Business Christmas Card Etiquette
During the holidays, it is perfectly acceptable for employees to send Christmas cards to one another or for cards to be exchanged between bosses to employees. Following a few simple rules of etiquette will help the card be received in its intended fashion.
Other People Are Reading
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Cultural Sensitivity
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It's important to realize that not everyone celebrates Christmas, although that season is a time to celebrate such holidays as Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Workers in an office setting where people celebrate holidays other than Christmas should give cards with general messages such as 'Happy Holidays!' or 'Season's Greetings!' This sends the general message of cheer and good wishes that's characteristic of the season without being seen as culturally offensive.
Mailing and Giving Cards
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In order to send Christmas cards to professional associates abroad, start the mailing process the week after Thanksgiving. This ensures that cards will be received well before Christmas Day, as many offices close a few days before Christmas. Cards for local colleagues can be given on the day of the Christmas party, or in the days leading up to Christmas vacation if a formal holiday gathering isn't scheduled.
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Card Messages
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Etiquette suggests that a personal touch should be added to the cards. The giver of the card should write a short, hand-written sentiment in each card and sign it with his first name. Christmas cards should be hand-signed, even if his name is printed on the card. Depending on the size of the card and the nature of the business relationship, the message in the card doesn't have to be longer than a sentence, such as "Wishing you well this holiday season!" or "Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and prosperous New Year!"
Card List
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It's proper etiquette to give a Christmas card to a boss and colleagues within the same department. Giving a card to employees who maintain the building or office site, such as the custodian and doorman, is a favorable gesture as well. It's not appropriate to accept cards from employees or superiors without returning the favor. Avoid skipping over anyone by creating a list of cards received to ensure that Christmas cards are given to these people.
Cards and Gifts
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Giving a gift with a Christmas card is not required, but can be well received if this is the culture of the office. Small gifts, especially edible gifts such as cookies or cakes, are usually acceptable to present to employees during the holiday season. So are plant gifts, such as poinsettias. If gifts are exchanged during the holiday office party, it's unnecessary to give a gift with the Christmas card.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit christmas card image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com
