Valentine’s Day occurs every February 14. Across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and where did these traditions come from? Find out about the meaning and history of Valentine’s Day, from the ancient Roman ritual of Lupercalia that welcomed spring to the card-giving customs of Victorian England.
holiday
Chinese Lantern Festival (or Yuan Xiao Jie or Yuanxiao Festival)
An important traditional festival, the Chinese Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Jie), is the first significant feast after the Chinese New Year. The lantern festival marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and end of the Chinese New Year. Participants enjoy colorful lanterns illuminating the sky, traditional cuisines, and dance celebrations to commemorate this special event.
History
Chinese Lantern Festival 2023: Feb. 5, Traditions, Food, Events (chinahighlights.com)
Lantern Festival History and Traditions | China’s Yuanxiao Holiday (studycli.org)
Celebrate
Lunar New Year 2023: An illustrated guide to celebrating the Year of the Rabbit | CNN Travel
Chinese Lantern Festival 2023: Traditional Celebrations, Food, Yuan Xiao Jie (chinatravel.com)
How to Celebrate the Lantern Festival (2022) | Chinese American Family
Explore/Resources
Chinese American Museum in Washington, DC
VA Asian Chamber of Commerce – Asian American Business Advocates (aabac.org)
MLK Day [CLOSED]
The County Courts and Government Buildings are closed in observance of the holiday.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday that commemorates the birth, legacy and achievements of the late civil rights activist who was assassinated in 1968.
History
The Origins and Practices of Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Boston Public Library (bpl.org)
History & Culture – Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Celebrate/Participate
MLK Day of Service (nationalservice.gov)
5 Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day (historynet.com)
Resources
An Excerpt From Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ : NPR
Pioneers of Thirteen | Documenting Martin Luther King, Jr. | THIRTEEN
50 Years on Martin Luther King Jr.
Events
Epiphany Day (Three Kings Day)
Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, is a Christian feast holiday observed by Eastern and Western Christians to commemorate the visitation of the three wise men to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem.
History
Three Kings Day 2022: History, 10 Facts About Epiphany And It’s Traditions
9 Things You Need to Know About Epiphany| National Catholic Register (ncregister.com)
Celebrate/Participate
8 Wonderful International Ways to Celebrate the Epiphany (coraevans.com)
How to Prepare a Traditional Three Kings Day Meal | eHow
Resources
Quebec’s Epiphany: A Nostalgic Cake Fit For Both Kings And Family : The Salt : NPR
In Russia, Epiphany Comes With A Shockingly Cold Swim : Parallels : NPR
We invite you to explore some of the holidays, heritages and celebrations observed throughout the month of January. As you explore, we encourage you to find unique ways to recognize the rich histories, cultures, and traditions behind these occasions while honoring your own. For a full listing of holidays and celebrations, please visit the Holidays and Celebrations page on the OLTD LEarning HUB.
Best Practices for Creating an Inclusive Workplace During the Holiday Season
December is rich with diverse traditions, holidays, heritages, and religious observances celebrated in various cultures across the U.S. and abroad. The county has a diverse workforce, and we each bring unique backgrounds, lived experiences, and cultures that influence how we celebrate and connect with others. As we prepare for the holiday season, it is crucial to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all employees to foster respect and belonging in the workplace. Below are best practices to create an inclusive workplace to support all employees during the holiday season and throughout the calendar year:
- Invite feedback and input from all employees. To identify ways to be inclusive when hosting events throughout the year, ask employees from various backgrounds, identities, cultures, and who hold different religious beliefs for feedback on how they wish to celebrate the holidays. Allow teams to guide the planning and encourage employees to think inclusively about essential details such as holiday decorations, food, activities, and music selections to ensure that no one feels excluded and that events are culturally appropriate for the workplace.
- Make participation in holiday functions optional. The holiday season can be stressful for employees who are not religious or hold religious beliefs that fall outside of traditional holidays observed in the United States. Some employees may not celebrate anything at all. In addition, employees who have experienced loss may find it challenging to navigate the holidays or participate in activities that remind them of loved ones. To model inclusion for all employees, make participation in workplace holiday functions optional so that employees do not feel obligated to partake if they choose not to. Consider scheduling functions during times of the year that do not overlap with specific holidays or cause scheduling conflicts for team members.
- Acknowledge and show appreciation for different cultures and beliefs.Encourage your team members to share how they celebrate the holiday seasons, especially those whose cultural backgrounds may differ from yours. Be open and curious to learn by inviting questions about their native cuisines, traditions, and customs to expand your knowledge and learn something new.
- Explore different cultures, traditions, and religions. The world is diverse and filled with opportunities to learn about other cultures, practices, and holiday celebrations. Encourage employees to research holidays that differ from their own or participate in community events to gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultures and communities in Henrico County and the Richmond region. For Henrico County employees, you can start your inclusion journey by exploring the county’s DEI resource page or the Multicultural Community Engagement page for year-round community events and celebrations.
This year, we are highlighting the following holidays in December:
- Las Posadas: December 16 – 24
- Hanukkah (Chanukah): December 18-26
- Kwanzaa: December 26-January 1
A complete list of December 2022 Holidays, Celebrations, Heritages, and Observances can be found on the DEI Resource Page.
- Be open and flexible. The holiday season can be a challenging time for employees to navigate, especially as we close out year-end responsibilities and plan for time away from the office. Extend grace to your team members during the holiday season, and be open to differing thoughts, perspectives, and feedback about whatever may be coming up for them. Be open and listen to understand how you can create a positive experience where employees feel included, valued, and heard.
If you have ideas for inclusive ways that Henrico can highlight different holidays and cultures, please contact our DEI Division at 501-4425 or [email protected].
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade
Kick off the holiday season with the 39th annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 3, 2022. You do not want to miss an exciting parade line-up full of colorful floats, giant helium balloons, high school and college marching bands, princesses, superheroes, and returning favorites including the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the VCU Peppas, and Legendary Santa!
The Christmas Parade begins at the Science Museum of Virginia at 10:15 AM. Traveling eastbound on Broad Street, the parade will conclude at 7th Street near the Richmond Coliseum. The parade also airs LIVE on WTVR CBS6.
#RVAparade2022
Day after Thanksgiving [CLOSED]
Henrico County Courts and General Government offices are closed in observance of the holiday.
Thanksgiving [CLOSED]
Henrico County Courts and General Government offices are closed in observance of the holiday.
Veteran’s Day [CLOSED]
Henrico County Courts and General Government offices are closed in observance of the holiday.
Red, White, and Lights 2022
Wear your red, white, and blue and spend your holiday at the park with patriotic activities for the whole family. Enjoy food trucks, entertainment, a kids’ zone, and a performance by the Richmond Symphony with a laser light show! Event Information: [email protected]
FREE Admission – no registration required!
Gates open and pre-concert activities begin at 4 p.m.
Park entrance will close at 8:45 p.m. (or earlier if event reaches capacity).
Event Schedule
4:00pm Gates open
- Kids Zone
- Roving entertainment
- Food trucks
- Meadow Farm Buildings Open (Farmhouse, Kitchen, Parsons Center)
Stage Entertainment
- 4pm – Soul Expressions
- 5pm – Mountain Highway
- 6pm – Soul Expressions
- 7:45pm – Henrico County Welcome
- 8pm – Richmond Symphony with No BS! Brass Band
- 9pm – Richmond Symphony
- 9:15pm – Laser Light Show with Richmond Symphony
Kids’ Zone
We’re hosting a Beach Party in the Kids’ Zone! Dance to your favorite island music and compete in the limbo and hula hoop contests! Plus inflatables, face painting, giant bubbles, and balloon animals. You might even see Jonathan the Juggler or Uncle Sam on Stilts.
Concessions
MEAL VENDORS | |
Grilled Meats & Treats | Fried Seafood & Chicken Baskets, Burgers, Cheesesteaks, Sandwiches, Po’ Boys |
J&R Food Service | Fried Fish & Chicken, Gyros, Hot Dogs, Subs |
Jus Cukn | BBQ |
Lady Sharon’s Soul Food | Soul Food – Chicken, Fish |
Mobile Yum Yum | Caribbean – Jerk Chicken, Curry |
Sandtopia | Wraps, Philly Cheesesteaks, Burgers, Seafood |
SuperBowlz | Hot Dogs |
Virginia Vendor Food Services | Burgers, Philly Cheesesteaks, Chicken, Hot dogs |
DESSERT/REFRESHMENT VENDORS | |
American Fruity Smoothie | Smoothies, Funnel Cakes, Fried Oreo |
Bruster’s | Ice Cream |
Kona Ice | Shaved Ice |
Pop’s Kettle Corn | Kettle Corn |
SNO Fields | Shaved Ice |
Soul Ice | Shaved Ice |
Sweet Temptations | Homemade Desserts |