Embracing Joy, Unity, and Tradition This Holiday Season

The American Melting Pot Holiday Advantage: Celebrations Across the Year

Americans have many introspective moments annually that form in concerned chatter about inclusivity during the Christmas season. Debates rage online and at elite universities over whether we should elevate all holidays simultaneously and equally, accompanied by warnings not to say “Merry Christmas” for fear of offending. Yet “Merry Christmas if you practice” does not have the right ring, nor does it make anyone feel acknowledged or imply an upbeat celebration.

And let’s be frank. The average American does not seem particularly concerned about this. Instead, the discussion appears confined to small, vocal, self-appointed enforcers of holiday inclusivity.

Education and Unity

Perhaps the issue isn’t inclusivity but its timing. In practical terms, we should be open to acknowledging and celebrating major religious and cultural holidays as a form of education and unity during their actual calendar moment. Recognizing Hanukkah, Diwali, Chinese New Year, Day of the Dead, or Ramadan allows Americans to learn about someone else’s celebration, the beauty of the activity, and culturally relevant food.

Sacred Meanings

Each ethnically relevant holiday has a sacred meaning that has existed for hundreds and even thousands of years, empowering and creating much-needed moments of self-reflection. The rise of social media enables us to smile and provide positive comments on someone’s feed as we see beautiful portrayals, whether in clothing, art, or food, of these special cultural moments our friends and neighbors celebrate.

Elevating Religion and Culture Consistently

The recognition of holidays as scheduled results not in a dilution of anyone else’s experience but an elevation of it. It allows media, schools, and communities to take the long view without compromising our beliefs through some token action.

Social media allows people to showcase their traditions. Prefacing remarks and teaching moments with a sense of joy instead of a forced equalization normalizes one of the most beautiful aspects of the American melting pot—our ability to attract people from around the world who come to our country to engage in hope, optimism, enterprise, and freedom.

Let’s teach children to embrace hope, light, and learning moments, nurturing their curiosity and joy rather than letting fear and caution take the lead.