Respecting traditions during the holiday season

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Celebrating the upcoming holidays for some may involve hanging family stockings, visiting Santa, and decorating a tree with ornaments and lights, but for many, traditions can differ with families celebrating and using time off in their own way.

"Everyone should be mindful of people's different traditions," said Capt. Shannan Carter, 31st Fighter Wing Equal Opportunity director. "How Airmen and their families celebrate this time of the year is their choice and no one should devalue how someone celebrates."

There are several religions and traditions celebrated during the month of December to include Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, Yule/Winter Solstice and Kwanzaa.

Carter explains how keeping all these different holiday traditions in mind may influence how some units or families choose to decorate for holiday functions.

"Keep in mind while planning holiday functions, make sure to be inclusive," explained Carter. "Some examples of this could mean decorating with winter neutral decorations such as snowflakes, snowmen, bows, wreaths and even trees with non-religious symbols."

Being involved during the holiday season is more than just saying "Happy Holidays" to coworkers; it's about understanding and honoring each other's customs and traditions.

"Take some time out of your day to talk to your coworkers and learn about the holidays they might celebrate," explained Carter. "When supervisors create a work schedule for the upcoming holidays, they should keep in mind some individuals may prefer working Christmas day and would appreciate having another day off to celebrate their tradition."

According to Department of Defense Directive, 1300.17, Accommodation of Religious Practices Within the Military Services, a basic principle of our nation is free exercise of religion. It is a DOD policy that requests that accommodation of religious practices should be approved by commanders when it does not have an adverse impact on military readiness, unit cohesion, standards or discipline.

"December is rich with holidays from a variety of faiths and traditions," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Tillery, 31st Fighter Wing Chaplain Corps wing chaplain. "Buddhists may seek permission to be excused from non-mission essential functions on Dec. 1 or the week following to celebrate in a variety of ways. Wiccans and Druids on evening-work shifts may request time off for High Day observances. Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist on Christmas Day. Although not obligatory, some Jews may seek permission to attend celebrations in the evening to kindle their Hanukkah menorahs."

With more than 8,000 Airmen and family members within Team Aviano, there may be an abundance of traditions celebrated during the holidays, but it does not mean there is a right or wrong way on how to celebrate the time off. Traditions are rituals, large or small, that give a sense of continuity and community.

"Take time to enjoy the bounty we have, in whatever manner conceived," said Tillery. "Simply put, spending time together or even alone; these traditions go toward strengthening the resilience of the individual, family and nation."

For more information on holiday sensitivities or to learn more about specific traditions, contact the chapel at 632-5211 or the Equal Opportunity office at 632-5934.

Contribution by: Staff Sgt. Patrick Corbeil, 31st Fighter Wing Equal Opportunity specialist.