Holiday Conundrums
The average office presents plenty of perils to the unsuspecting intern, summer associate or new hire. Toss the holidays into the mix, and a season of good tidings quickly can be transformed into a period of mistakes and missed opportunities.
Whenever you receive a gift, the appropriate response is to genuinely thank the giver for their thoughtfulness. Express your thanks verbally. It would also be nice to make the extra effort to handwrite a thank-you note. You are not obligated to respond with a gift of your own. If you choose to, that’s fine. However, be aware that by doing so you may have set precedence for future gift exchanges.
2. Christmas cards—Who do I need to send them to?
Holiday cards provide you with an easy opportunity to reach out to clients and customers. If your company or firm provides cards, take advantage of this opportunity. Hand-sign each card. To the extent possible, personalize them by adding a note. However, unless the client or customer has extensive knowledge of your family, hold off on including the end-of-the-year family newsletter that summarizes Aidan and Sofia’s latest accomplishments.
3. We live in an international city. When I greet others, do I need to recognize the holidays others might celebrate?
The other day, an older gentleman stopped me in my tracks when he said, “Seasonal salutations, Miss.” It was among the sweetest greetings I’ve ever received. Starting the day before Thanksgiving and all the way through New Years, I tend to wish others “Happy Holidays!” (Even as I type, I can hear Bing Crosby crooning the same in the background.) However, feel free to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Kwanza,” though wishing all three in the same greeting may quickly exhaust you.
Stay tuned. Next week, we’ll address two additional business etiquette conundrums.
comments powered by Disqus
