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Happy Holidays?

December 2, 2015 by Annemarie Shrouder Leave a Comment

Yesterday I was in a downtown Toronto office.  As soon as the elevator doors opened onto the 7th floor I could already see the Christmas decorations.

The person I was meeting with is Jewish. So I asked him as we looked at the Christmas tree, where the Menorah was. He looked a bit uncomfortable for a moment and then said “Usually we will have one, but it’s not Hannukah yet.”

To which I responded: “Christmas doesn’t start for another 24 days! Hannukah is next week!”

“I don’t know what to say now,” he answered.

I was told by the receptionist that the Menorah will make an appearance. I’m tempted to drop by every day this week to see when it does. Because here is the thing:

It’s great that it will be there, but consider the unconscious message as we put up Christmas decorations a month before and possibly save the Menorah for exactly the 8 days it will be lit (or the 5 work days of the 8). Is there something especially anticipatory about Christmas that other holidays don’t share?

See more,

Copyright 2015 Annemarie Shrouder
Speaker, Author and Facilitator on issues of Diversity & Inclusion
www.annemarieshrouder.com

Radio Show Host – Creating Families
www.creatingfamiliesradio.com

Filed Under: bias, Celebrations, Diversity & Inclusion, Faith, Inclusive Workplaces, Uncategorized Tagged With: Christmas, Decorations, Hannukah

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