From safe spaces to snow(flakes) and ditching alcohol, we reveal how to have a PC Christmas that’s non-judgmental and empowering
DREAMING of a white Christmas? Be sure to keep it to yourself at the office party – you don’t know who you might offend.
Despite police in Northern Ireland being criticised yesterday for warning that a snog under the mistletoe could constitute rape, they may be on to something with such advice.
The annual knees-up with colleagues is fraught with potential for politically incorrect behaviour – and in 2017, this is just not on.
So this year, it is out with snow and Father Christmas and in with safe spaces and songs with a neutral theme.
Luckily, EMILY FAIRBAIRN has some basic rules to ensure your party is as empowering and non-judgmental as possible.
Here is her guide to having a PC gathering. Enjoy!
Music
WHEN it comes to your party playlist, many festive favourites are entirely unacceptable.
Baby It’s Cold Outside – the woman is desperate to leave but the predatory male coerces her to stay. “Say, what’s in this drink?” she asks. We dread to think.
White Christmas – we should all be dreaming of a colourblind festive period rather than this colonial fantasy.
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – glorifying slut-shaming.
Santa Baby – promotes prostitution with suggestions that sexual favours will be exchanged for gifts. And don’t get us started on The Pogues’ Fairytale Of New York.
Even carols are off-limits. Joy To The World, for example, is exclusionary because not everyone experiences joy at this time of year, not least those with serious health issues.
Snow(flake)
CHECK your privilege – not everyone has snow during the winter festivities. The centrality of it in seasonal celebrations perpetuates outdated stereotypes that discriminate against those from non-snow-based backgrounds.
Empower other cultures by including a range of different weather systems in your party theme. There is no reason a snowy village scene should be any more Christmassy than a sun-kissed beach.
Fight the patriarchy by replacing outdated “snowmen” with gender-neutral “snow figures”.
And if you must talk about iced precipitation, remember to avoid the term “snowflake”.
In some circles it is a demeaning term for hyper-sensitive young people with legitimate grievances, and should be replaced with less derogatory language.
Santa
WHILE a jolly character is a welcome addition to any party, think carefully about casting.
“Father Christmas” is outdated as it suggests that the role is gendered, whereas equality guidelines dictate that Santa could in fact be male, female or gender fluid.
If you insist on having a Santa at your party it is best to avoid anyone sitting on his or her knee, given the fine line between physical contact and an unwanted sexual advance.
The use of a sleigh, meanwhile, can be considered cultural appropriation of Inuit traditions.
Think again about appointing elves, too, as it suggests support for the horrendous labour conditions endured by a marginalised community in the North Pole.
Booze
DO you really need alcohol to make a party fun? Not this year.
Booze can exclude members of certain religious groups who abstain for faith reasons, and can be a trigger for those attempting to overcome a problematic relationship with drink.
Be mindful of how the excessive consumption of alcohol makes it more difficult to monitor our communications, allowing microaggressions to take place unchecked.
Then, of course, there are the health and safety implications of serving mulled wine.
This potentially dangerous tipple can scald if a thorough risk assessment of its high temperature is not carried out and appropriately managed.
A safer and more socially conscious alternative is mineral water. Cheers!
Tree
Christmas tree is an unacceptable waste of our planet’s limited resources.
Cutting down trees can be offensive to pagans who revere them, while fairy lights are a drain on the energy supply.
Consider a sustainable alternative, such as a festive compost heap.
Presents
WHILE an office Secret Santa may sound an attractive, inclusive idea, in practice it is likely to offend. Humorous gifts, in particular, should be avoided at all costs (maximum £5).
Presenting the office single woman with a cat calendar, for example, could be construed as a microaggression against her solitary status and right to be alone without prejudice.
Always check with potential gift receivers for any trauma in their past and, where appropriate, include warnings on all items. It is the season of giving, with their permission.
Safe space
FOR many of us, the festive spirit can be overwhelming. Always have a safe space at your party for those who feel intimidated by intense merry-making.
Not everyone wants to engage in a debate about the pros and cons of tinsel, so a place to escape such loaded conversation is an absolute essential.
Cards
“MERRY Christmas and a happy new year” is callous and insensitive. Even “happy holidays” won’t cut it, as much of our workforce does not have the privilege of a holiday at this time of year.
Be sure the cards you send read as follows: “Best wishes for a mindful celebration of the religious or secular occasion of your choice, and a personally fulfilling recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2018, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures.”
Food
ALL catering should be mindful of the dietary requirements of all attendees and be vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, organic and non-intimidating to those recovering from eating disorders.
Bear in mind that traditional Christmas fare can prompt negative feelings in those who have endured emotionally compromising Christmas dinners in the past, and counselling should be easily available for those affected.
Again, check with them for any past trauma. Better still, don’t serve food.
Party
AVOID referring to it as a “Christmas party”. In a society that recognises multiple faiths and non-religious groups, the word “Christmas” is clearly inappropriate.
Similarly, “party” suggests a degree of raucousness that no team members should feel coerced into joining in.
Rebrand your gathering as a “wintertime seminar”. In fact, as you’ve eliminated seasonal tunes, snowy scenes, all booze and most food, perhaps just call it a “meeting”.