Business Emails & “Merry Christmas”

December 25th became an official United States Federal holiday in 1870 when President Ulysses S. Grant signed it into law. Thus, Americans have been officially “Merry Christmasing” for 154 years.

So what are you to do in your business Holiday greetings?

Each year, I revisit this topic and share my point of view. I also dig through articles to keep up with what’s happening.

Is “Merry Christmas” now old-fashioned and out of style? Is “Happy Holidays” the only appropriate greeting? I found article after article after article about this being a controversy. But this year, there seems to be more “Christmas” than ever.

What was consistent, and don’t kill the messenger, was that whether you say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” tends to align with your political party. The Holidays have been political for some time. Isn’t that sad?

It’s the Holidays! One should be able to use one’s greeting of choice without repercussions or commentary. Either way, it offers good wishes, after all. No matter what side you are on.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

Every year, I get emails from new readers asking me what is “appropriate.” I’m old enough to remember when you would offer good wishes without the thought of having to worry about being politically correct. So what do politics have to do with wishing someone good tidings anyway?

In researching this article, I found some “predictions” that folks are becoming less religious, intimating that “Merry Christmas” will quietly fade away. I certainly do not see an indication of that in my little world. But then again, it is my little world, and I like it that way.

All the TV commercials or advertising papers stuffed into my postal box do not indicate that either. Instead, businesses use “Merry Christmas” as a greeting of good tidings and cheer as an intro to suggest we buy their stuff. (The “reason for the season” conversation is a topic for another blog post.)

Is Merry Christmas Offensive?

It is appropriate to revisit the meaning of the word offensive.

…causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry.
“the allegations made are deeply offensive to us”

Oxford english dictionary

I cannot see how wishing anyone a “Merry Christmas!” causes the above. However, some folks make it a full-time job to take offense.

But I get it. We don’t want to offend anyone regarding our business email communications, right? That is an honest business concern.

I noticed that this year, most Black Friday sales in the tech sector are in bright neon colors—no traditional Christmas Santas, ornaments, bows, snow, green, or red. The tech sector tends to be more global, so maybe that’s why.

But Christmas is the reason for Black Friday, so…

I know my intent when wishing someone a Merry Christmas. Subsequently, I do not worry if they choose to be offended by my good wishes. It’s not my problem—it is theirs. Wishing someone a merry Christmas is a thoughtful act—so why do some still choose to be offended? It is a choice, after all.

“Happy Holidays ” is not a slam against Christmas. Instead, it is a more inclusive greeting covering Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year, and everything in between. And I appreciate that sentiment as well.

Don’t Be Afraid to Offer Good Wishes

All my life, and for the decades I’ve been running my business consulting practice, I have wished folks in person or written cards and emails “Merry Christmas!” or “Happy Hanukkah.” I continue to do so to this day, including in my business emails.

Not once have my actions been brought to my attention as not appreciated, nor have I alienated or lost a single contact by doing so. Instead, every email is responded to with a “Merry Christmas to you too!” — or a simple “You too!”

When I moved from Chicago to the South 19 years ago, I can tell you that there is a lot of “Merry Christmas’ing” going on. Folks down here wouldn’t have it any other way. So, there is a regional aspect to consider as well.

If I know someone’s preference, I offer them specific season’s greetings. Or, if I’m addressing a large audience, I use “Happy Holidays!” not because I am trying to avoid offending anyone; instead, quite the opposite; I am trying to be inclusive by offering mass good wishes.

Merry Christmas!

So here’s the bottom line… Do what feels sincere for you, and don’t be offended if seasonal greetings are offered, regardless of your personal preference.

And with that, my friends, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season!