Navigate the season mindfully

Holiday celebrations are often shaped by cultural traditions, which influence how individuals and communities observe the season. Holiday celebrations and cultural traditions get passed down through generations. This can reinforce cultural identity and create a sense of community. The holiday season can feel joyful, stressful or both, especially when trying to honor our cultural differences. 

Many people may find themselves feeling disconnected or misunderstood this holiday season. Inclusive mental health care means holding space for diverse traditions, beliefs and needs. Understanding the importance of honoring cultural traditions and how they positively impact mental health is more important than ever. 

Recognize that one size doesn’t fit all

Western holiday traditions (such as Christmas or Thanksgiving) might not always be the norm, depending on cultural or regional context. It’s important to normalize different family structures, rituals or seasonal experiences. Clinicians should avoid assumptions about what holiday someone celebrates and ask open-ended questions that give someone space to share. 

You might find that some people don’t celebrate anything during the holiday season, and that is OK too. You might ask them something like “What’s your favorite part about the winter weather changes?” or “Do you have any activities you enjoy doing more during the wintertime?” to create space for many traditions and celebrations. 

Let’s look at a few lesser-known holiday celebrations across many different cultures. 

• Yule — This is a celebration of the winter solstice, usually by Wiccan or pagan religions. 
• Diwali — A traditional Hindu celebration, Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights. 
• Christmas — This day signifies the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure in the Christian religion. 
• Kwanzaa — Kwanzaa is a secular celebration of African American cultural heritage and traditional values. 
• Bodhi Day — This is a Buddhist holiday, celebrated to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha and his achievement of enlightenment. 
• Lunar New Year — This holiday signifies the end of winter and the beginning of a new year in traditional Chinese cultures. 
• Hanukkah — Also known as the Festival of Lights, this is an eight-day celebration remembering the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. 

Honor each client’s unique cultural and spiritual practices

Honoring cultural differences during the holidays can feel more challenging in a mental health treatment program. Your care team should be open to supporting each client’s unique cultural traditions. This might be prayer, food, music, gatherings or solitude. 

By showing respect and making clients feel welcome, no matter their culture, it fosters a sense of belonging. When clients feel like they belong, it can make treatment programs that much more effective. Culturally inclusive practices are vital in mental health care to support and reinforce therapeutic alliance through treatment. 

Adapt support strategies to each individual 

What does inclusive holiday support look like? One example is translating resources into many languages. Clinicians may also provide flexible scheduling, knowing that some clients might have other holiday obligations. 

Some clients may have heavy feelings of isolation this holiday season. Mental health clinics could consider hosting diverse holiday get-togethers, either in person or virtually, to help people combat feelings of holiday isolation. This ensures clients will feel welcome and respected this holiday season, which can enhance their safety and trust in a treatment program. 

Involve families with sensitivity

It is also important to remember that certain cultures may place a strong emphasis on family roles, and others may not. Certain mental health treatment programs may include a family therapy session for the client. But this might not be helpful for every client. It’s important to ask each client what family means to them to tailor certain services accordingly. 

Practice healing with cultural humility

Mental health support during the holidays isn’t about erasing culture; it’s about honoring it and celebrating our differences. If you don’t understand a certain tradition or have a question about what a holiday celebration means, don’t be afraid to ask. If you ask in a kind and compassionate way, coming from a place of wanting to learn, most people will be more than happy to answer. 

At Lightfully, the framework of everything we do consists of whole-person-centered care, meaning we don’t put our clients into one box. We understand that each client is their own person and shouldn’t be marginalized based on their holiday traditions. 

Our four levels of care are founded on our Precision Care Model (PCM). Our experts use PCM to provide fully customizable treatment plans for each of our clients. Our compassionate clinical experts understand that mental health care isn’t one-size-fits-all. 

Change is possible. If you’re ready to receive culturally responsive care, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.