Seasonal Etiquette
The holiday season offers a beautiful opportunity to show appreciation and strengthen relationships.
If the hustle and bustle of the year has kept you from expressing gratitude, now is the perfect time to do so through thoughtful greetings, gifts, or celebrations.
Below are tips to ensure a memorable holiday season.
Extend Your Holiday Greetings with Confidence
Are you uncertain how to extend the appropriate holiday greeting while respecting others’ beliefs? It’s understandable. We may not always know the personal beliefs of everyone we encounter. However, exchanging greetings is an excellent way to share and celebrate the season.
Tips for Holiday Greetings:
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- Reflect Your Beliefs: Your holiday cards should reflect your religious or cultural beliefs.
- Be Genuine: Avoid using “Happy Holidays” as a generic escape phrase unless it genuinely reflects your preference. However, “Happy Holidays” can be appropriate for reflecting diverse beliefs in a business setting.
- Share with Pride: Don’t sidestep your convictions—share your holiday greetings with confidence and respect.
Remember, the key to holiday greetings is understanding and flexibility. ‘Tis the season for sharing and goodwill.
Honor Company Gift Policies
The holiday spirit often inspires us to give gifts, but it’s essential to be mindful of company policies. Gifts in a corporate setting can be sensitive, as they might be misinterpreted as attempts to secure future business or favors. To navigate this, consider charitable donations in the recipient’s name, which can express your appreciation while avoiding ethical concerns.
Tips for Corporate Gift-Giving:
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- Know the Policy: Check your company’s or your client’s company’s gift policy, including any dollar limits or specific guidelines.
- Be Sensitive: Ensure the gift doesn’t violate company policies or make the recipient uncomfortable.
- Make It Meaningful: Choose a gift that reflects something personal about the recipient and adheres to company guidelines.
A tangible or intangible gift should always express goodwill and appreciation. Sometimes, a heartfelt thank-you is the best gift of all.
Celebrate with Purpose
Holiday gatherings are a chance to reinforce relationships with clients, colleagues, and friends. Research shows that a holiday thank-you or end-of-year gesture can strengthen commitments with current clients and leave a lasting impression on potential clients.
Join the Conversation:
What are your go-to holiday tips for greeting, gifting, or celebrating?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and
help others make this season bright!
