27 August 2024 In Est-ce que ça se dit? By URelles

Do we say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” at work?

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You may never have considered this question, but suddenly doubt creeps in. Should you say “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas”? Could the choice of the latter create embarrassment for people who don’t share Christian culture?

Canada: an increasingly diverse religious portrait

To understand the origins of this question, we must first recall the origins of the expression “Merry Christmas”. Although Christmas has become a family celebration rooted in Quebec culture, it is first and foremost a Christian holiday marking the birth of Jesus.

Needless to say, Quebec’s Catholic heritage is strong. Over the years, however, Canada has seen the emergence of an increasingly diverse religious community. In fact, the 2021 Canadian census showed that Catholics represented 29.9% of the total population. On the other hand, the secular population represented 34.6% of the total population.

In addition, other religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism continue to increase considerably in Canada’s religious portrait over the years, not to mention the presence of traditional aboriginal spirituality.

The arrival of “Happy Holidays”

‘Happy Holidays’ has been used in the United States since the 19th century to designate the period encompassing Christmas and the New Year. Originally, it was mainly used to wish happy holidays without specifying a particular religious festival. This made it more inclusive for people of different faiths.

Over time, the expression “Happy Holidays” was adopted in many French-speaking countries. It has become a common way of conveying wishes for happiness and celebration during the festive season. It is particularly appreciated for its religious neutrality, making it suitable for an increasingly religiously and culturally diverse society.

With so much religious diversity, how can we be more inclusive at work?

Many non-Christians take part in the Christmas festivities in their own way, for a variety of reasons. Some appreciate the tradition, or do it as a way of fitting in. Others buy gifts for their children because of social pressure. Some are invited to Christmas dinners and don’t refuse out of courtesy. Others simply don’t celebrate.

In short, everyone has their own personal relationship with Christmas. But one thing is certain: it’s hard to avoid, especially in the workplace. Christmas cards, gift exchanges, Christmas e-mails, team Christmas meals, various celebrations… it’s hard to escape!

Promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within the company is not limited to policies and action plans, but also extends to the way we celebrate and mark festive occasions, including Christmas.

Holiday cards and e-mails

When sending Christmas greetings and holiday cards to customers, partners or employees, rather than assuming that everyone celebrates Christmas, opt for more inclusive messages such as “Happy Holidays”. This shows that the company recognizes the diversity of religious beliefs and respects everyone’s traditions.

What do the holidays mean to your organization?

Before planning any holiday events, it’s crucial to think about what Christmas and the festive season mean to the organization. Is it an opportunity to strengthen ties within the company, to thank employees and customers, or to celebrate the end of the fiscal year? This understanding will help guide decisions to organize inclusive celebrations. It’s possible to offer a holiday celebration to your team while using religiously-neutral terms and decorations such as lights, garlands, poinsettias or winter motifs like snowflakes, fir trees and so on.

In addition, when planning, it’s important to take into account employees, customers, business partners and other stakeholders. Make sure you know who you’re talking to.

Whether it’s the music, the food or the activities planned for the office festivities, don’t hesitate to poll your team to validate their preferences-it’s always appreciated!

In conclusion

The choice between “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” in the workplace depends on a number of factors, including corporate culture and the diversity present within the organization. While “Merry Christmas” may be perfectly appropriate between colleagues sharing similar religious beliefs and in certain contexts (with family, friends, in one’s religious community or at themed events such as Christmas markets, for example), it’s important to recognize that Quebec and our professional world are increasingly diverse. Consequently, the use of “Happy Holidays” is considered more inclusive, as it recognizes the diversity of religious and cultural practices of all employees.

Do you enjoy inclusive language conversations? Want to create opportunities in your organization? We offer training on microaggressions, unconscious bias and inclusive writing! Contact us to arrange a session!