Your Comprehensive Guide to Inclusive Holiday Language

The holiday season is often seen as a time for joy, connection, and reflection. It’s a period when people come together to celebrate traditions, share meals, and create lasting memories. However, it’s important to recognize that the holidays mean different things to different people. With so many diverse traditions, cultures, and beliefs represented in our communities, using thoughtful and inclusive language can ensure that everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued during this festive time.

This guide offers clear, actionable tips and examples to use inclusive holiday language that makes your holiday communications thoughtful, open, and inclusive.

Why Inclusive Language Matters During the Holidays

The holidays are celebrated in many ways across the globe. From Christmas and Hanukkah to Kwanzaa, Diwali, Winter Solstice, and the New Year, these celebrations reflect a variety of cultural, religious, and personal traditions. While well-intentioned, phrases or gestures that center only one tradition—like saying “Merry Christmas” to everyone—can unintentionally exclude or alienate those who celebrate differently or not at all. Inclusive language acknowledges and honors this diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and connection in workplaces, schools, and social circles.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When it comes to holiday language, there are a few common missteps to watch out for. One major pitfall is overgeneralization—defaulting to greetings or phrases that assume everyone celebrates the same holiday, such as “Merry Christmas.” While this phrase is meaningful to many, it may not resonate with everyone. Another issue is stereotyping—associating specific holidays or traditions with certain cultural groups in ways that can feel limiting or inaccurate. Lastly, avoid assumptions about someone’s beliefs, background, or customs based on appearance, name, or previous behavior.

Examples of Inclusive Holiday Language

Using inclusive language helps us create spaces where everyone feels respected and welcome, regardless of how—or if—they celebrate. Small shifts in the words we use can make a big impact, showing thoughtfulness and consideration for the diversity around us.

Holiday Greetings: Small Changes, Big Impact

Your greeting sets the tone. A simple shift can ensure you include everyone, no matter what they celebrate.

Use these phrases:

• “Happy Holidays” – A universal, welcoming greeting.
• “Season’s Greetings” – Warm and friendly without assumptions.
• “Warm Winter Wishes” – Celebrates the season itself.
• “Joy to You and Yours” – Personal yet inclusive.
• “Enjoy the Season” – Simple and open.
• “Peaceful Holidays” – Focuses on shared values like peace.
• “Bright Wishes” – Light is a common theme across many traditions.
• “Festive Greetings” – Acknowledges celebration in all forms.
• “Happy Celebrations” – Welcomes all holidays and traditions.
• “Wonderful Winter” – Seasonal and neutral.

Skip these phrases:

• “Merry Christmas” (as a default)
• “God bless” (unless you know it’s appropriate)
• “Holiday spirit” (can carry religious undertones)
• “Traditional holiday” (whose tradition?)
• “Normal celebration” (what’s “normal” varies widely)
• “Standard traditions” (assumes a shared norm)
• “Proper holiday celebration” (implies others are improper)

Workplace Communication: Emails, Events, and Announcements

Holiday messages and event names should be welcoming to everyone in your team or audience.

Meeting Invites:

• Use:
• “End-of-Year Celebration”
• “December Team Gathering”
• “Winter Social”
• “Seasonal Appreciation Event”
• “Year-End Festivities”
• “Seasonal Office Party”
• Skip:
• “Christmas Party”
• “Traditional Office Celebration”
• “Holiday Spirit Gathering”

Food and Celebrations:

• Use:
• “Dietary Preferences Welcome”
• “Inclusive Menu Options”
• “Varied Meal Choices”
• “Food Accommodation Cards”
• “Allergen Information Provided”
• Skip:
• “Traditional Holiday Meal”
• “Normal Food Options”

Gift Exchanges:

• Use:
• “Voluntary Gift Exchange”
• “Winter Wishes Exchange”
• “Seasonal Surprises”
• “Joy Exchange”
• Skip:
• “Secret Santa”
• “Christmas Gift Swap”

Decorations and Environment:

• Use:
• “Winter Wonderland”
• “Seasonal Sparkle”
• “December Decorations”
• “Joyful Environment”
• “Festive Space”
• Skip:
• “Christmas Decorations”
• “Traditional Holiday Setup”

Virtual Event Names:

• Use:
• “Digital December Gathering”
• “Virtual Winter Social”
• “Online End-of-Year Party”
• “Remote Seasonal Celebration”
• Skip:
• “Christmas Zoom Party”
• “Virtual Holiday Spirit Gathering”

Time Off and Breaks: Neutral and Inclusive Terms

Use:

• “Winter Break”
• “December Rest”
• “Seasonal Pause”
• “Year-End Break”
• Skip:
• “Christmas Vacation”
• “Holiday Leave” (can assume specific observances)

Applying Inclusive Language in Different Settings

Inclusive language isn’t just about words—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and understanding in every environment. Here’s how you can practice thoughtful communication across different settings during the holiday season:

Workplace

In professional spaces, inclusive language helps build an environment where all team members, clients, and partners feel respected.

• Team Emails: Use neutral greetings like “Happy Holidays” or “Wishing you a joyful season” when addressing diverse audiences. Avoid assuming everyone celebrates the same holidays.
• Office Parties: Opt for non-denominational names, such as “Year-End Celebration” or “Winter Gathering,” to ensure all feel welcome. Consider incorporating diverse traditions into the event or decorations to reflect inclusivity.
• Client Interactions: When communicating with clients, lead with general greetings unless you know their preferences. Phrases like “Wishing you a peaceful holiday season” are thoughtful and widely applicable.

Schools

Schools have a unique opportunity to celebrate diversity while promoting education and inclusion.

• Neutral Celebrations: Host events that focus on the themes of the season, like “Winter Celebrations” or “Cultural Traditions Around the World.” Avoid singling out one holiday as central.
• Educational Opportunities: Use this time to teach students about different traditions, such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Diwali, and more, fostering curiosity and understanding.
• Inclusive Activities: Encourage activities like storytelling, art projects, or songs that explore a variety of traditions without centering on one belief or culture.

Social Media & Marketing

For brands, businesses, and public-facing platforms, inclusive messaging ensures broader connection and avoids alienation.

• Avoid Assumptions: Instead of assuming your audience celebrates a particular holiday, use phrases like “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” to speak to everyone.
• Visual Representation: Choose images that reflect diversity—showing a range of people, traditions, and settings. Avoid overemphasizing one holiday while excluding others.
• Content Tone: Focus on universal themes like joy, gratitude, connection, and renewal, which resonate across traditions and beliefs.

Family & Friends

When planning gatherings or sharing greetings with loved ones, thoughtful communication can ensure everyone feels included.

• Respect Preferences: Check in with guests or friends about how they celebrate—or if they celebrate at all—and plan gatherings accordingly.
• Neutral Language: Use greetings like “Wishing you peace and joy this season” when addressing a group where traditions vary.
• Be Open and Curious: Invite loved ones to share their traditions and experiences, fostering understanding and connection across differences.

Handling Mistakes Gracefully

Using inclusive language is a learning process, and mistakes can happen. What matters most is how you respond. If you unintentionally use language that isn’t inclusive, acknowledge it, correct yourself, and move forward with positivity and openness.

Example Responses:

• “I should say ‘holiday celebration’ instead.”
• “Thank you for pointing that out—I appreciate the opportunity to learn.”
• “Let me rephrase that to be more inclusive.”

Recovery Phrases:

• “I’m working on using more inclusive language—thank you for your patience.”
• “I appreciate the chance to grow and do better.”

By handling mistakes with humility and a willingness to learn, you show that inclusivity is an ongoing commitment, not perfection. Your openness to feedback builds trust and sets a positive example for others.

Addressing Concerns About “Losing Tradition”

A common concern around inclusive language during the holidays is the fear that it may “erase” or diminish cherished traditions. However, being inclusive isn’t about taking away—it’s about making room for everyone’s traditions and experiences to be recognized and valued.

Celebrating diversity does not mean you can’t honor your customs. Instead, it allows us to expand the conversation and create spaces where multiple traditions can coexist, fostering deeper understanding and connection. By using thoughtful, inclusive language, you show respect for others while still enjoying and sharing what’s meaningful to you.

In practice, this could look like:

• Honoring Your Traditions: Continue celebrating in ways that are meaningful to you and your family, whether it’s decorating a Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, or observing a solstice ritual.
• Making Space for Others: Invite others to share their traditions, ask questions with curiosity, and celebrate the beauty of diversity.
• Building New Traditions: Inclusive practices can inspire new, collective traditions—like a multicultural potluck, sharing stories about different holidays, or hosting events centered on universal themes of joy and reflection.

Inclusive language doesn’t replace or overshadow individual traditions; it simply ensures everyone feels seen and welcomed. By creating a culture of respect and openness, we honor both our traditions and the traditions of those around us.

Advanced Holidays Inclusion Tips

Inclusive language goes beyond avoiding assumptions; it’s about creating opportunities for connection, understanding, and choice. Here are advanced tips to foster inclusivity during the holiday season:

1. Create Opportunities for Choice

Asking thoughtful, open-ended questions can help you better understand people’s traditions, preferences, and ways of celebrating. This allows others to share what feels meaningful to them without pressure or assumptions.

• “What celebrations matter to you?”
• “How would you like to be greeted?”
• “What foods mean celebration to you?”

2. Use Inclusive Invitation Language

When inviting others to events or gatherings, choose language that respects individuality and diversity. Invitations that embrace openness allow people to participate comfortably, in ways that align with their values and traditions.

• “Join as you are.”
• “Celebrate your way.”
• “Share your traditions.”
• “Your presence enriches us.”
• “All celebrations are welcome.”

3. Encourage Sharing

Creating space for people to express what the season means to them can foster understanding and deeper connections. Encourage sharing in ways that feel safe and authentic:

• “I celebrate…”
• “My tradition includes…”
• “This season means… to me.”

4. Simple Checklist for Inclusive Communications

Before finalizing emails, invitations, or social posts, take a moment to reflect:

• Are my greetings neutral and welcoming?
• Have I avoided assumptions about celebrations?
• Did I use inclusive terms for food, gifts, and gatherings?
• Are my event names open and inviting?
• Did I make space for diverse traditions?

Inclusive language is like a warm blanket—it comforts, welcomes, and embraces everyone. By creating opportunities for choice, using thoughtful language, and encouraging others to share their traditions, you build spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. Small, intentional steps toward inclusion can turn the holiday season into a time of genuine connection, where diversity is not only respected but celebrated.