It’s That Time of Year Again
It’s that time of the year. Everyone is sending email after email, trying to get last minute reservations at hotels, restaurants, spa, salons, you name it. Everyone wants to have that romantic New Year’s dinner, the family get-together at their favorite hotel, a new makeover for the new year. So how do we address the festivities and holiday season without assuming people’s beliefs and possibly offending someone? Well, that’s up for debate these days.
Wait.. There’s a Debate? About Greetings?
Unfortunately, yes. At least, in America there is. It boils down to politics, which we don’t need to get into here, but basically there are people who think “Merry Christmas” is the only correct greeting whereas others prefer saying “Season’s Greetings” or “Happy Holidays”.
Why do I bring this up if I don’t want to bring up politics? Because it’s something that you need to know about before someone brings it up and leaves you confused and unable to respond appropriately.
Okay, So What Do I Say?
You stick with “Season’s Greetings” and “Happy Holidays”. You don’t want to risk offending multiple people or groups of people and, to be honest, this is the safest option as most people don’t actually care what you say. These two phrases are the easiest to remember and they cover Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s, and, at times, Thanksgiving (though it’s a bit of a stretch).
Using these phrases is the easiest way to keep up the holiday spirit and recognize other people’s beliefs (or lack thereof) while not assuming what someone may or may not believe.
But, What If Someone Gets Offended?
Let a manager know if you think it may escalate but then you can simply apologize and use what they prefer with them only. Do not assume that everyone else will want that same greeting or that you shouldn’t say anything at all from then on.
Keep your standards and appease the guest. Usually, just agreeing with the guest and using their preferred holiday greeting will be enough to please them. However, if they do decide to escalate, make sure your manager knows the story and write down as many details of the interaction as possible while it’s still fresh in your mind so you can explain the situation later.
This Sounds Crazy for Just a Greeting..
I agree, but it happens. That being said, it’s not always going to be as hostile as I may have made it seem. While some people are deliberate about using their holiday greeting and no one else’s, other people just use their own and accept that you and others may not use it.
For example, while you end the call with a “Happy Holidays”, they may end with a “Merry Christmas!”. Don’t take this negatively or as a passive-aggressive slight. Some people just prefer to use their own, without any ill-intent.
What If I’m One of Those People?
Just like guests may want to use their own greetings, you’re all people, too, and have your own preferences. Just because you are in the service industry, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your beliefs.
If it matters that much to you, and someone uses a greeting that is not your preferred one, then you can simply respond with “You as well!”. It’s as easy as that.
I would not recommend responding with your own greeting, however, as that could come off as passive aggressive. While you are entitled to your opinions, your position as an employee does not generally entitle you to the same courtesies that guests have.
Other Greetings to Use:
I hope you have a wonderful winter break!
Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season!
Warm wishes to you and your family!
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