Living in the United States, Christmas takes over almost every department store, every commercial break, and it decorates most houses and streets. However, there are other holidays celebrated during the winter season. People from all walks of life celebrate the end of the year despite doing it in different ways. There are people who celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, and there are also people who don’t celebrate anything in particular. It’s important that amidst all the Christmas frenzy, there is a space of inclusivity for our loved ones who celebrate something different.
I, for one, get overly excited and I want every wall to scream Christmas in my face, but my roommate celebrates Hannakuh, and I’m also excited for her. We have found ways to decorate our apartment in a way where both of our holidays are celebrated and we think they could be useful for you as well. Here are some ideas that can help you decorate your apartment, house or dorm room in a way that is representative of both Christmas and other December holidays or traditions.
Winter Decor, rather than Christmas
Christmas decor highlights the love and the hope that comes with the Christmas season that can be very holiday-neutral. There are so many things that just say “joy” or “Happy Holidays.” You can decorate your home with these so as to include other traditions that occur during this season. Choose whites, golds and natural colors, rather than red and green decor.
A Holiday Inclusive Christmas Tree
If you are dead set on having a Christmas tree in your home space, a perfect way to do this is to decorate your tree with certain attributes for a different holiday. For example, because my roommate celebrates Hannakuh, our tree will be decorated in blue and silver ornaments, creating a Hanukkah and Christmas hybrid tree.
DIY Decor
It can be hard to find decor that matches what you want your space to represent. To accomplish this, you could host a craft night where you and your roommates create pieces of art that are unique to each owns beliefs. Plus, this could be a fun way to decorate your home and bond with your roommates. Spending time with the people who matter to you the most is important regardless of the holiday season.
At the end of the day, showing your roommates that you care about them and putting in the time to create a space that includes decorations for everyone’s special holiday is enough. My roommates and I wish you a holiday season filled with love, joy, and warmth!