As we begin to celebrate the joy and magic of the holidays, let’s all be sensitive to the fact that we have Associates and customers who practice or observe a variety of faiths and traditions at this time of year. With the Shaw workforce and marketplace more global and religiously diverse than ever, managing these differences can sometimes present pronounced challenges. Given the strong emotions around the holidays and the traditional office “Christmas” party, even the best of intentions of the season can negatively impact or even offend our fellow Associates and customers. This is a good time of year to remind ourselves or get to know those we work with better.
To help prevent misunderstandings, here’s a quick update:
Ramadan is a solemn month-long period marked by fasting and abstinence for Muslims. Ramadan often falls in the month of December, but not always. This year Ramadan began at sundown on September 1st and ended at sundown on October 1st.
Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights,” celebrates the triumphs – both religious
and military – of ancient Jewish heroes for 8 days. This year Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 22nd and runs through sundown on December 30th.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus was born of a virgin mother, Mary, and a heavenly father, God. Christmas is celebrated around the world on December 25th of each year by people of multiple denominations.
Kwanzaa is “the First Fruits of the Harvest,” non-religious celebration practiced by some African-Americans. One of the Seven Principles, the Nguzo Saba, is celebrated, led by the elder of the family, nightly for 1 week. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26-January 1, annually.
Diwali or Deepak is also called the “Festival of Lights,” because the name translates as row of lights in Hindu. It last 5 days. Because it follows a lunar calendar like Hanukkah and Ramadan, it changes each year. This year, the first day of Diwali was October 28th.
How “HAPPY HOLIDAYS” is said around the world.
French: Bonnes fetes
German: Frohe Festtage
Spanish: Felices fiestas
Hindi: Chuttiyo Ki Shubkaamnayein
Italian: Buone Feste
Swahili: Kullu Sana wa Antum bi-Khayr
Ukrainian: Veselykh sviat
