Ensuring everyone feels part of the celebration.
The DCA’s Christmas Inclusion Standard sets out the requirements for creating festive services that truly include everyone—whether they’re naughty, nice, or somewhere in between.
From moody teenagers glued to their phones, over-excited toddlers pepped up on candy canes, overbearing in-laws, or that random guy your brother invited last minute, this Standard ensures everyone has a place at the Christmas table.
Christmas brings together people with diverse traditions, preferences, and quirks. The Christmas Inclusion Standard ensures festive services are welcoming, respectful, and adaptable, so everyone can participate in a way that suits them.
The criteria
Embrance diversity
Celebrate the different ways people enjoy Christmas, from decorating styles to personal traditions. All are welcome under the Department's festive canopy.Motivate Christmas participation
Encourage guests to join in through inclusive activities, whether that’s singing, tree-decorating, or simply enjoying a festive treat.Protect festival-goers
Make sure everyone feels safe, comfortable, and respected in the Christmas environment, maintaining festive spaces where everyone can feel the joy without discomfort.Make it accessible
Christmas resources (like hot chocolate, cozy seating, and holiday decorations) should be within reach and ready for all to enjoy.Provide flexibility and choice
Offer a range of festive Christmas options, from attire to activities, so everyone has a way to participate in Christmas in the way they enjoy most.
Meeting the Standard
Strategic planning
Data on compliance with the Christmas Inclusion Standard will indicate areas which require uplift, whether by magical or non-magical means.
Contestability
Assessments will be undertaken to determine if proposals have a plan to meet the minimum Christmas Inclusion Standard requirements and aim to maximise Christmas cheer for all.
Assurance
Monitoring and assurance from a team of specialised elves will be undertaken to understand if the Christmas service is being delivered in line with the Christmas Inclusion Standard as planned, and to ensure potential avenues for Grinch-like behaviour are minimised.
Sourcing
Christmas Inclusion Standard requirements should be considered throughout procurement practices.
Operations
Monitoring and reporting will determine compliance with Christmas inclusion requirements, using Christmas compliance data and existing reporting mechanisms such as the National Gift Appropriateness Inquiry, the Global Behaviour Tracking Network and the Naughty Rehabilitation Program.
Related standards
The Christmas Inclusion Standard is one of 4 standards that form part of the Christmas Experience Policy. Other standards include:
Spread the Christmas cheer
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