Tips to navigate December holidays and seasonal celebrations
As families blend and cultures overlap, life in December seems to get trickier and trickier every year. Even a simple greeting these days can be a minefield: Do we say “Merry Christmas?” “Happy Holidays?” Hmmm. Maybe, “Have a delightful December!” will do.
In this season of celebration, we all want to give gifts skillfully, attend unfamiliar parties artfully and generally emerge into January unscathed. But like it or not, the odds of stepping on toes—and offending religious or cultural sensibilities—are high.
Wait a minute! The twelfth month should be about joy, kindness, tolerance and gratitude, right? It’s a time of hope and deep generosity (as well as buffet tables lined with Christmas cookies, Hanukkah latkes and Kwanzaa coconut cakes). In that spirit, there are some straightforward ways to navigate the sticky terrain that is December.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
Stay mindful
Not everyone celebrates the way you do. If you know which holiday someone observes, you’re a step ahead: it’s easy to give a specific holiday wish, and it’s bound to be appreciated. But if you aren’t sure, err on the side of caution and just make a wish for a lovely season. America may be primarily a Christian country, but among us are also Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Sikh Americans who deserve consideration. Which brings up another point…
Keep a generous spirit
We’re all trying our best here. Non-Christians are routinely wished a “Merry Christmas.” Many Christians balk at the less-than-satisfying “Happy Holidays.” But it’s all meant in good spirit. For your own sake—as well as that of those around you—don’t read too much into the way people greet you at this time of year. Just be thankful another person is reaching out to you with kindness.
Be Switzerland
If you’re in a multi-faith situation, staying neutral can be a smart move—especially when it comes to gifts and wrapping paper. Unless you know a person would love an inflatable menorah or a nativity scene crafted out of walnuts, don’t even go there. Santa Claus cookies won’t please everyone, but good ol’ sugar cookies are a safe bet. And simple winter gift wrap can be appreciated by all.
Remain open
Being part of another’s celebration can only enhance your own. An unfamiliar Hanukkah party can be a chance to bask in candlelight, eat delicious latkes and learn how to play dreidel. People of any faith can marvel at the beauty of a Christmas service or midnight mass. The wisdom and customs of Kwanzaa can be uplifting to all. If you’re invited to new celebrations, by all means go! Your presence will be a great show of respect to friends and/or extended family. And when in doubt about what to do, just follow the lead of your hosts.
Welcome differences
Our big, beautiful world is filled with variation in thought and customs. Embracing those differences doesn’t mean diluting your own treasured beliefs and traditions. Live and let live. Celebrate and let celebrate! It’s all good—and we’re good, too, when we offer acceptance and tolerance.
December’s difficulties are nothing more than invitations to connect more deeply with the people around us. So as the air turns frosty and winter festivities begin, unwrap the gift of our differences. If you handle them with care, the holiday season will respond in kind, delivering you into a brand new year safe and sound.
Shop Hanukkah
See allYou may also like
See more-
Gifting The Office gifts and decor make WFH way more fun
From 9-5, our favorite show is The (Home) Office. 💼 📄 Add some fun to WFH with products and decor from The Office, av...
-
Summer Vegetable stamping: How to make simple, modern prints with produce
There are so many reasons to try fruit and vegetable stamping: It's surprisingly creative. It's easy. It uses stuff y...
-
Baby 40+ baby photoshoot ideas, tips and tricks from Hallmark photographers
You have the cutest baby in the world. There’s no contest. It’s not even a question. But what you might not have are ...
-
Christmas Step right up and see the Seaside Carnival Keepsake Ornament
Get ready for all the sights and sounds of Santa’s Seaside Carnival! Santa and Mrs. Claus are ready to greet visitors...
-
Friends Friendship messages: What to write in a friendship card
Whether it’s your friend’s birthday or just any old day, sending a card is a great way to bring a smile and nurture ...
-
Card Ideas 17 ideas for saving your favorite cards and letters
If you’ve got a shoe box full of old cards and letters, you’re definitely not alone. People have been stashing away m...
-
Birthday Free birthday coloring pages to add more fun to the celebration
The best birthdays are the ones filled with lots of little treats and fun activities, from sunup to sundown. If you’r...
-
Family Tips and ideas for preserving and displaying family recipes
Family recipes are a special kind of priceless heirloom—the kind that transport us back to our favorite times with ou...
-
Mother's Day Meaningful, personal Mother's Day gift ideas for every mom you know
It can be tough to come up with gift ideas for Mom. Most of us want to give her something meaningful: a gift that sho...
-
Father's Day Celebrating two dads on Father's Day: Tips and ideas inspired by real families
As a dad, I appreciate Father’s Day. Even though my family has never made a really big deal out of it, it’s always so...
-
Thank You 100+ teacher appreciation gift ideas to say “thanks for all you do!”
In 6th grade, my homeroom teacher made us illustrated, laminated bookmarks—each one a custom collage of our interests...
-
Christmas Dr. Finkelstein’s Lab Tree Topper
Fans of Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, we have a frightfully fun new addition for your tree! Kee...
-
Graduation Graduation gift ideas for every level of education
My little brother starts kindergarten this year, and I’m already bracing myself for the tears—mine, not his. I know t...
-
Lifestyle Free printable When Calls the Heart Bingo card to celebrate the Season 11 premiere!
Who's ready for a Heartie Party? You know we are! So much so, we created a bingo card to add a whole extra layer of f...
-
Christmas Star Wars: A New Hope™️ Collection
You don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to experience an epic adventure! Each stocking holder performs sce...
-
Christmas Wreath of Memories Keepsake Ornament
Get a special behind-the-scenes look at how Keepsake Artists Gregor Benedetti and Rob Stanphill collaborated on the d...
-
Christmas Howliday Helpers First in Series Keepsake Ornament
Do you want the inside scoop on an im-paws-ibly cute new series? We’ll throw you a bone—Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker...
-
Christmas Keepsake Ornaments ShowToppers Mini Collection
We’re so excited to introduce our new ShowToppers collection. Featuring three unique designs, each tree topper is int...
-
Christmas Keepsake Ornaments North Pole Village Table Decoration
Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker is here with a special delivery of Christmas magic! Hear how she brought this bustling ...
-
Christmas Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™️ Storytellers Collection
Ready for a little magic? Featuring light, sound and real dialogue from the movie, Harry, Dobby, Ron, Hermione and th...