Merry Christmas from a Cultural Diversity Trainer

As a cultural diversity trainer/speaker I always begin my December workshops/keynotes on saying “Merry Christmas”. It seems like a lot of people get their Christmas stockings tied up in knots over this. Here’s the deal (and my opinion only but that is what the intnernet is for)- it’s part of Canadian culture to say ‘Merry Christmas’. However, the beauty of Canadian culture is that if someone wishes to
say, “Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Diwali or Happy Holidays” back- go for it. I have wonderful Hindu friends that have the prettiest Christmas tree in the neighbourhood. One of my favourite treats that Mom baked during the holidays was Jewish shortbread covered in cinnamon, sugar and walnuts. We have created and encouraged a politically correct society which ultimately has sadly created a ‘we versus them’ mentality. Think inclusively. Think us. Bernard Baruch said, ‘we didn’t all come over on the same ship, but we’re all in the same boat”. So, with that, I wish ALL of you a very Merry Christmas filled with love, laughter, health and happiness.