Technolandy

Day 63 (of 2025/26) the hypocrisy of the holiday season (appreciation vs appropriation)

I wear a lot of ties. Even in learning environments when I’m prompted “we’re not really a ‘tie’ place”… it becomes an expectation that I have at tie/bow tie on for much of the year (when the weather gets hot, I do shift to shorts and collared shirts and special occasion ties/bows). I am always conflicted this time of year when I have enough winter themed ties that I could start before Remembrance Day… especially when I include my ugly sweaters and similar shirts… the conflict is because while I am sharing what I celebrate (a mostly secular christmas) I know I ought to better reflect my broader community – many of whom are rightly reluctant to share how they (don’t) celebrate in ways ‘as seen on tv’.

One of many conflictions – is it appreciation or appropriation if I, for example, wear a hannukah inspired tie? Likewise with other winter observances listed below… I am working hard to know better the range of observances of our broad Provincial Online Learning School community… knowing that met ever growing selection of seasonal ties doesn’t (yet) reflect everyone… so I am trying my Dragons Den proposal with this year’s observances: custom bowties to reflect as many celebrations as possible to reflect our diverse community. Expect ties for: 

December Observances

Dec 4 – Kathigai Deepam – Hinduism Festival of Lights (also a time of fasting – so be aware of this for some students) 

Dec 6 – Saint Nicholas Day (Christian patron saint of children – the night many put out their shoes in hope of a treat from St Nicholas and not a trick from Black Peter. 

Dec 8 – Bodhi Day (Buddhist commemoration of the enlightenment of Buddha)

Dec 15-22 Hanukkah (Jewish festival of lights) observed for 8 nights and days

Dec 16 – Dhanu Sankranti (Hindu festival honouring Lord Surya and Lord Jagannath)

Dec 21 – Yule (pagan celebration of the winter solstice

Dec 23 – Festivus (shared on an episode of Seinfeld, and resonated with many…) 

Dec 25 – Christmas (christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ)

Dec 26 – Kwanzaa (celebration african-american culture based on harvest festival traditions) goes until January 1

Jan 7 – Christmas (for Eastern Orthodox faiths)

And while I wore some Star Wars stuff on Nov 17… should Life Day ( a wookie tradition) be more mainstream?

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What other celebrations ought I consider ‘shouting out’ via my tie/bowtie messaging (patent pending)? 

What am I missing, and are there some that I ought not acknowledge because it is too close to appropriation?