David Isaac, chair of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), said some employers have engaged in “extreme and disproportionate behavior” by prohibiting Christmas from even being mentioned or deemphasizing the religious aspect of the holiday.

“There are a lot of myths out there when it comes to dealing with religion at work,” Isaac told the Sunday Times. “I want to put the record straight... It is ok to hold a party and to send Christmas cards... Most Muslims and Jews I know adhere to their own religious beliefs, of course, but to some extent acknowledge that Christmas happens and to some extent, with a small 'c', celebrate it. This is people’s lived experience and we need to reflect it.”