“Happy Holidays”

“Happy Holidays”

Supporting, elevating, and empowering (S.E.E.) one another can be done in numerous ways. However, this holiday season, an easy way to do this is to understand the importance of the phrase "Happy Holidays." Acknowledging that not everyone you come in contact with celebrates Christmas or the same holidays as you.

Learning about different holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, Yule, Kwanzaa Zarathosht Day, Thanksgiving, and Diwali helps create an inclusive mindset. Creating a space for others who don't celebrate the same holidays. Opening our minds to an inclusive mindset can put us into the perspective of others' beliefs, customs, and traditions. Opening the door to new connections and conversations about their diversity and experiences!

I value connections when meeting new individuals with different celebrations and beliefs. Socializing and conversing in a more profound way than just surface level, showing that someone talking to me is being heard and seen. Learning about other's customs and traditions allows me and others to see their unique celebration and why it is important to them. Using the phrase "Happy Holidays" is an inviting way to invite people into conversation to learn about celebrations you don't usually recognize. Minnesota has a vast, diverse population, and it is vital for me to make space for those to share their diversity and experiences within their celebrations.

I wish everyone a Happy Holidays during this holiday season! Remember you are seen and acknowledged by me and so many others.