Those you share each day with—family, neighbors, church friends, social groups, the guys you meet for coffee—make up a “community,” no matter the size. They offer relationships and great opportunities to learn, engage, grow, and be thankful for differing cultures, customs, traditions, and beliefs.
Take advantage of the gifts you get from your personal communities over the next few weeks throughout December and into the New Year. You may encounter these 10 important celebrations noted on the 2019 diversity calendar. Learning about them—maybe even participating in special traditions with your friends—will help you recognize and celebrate the diversity in your daily life:
- December 1-24: Advent – a Christian time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus.
- December 16-24: Las Posadas – a nine-day Hispanic/Latino American celebration commemorating Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
- December 21: Yule Winter Solstice – celebrated by Pagans and Wiccans who focus on rebirth, renewal and new beginnings as the sun makes its way back to the Earth.
- December 22-30: Hanukkah – a Jewish holiday celebrated around the world for eight days and nights in commemoration of the Israelites’ victory over the Greek-Syrian ruler Antiochus.
- December 25: Christmas Day – the day Christians associate with the birth of Jesus.
- December 26: Boxing Day – a secular holiday celebrated in the U.K., Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and South Africa.
- December 26-January 1: Kwanzaa – an African-American holiday started in 1966 to celebrate universal African-American heritage.
- December 31: Watch Night – a day for Christians to review the past year, make confessions, and prepare for the year ahead by praying and resolving.
- January 10: Mahayana New Year – celebrated on the first full-moon day in January by members of the Mahayana Buddhist branch.
- January 15: Makar Sankranti – observed by Hindus and dedicated to the sun god through the celebration of peace and prosperity.
The importance of inclusion
The term diversity reflects the entire range of differences that exist among people across the world. Considering how the world is evolving ever so rapidly, providing new knowledge and an increase in self-awareness, diversity is no longer a concept limited to race and gender. Ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, generation, disability, personality types, and thinking styles now all contribute to a truly diverse culture—one that more and more people want to experience.
So, how do communities of all types embrace cultural, religious, and racial diversity to provide an environment where everyone feels a sense of respect, value, belonging, safety, and security? The Carrington at Lincolnwood does everything possible to create—and celebrate—an environment of consistent inclusion. At The Carrington, you will find that:
- Everyone’s voice is heard, valued, and understood in order to meet the needs of its residents.
- Residents interact with one another, attend events and meetings together. What’s the result? Respect and value of individual diversities.
- Events and activities are designed to bring everyone together and encourage positive interaction within the community.
- Holidays of different cultures are observed and celebrated.
- Management and staff “listen to understand” and communicate clearly across the board to avoid misinterpretation that can lead to hard feelings.
Being part of a community—or several—is essential to being human. At The Carrington, we take the development of community seriously, along with the roles that diversity and inclusion play in fostering a rich and healthy perspective in the lives of all our residents. We’d like to tell you more and show you our vibrant, fulfilling, and inclusive lifestyle. Call us today at (847) 744-9469 or reach out online to schedule a personal tour.
