That time of year again: HOLIDAY parties

So, it's a little early, I'll admit it. But, you're probably already thinking about what's happening after Thanksgiving, and if you want to engage in a holiday party for your residents.

However, it can always be a fine line between which holidays should be celebrated. It's easy to assume all residents celebrate Christmas, but that just isn't true and isn't the case.

We need to look past that and consider all of our residents! And so, here are some fun tips and tricks that can help plan an inclusive holiday party for your residents, and maybe teach them something about the importance of inclusivity during the holiday season.

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Tip one: Use friendly words, like Holiday Party! Calling it Christmas exclusively is not inclusive.

Tip two: Stay away from Secret Santas, or at least calling them that.

Tip three: If you decorate, don't just decorate with Christmas decorations/colors

Tip four: Make holiday cookies, not just christmas cookies. I love a Santa cookie cutter like everyone else, but Santa shouldn't be the only cookie cutter

Tip five: If you're going to watch holiday movies, make sure you include all holiday movies, not just Christmas ones. Sure, watch Rudolph and the Grinch, but also find other movies that fit all religions that are celebrated in your hall

Tip six: Don't make anyone feel excluded from the fun because they aren't Christian or celebrate Christmas

Tip seven: Stop your residents from having conversations about how "dumb" it is that Christmas isn't the only holiday. It'll happen, and you may overhear it. Make sure you're having conversations about why that's bad.

Tip eight: Have fun with it, and remember that it's time for celebration, not exclusion. All residents want to celebrate and have fun, and all religions are important!!

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I hope all of you that are beginning to plan these parties are taking these into consideration, because we want to include all residents, no matter their religion!!