Indigenous Engineering Inclusion’s Tips – Inclusion Minutes Insight #4

As we approach the holiday season, some who were raised in a Western Christian-focused environment react negatively to the societal shift from saying “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays”. I remember the frustration my mom would voice every year when someone wrote “Xmas” (“Keep Christ in Christmas” she would say) or referred to celebrations as Holiday parties as opposed to Christmas parties. While I understand and deeply respect this perspective, I prefer to avoid using Christian-focused language when addressing a group or an individual. I always say Happy Holidays if I do not know the person I am speaking to well enough to know if they observe Christmas. I do not do this out of fear of offending, but out of an authentic desire to invite everyone into the celebratory spirit of the holidays. To me, that is inclusion. Inclusion is making everyone in the room feel like they are welcome, valued and a whole part of the celebration regardless of their differences. If someone says, “Merry Christmas” to me, I feel no offence, and will say it back in their words, otherwise I send my love and well wishes to everyone no matter what they are celebrating this time of year. So, to you, my dear readers, I say Happy Holidays and I wish you all the best in 2020.