🎄 Appropriate Behavior
Your workplace is having a Christmas cookie party. You really want the chocolate chip cookies, but your coworkers are still filling their plates.
Question: What is the appropriate behavior while waiting in line?
Wait your turn patiently and keep your hands to yourself until it’s your time in line.
You’re working in a café and a customer wishes you “Merry Christmas.”
Question: What is a friendly and professional response?
Respond with something friendly like, “Merry Christmas!” or “Happy holidays!”
Your workplace hours change during Christmas week, and you start 1 hour earlier.
Question: What routine steps help you adjust?
Go to bed earlier, set an earlier alarm, and plan extra time to get ready.
The store gets extra busy right before Christmas, and the noise is overwhelming.
Question: What coping strategy can you use?
Take a short break in a quiet space, use deep breathing, or wear noise-reducing headphones if allowed.
You’re asked to wrap holiday gifts for customers and have a lot to finish before lunch.
Question: What time-management strategy could help?
Make a checklist and start with the easiest or most urgent gifts first.
A coworker is setting up the menorah display and accidentally bumps into you.
Question: What is a polite and appropriate way to respond?
Stay calm and say something polite like, “It’s okay” or “No worries.”
A coworker asks you what a dreidel is, but you’re not sure.
Question: What is a good communication strategy when you don’t know the answer?
Say, “I’m not sure, but I can ask someone or we can look it up together.”
The workplace holds a short candle-lighting ceremony each day during Hanukkah.
Question: How can you fit this into your work routine without falling behind?
Look at your schedule and do tasks before or after the ceremony so you stay on track.
The candle-lighting ceremony has bright flames and people gathering close together.
Question: What can you do if this makes you anxious?
Stand farther back, take a step outside if needed, or ask a supervisor for a short break.
You’re helping cook latkes for a work event but also need to clean the kitchen by 3 p.m.
Question: How do you divide your time?
Set a timer for cooking, then leave enough time at the end to clean up.
During the Karamu feast (Kwanzaa Meal) at work, you see a dish you don’t like.
Question: How do you behave respectfully even if you don’t want to eat it?
Politely say “No thank you” and move on without making negative comments.
During a discussion about Kwanzaa decorations, you have an idea you want to share.
Question: How can you communicate your idea clearly and respectfully?
Raise your hand or wait for your turn and say clearly, “I have an idea I’d like to share.”
One afternoon during Kwanzaa, your team takes 20 minutes to learn about Umoja (Unity).
Question: How do you plan your tasks around this?
Finish important tasks earlier in the day and save smaller jobs for later.
A workplace celebration includes drumming, and the loud sound stresses you out.
Question: What is a healthy way to manage overstimulation?
Use earplugs/headphones, take a break, or tell your supervisor you need a quieter space.
You have 30 minutes to set up the Kwanzaa table before your shift starts.
Question: What task should you do first?
Start with the most important item — the kinara (candle holder) — then add other decorations.
At the workplace Secret Santa, you receive a gift that you don’t love.
Question: What is the appropriate behavior when opening it?
Smile, say “Thank you,” and show appreciation even if it’s not your favorite.
Your supervisor asks if you can work on Christmas Eve, but you have plans.
Question: How do you communicate your needs politely?
Politely say, “I’m sorry, I have plans that day. Is there another shift available?”
You normally stock shelves at 10 a.m., but holiday deliveries are arriving earlier.
Question: How should you adjust your routine?
Adjust your morning routine so you’re ready to stock shelves earlier than usual.
The workplace plays nonstop Christmas music and it feels like too much.
Question: What can you do to stay calm?
Ask politely to lower the volume or take short quiet breaks to reset.
You need to sort Christmas packages and scan them before the truck arrives.
Question: How do you stay on track?
Work steadily, avoid distractions, and sort packages by size or section to save time.
Your coworker is playing their favorite Christmas song loudly, and it’s a song you don’t enjoy.
Question: What is an appropriate way to handle this situation?
Kindly ask if they can lower the volume or talk to a supervisor if needed.
A coworker helps you put up Hanukkah lights at work.
Question: What is a good way to communicate appreciation?
Say, “Thank you for helping me. I appreciate it!”
Snow causes buses to run late the week of Christmas.
Question: What steps can help you keep your schedule on track?
Leave home earlier, check bus times, and have a backup travel plan.
You feel anxious about opening a gift in front of everyone during the holiday party.
Question: What strategy can help you handle the situation?
Practice deep breathing, ask to open the gift after the group activity, or stand beside a trusted coworker.
You have shorter shifts during the holiday week and must finish your tasks earlier.
Question: What can you do to manage your time better?
Start tasks right away, avoid long breaks, and focus on the most important jobs first.