Most Admin Unicorns I know LOVE to mark major celebrations at the office in a variety of ways – decorations, special staff lunches, gifts for our colleagues, etc. Some of us work in very diverse communities where our colleagues celebrate one or more of the myriad of holidays that fall around this time of year; others of us work in less diverse communities where most everyone celebrates the “traditional” Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. No matter where you work I think it is super important to be mindful of how we celebrate at the office.

I am a member of my company’s Cultural Humility Committee. Our goals include serving as a think-tank to address cultural humility challenges that emerge in our projects and internal work. We promote continuous learning in the service of understanding and addressing the ways in which institutionalized power dynamics play out through our work and personal interactions. I am grateful for this committee, because I am encouraged to look deeper at our office culture with a mindful eye toward being as inclusive and humble as possible. I believe that nothing bad can come of having an open mind and an open heart. The more humility we have around cultural differences the more likely it is that all staff members will feel included, respected, and appreciated – which helps create that magical office environment that Admin Unicorns love so much.

For many Americans, Thanksgiving is a time for being thankful and eating a lot of delicious food with family and friends. However, for Native American communities this holiday is a reminder of suffering and genocide. While a lot of people don’t like to think about this, I think it is essential that we Admin Unicorns be especially thoughtful and acknowledge this pain. Seeing caricatures of Pilgrims and Indians eating turkey together may be very hurtful for some considering that many Indigenous Americans are still struggling due to colonialism.

I recommend reading and sharing these articles for some perspective that isn’t often represented in mainstream American media:

Native American Harvest Feasts Before Thanksgiving

Do Native Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving and Should You?

For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a day of mourning

For Me, Thanksgiving Is A “Day Of Mourning”

This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t have fall-related celebrations in the office – it just means that we get the opportunity to be more mindful, inclusive, and creative with our fun! Instead of pulling out those offensive Pilgrim/Indian Thanksgiving decorations, consider setting aside time for staff to do some fun crafts like a gratitude wreath or garland (or this one) and then decorate the office with them. Consider having a staff potluck where each person brings a dish that is specific to their culture or heritage. Maybe share a meal with the neighbors in your building. Some companies set aside a day to volunteer with a local non-profit. Another option is to schedule a day of learning and take time to get curious about the realities that Indigenous Americans still face in the United States. Take this opportunity to learn about the battles still being fought for land, water, and sovereignty – like what is happening with the Sacred Stones Camp, Red Warrior Camp, and the Oceti Sakowin Camp to resist the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The same goes for the December holidays… There are so many holidays besides Christmas that are celebrated around the world. You can read more about some of them here and here. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t acknowledge Christmas at work – I mean, I love my little LED desktop tree and a touch of tinsel around the cubicle – but do consider that many people celebrate holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, and many many others. So maybe think twice if you’re planning to decorate the entire office with nativity scenes and little drummer boys. Maybe instead of decorating the whole office with one theme, give  everyone the option to decorate their work spaces in their own way. Some companies have a cubicle decorating contest. Check out my Office Space board on Pinterest for some fun cubicle decorating ideas!

And get curious; do some research about all the phenomenal festivities that take place all around this beautiful globe we live on! There is so much to learn.

Stay tuned for my post about hosting an awesome office holiday party!

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