solstice which is the winter sabbat according to the Pagan and Wiccan faiths. The month of January begins with Three Kings Day (Dia de Los Reyes) also known as Epiphany on January 6. Then we have Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is on January 16 next year. Finally, closing out the winter holidays is Lunar New Year, celebrated through many parts of Asia and in the United States. All of these holidays and celebrations hold something special to someone within the communities we serve, so, let’s do our part and ensure that we are making everyone feel welcomed and included.
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