As the year winds down, the holiday season brings families and communities together to celebrate traditions rich in culture and history. Late November through December is a particularly festive time, filled with diverse customs from the United States and England. Let’s explore some family traditions and ideas that can be incorporated into the work environment during this joyful season.
Objective for the Day: Make a list your family holiday traditions. Add a Healthy tradition to the list.
Holiday Traditions in the United States
The U.S. is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is beautifully reflected in holiday celebrations. Here are some family-oriented traditions:
Family Traditions
- Thanksgiving (Late November): Families come together to share a feast that often includes turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It’s a time to express gratitude and remember family.
- Advent Calendars: Many families use calendars to count down to Christmas starting in late November, often filled with chocolates or small gifts.
- Christmas Tree Decorating: Picking out a tree, decorating with ornaments, and placing a star on top is a cherished family tradition, symbolizing the spirit of Christmas.
- Winter Solstice Celebrations: Some families celebrate the return of longer days, incorporating themes of light and renewal with bonfires and feasting.
- Hanukkah: For Jewish families, Hanukkah celebrations include lighting the menorah each night, playing dreidel, and enjoying traditional foods like latkes.
- Kwanzaa (Starting December 26): This week-long celebration honoring African heritage includes daily lighting of the Kinara and discussions of cultural principles.
Work Environment Traditions
Incorporating holiday traditions into the workplace can cultivate connection and morale. Here are some suggestions:
- Office Potluck: Encourage employees to bring in dishes from their cultural backgrounds to share, promoting community and understanding during the festive season.
- Secret Santa Gift Exchange: This popular activity allows colleagues to anonymously give gifts to one another, fostering a spirit of kindness and surprise.
- Cultural Holiday Highlights: Organize events that spotlight various cultural holidays celebrated during this time, such as Diwali, Hanukkah, or Christmas, to educate and celebrate diversity.
- Charity Initiatives: Host drives for food, toys, or clothing during the holiday season, encouraging employees to give back to the community.
- Holiday Cards Display: Create a space for employees to showcase holiday cards from various cultures, encouraging inclusivity and sharing of traditions.
- Winter Wonderland Decorating Contest: Host a friendly competition where teams decorate their spaces with holiday themes, boosting morale and collaborative spirit.
Holiday Traditions in England
The traditions of England during this festive period are rich and varied. Here are some notable customs:
Family Traditions
- Christmas Pudding: A traditional dessert that features dried fruits and brandy, usually prepared weeks in advance. Each family member traditionally stirs the batter and makes a wish.
- Boxing Day (December 26): This day is dedicated to relaxation, family time, and often involves sporting events or outings, serving as an extension of the Christmas festivities.
- Caroling: Groups often go caroling in their neighborhoods, sharing Christmas songs and festive cheer, sometimes collecting donations for charity.
- Mince Pies: These sweet pastries filled with dried fruit and spices are a holiday staple, often enjoyed with a cup of mulled wine.
- Twelfth Night (January 5): Traditionally concludes the Christmas season, involving festivities like the removal of decorations and sometimes a gathering for a special meal.
Work Environment Traditions
British offices can also incorporate holiday cheer with these traditions:
- Cracker Pulling: At holiday parties, employees can pull Christmas crackers filled with small gifts and jokes, adding a fun element to workplace celebrations.
- Festive Jumper Day: Employees wear their most festive holiday jumpers in the spirit of fun, often raising money for charitable causes.
- Team Outings: Organize seasonal outings, such as a holiday dinner or a trip to a local Christmas market, fostering a sense of community among coworkers.
- Holiday Movie Screening: Host a screening of classic holiday films, providing a relaxed atmosphere for employees to unwind together and share their favorite movies.
- Shared Calendar of Events: Create an inclusive calendar listing various cultural celebrations that take place during this time, allowing staff to learn and participate.
The late November and December months bring a wealth of traditions that can enrich family and workplace environments. Celebrate the holidays through shared customs and embrace a new healthy tradition to ensure that the warmth and joy of the season is felt by all in your family.