Week Three ThinkEDI 12 Weeks of Festive Allyship
Jess Bowen
October 2024
The festive season is meant to be a time of joy, togetherness, and generosity. But for many, it can also be a period of stress and anxiety, especially when it comes to food.
Whether it’s navigating a table laden with dishes that don’t reflect their dietary needs, facing pressure to eat when they’re uncomfortable, or feeling excluded due to their cultural traditions not being represented, this time of year can be difficult for some.
That’s why it’s essential to approach the festive season with two key principles in mind: supporting others by avoiding food pressure and being inclusive of the diverse cultural food traditions that make the UK such a vibrant place to live. By considering the needs of everyone at the table, we can make the holidays more enjoyable and inclusive for all.
Avoiding Food Pressure
For many people, the festive season comes with an overwhelming focus on food. This can be a joyful thing for some, but for others – particularly those with dietary restrictions, chronic illnesses, eating disorders, or even just a different relationship with food – it can be a source of anxiety and stress. It’s important to remember that not everyone feels comfortable or excited about indulgent meals, and that’s okay.
Here are some ways we can support others and avoid food pressure:
Respect Personal Boundaries
Not everyone wants to eat everything that’s on offer, and they shouldn’t be made to feel guilty about it. Let people choose what they’re comfortable eating without pushing them to try everything. Avoid comments like, “Oh, you’ve got to try this!” or “Go on, have a bit more, it’s Christmas!” Respecting people’s personal choices is a key way to reduce food-related anxiety.
Normalize Saying ‘No, Thank You’
Encourage an environment where it’s perfectly okay for someone to say they’re not hungry or don’t feel like eating. Avoid questions or remarks like “Is that all you’re having?” or “You’re not eating much!” Normalizing a relaxed approach to food can make a huge difference for people who may feel pressure to conform.
Don’t Center Every Activity Around Food
While sharing a meal is a big part of many holiday celebrations, it’s important to remember that not everyone finds joy in the food aspect. Plan some non-food-based activities – board games, gift exchanges, or simply enjoying each other’s company – so that everyone can participate, regardless of whether they want to eat.
Offer Take-Home Options
Rather than encouraging people to eat more during a meal, provide containers so guests can take food home if they want. This allows them to enjoy the meal on their own terms, when they feel ready and comfortable. It’s a thoughtful way of supporting guests who may feel uncomfortable eating in public or large groups.
By reducing food pressure, we create a more supportive and compassionate environment for everyone – allowing the focus to shift from food to what truly matters: spending time together and caring for one another.
Being Inclusive of Cultural Diversity in Food
The UK is a wonderfully diverse country, and this diversity extends to the way we celebrate the festive season. While traditional British Christmas dinners might consist of roast turkey, stuffing, and mince pies, many families incorporate foods from their own cultural backgrounds into the celebration. Supporting and including these different traditions is crucial for making everyone feel welcome and valued.
Here’s how we can be more inclusive of cultural diversity when it comes to festive meals:
Acknowledge Different Celebrations
Not everyone celebrates Christmas in the same way. Some households will be observing Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, or other important cultural or religious festivals. Even within the Christian tradition, the way Christmas is celebrated can differ, such as with Polish families having their key celebration on Christmas Eve. It’s important to recognize and respect these different traditions, rather than assuming everyone celebrates in a uniform way.
Offer a Variety of Dishes
Make an effort to provide a variety of dishes that reflect the diverse backgrounds of your guests. South Asian families may have biryani, curries, or samosas alongside the more typical British fare. Caribbean families might enjoy jerk chicken, rice and peas, and rum cake. Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah may serve latkes or sufganiyot. The key is to make sure there are options for everyone, allowing them to feel represented and included at the table.
Label Clearly and Consider Dietary Restrictions
Make sure food is clearly labeled, especially for those with dietary restrictions. This can help people with allergies, intolerances, or religious dietary needs (like halal or kosher) feel safe and confident about what they’re eating. Include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options where possible, to ensure that everyone can enjoy the meal without concern.
Ask About Preferences in Advance
If you’re hosting, a simple way to be inclusive is to ask your guests about their dietary needs and preferences before the event. This allows you to plan ahead and make sure you have something for everyone. It shows thoughtfulness and care and helps avoid uncomfortable situations where someone feels left out because they can’t eat what’s being served.
Small Steps for Marketing
While the main focus should be on how we support and consider one another during the festive season, it’s also worth noting how food marketing can play a role in encouraging inclusivity. Supermarkets, food brands, and restaurants should recognize the diverse ways people celebrate and cater to them accordingly.
Feature Diverse Foods in Campaigns
Showcasing a range of festive dishes from different cultures in marketing materials is a simple but powerful way to acknowledge the UK’s rich diversity. This goes beyond the traditional turkey-and-mince-pies narrative and can highlight Caribbean, South Asian, Jewish, and other cultural foods as part of the festive experience.
Offer Special Products for Various Traditions
Retailers can offer special seasonal products catering to different cultural festivals. Whether it’s Diwali sweets, Hanukkah doughnuts, or halal and kosher options, making sure these are easily accessible sends the message that all traditions are valued.
Incorporate Multiple Languages and Cultural Messaging
Using multiple languages or culturally appropriate symbols in marketing materials can help make the festive season feel more inclusive. It also ensures that people who don’t celebrate Christmas as traditionally depicted feel seen and catered to.
Week Three ThinkEDI 12 Weeks of Festive Allyship
As we come together during the festive season, it’s vital to remember that everyone’s relationship with food – and their way of celebrating – is different. By reducing food pressure and being inclusive of cultural diversity, we can create a more supportive, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and included.
Whether it’s by offering a variety of dishes that reflect the cultural mosaic of the UK, or simply letting people enjoy the day at their own pace, these small gestures can make a huge difference. After all, the festive season is about more than food – it’s about care, consideration, and connection.
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