For people across the world, holidays bring together neighbors, friends, and family. For those living and working in community associations, the holiday season presents an opportunity to strengthen ties as communities celebrate with lights, decorations, and special events.
It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but not everyone celebrates the same holidays. Small changes to your holiday newsletters and community decor can make a big difference to your residents. Diversifying your holiday decor will make your celebrations more inclusive.
Community association board members and managers might ask their residents what holidays they celebrate and how. That will help you plan your community’s holiday decor and celebrations accordingly. The holiday season is officially underway with the following celebrations over the next few months:
Diwali. The festival of lights celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The holiday is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Diwali takes place between October and November each year. This year, Diwali is observed Oct. 31–Nov. 1.
Winter solstice. This is a celebration of light and takes place on the shortest day and longest night of the year. The solstice occurs on Dec. 21.
Hanukkah. A Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It’s also known as the festival of lights. Hanukkah normally falls between late November and December. This year, Hanukkah is observed Dec. 25–Jan. 2.
Christmas. A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ that is commonly marked by decorating a Christmas tree, exchanging gifts, and a meal. Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25.
Boxing Day. This holiday originated as a day to give gifts to those in need. Today, it is primarily known as a day for shopping. Boxing Day is celebrated on Dec. 26.
Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African American culture based on harvest festival traditions from Africa. Kwanzaa takes place Dec. 26–Jan. 1.
Lunar New Year. This is the most important holiday in several East Asian countries. It marks the beginning of the Chinese lunar calendar. The holiday starts anytime from mid-January to mid-February. This coming year, it occurs Jan. 29.
Author
Hazel Siff, CAI
Reprinted with permission from Community Associations Institute – Michigan Chapter.