Companies and Holidays

@bterrier (308)
United States
December 20, 2006 11:48am CST
I was thinking, some companies don't allow their employers to say merry Christmas when they answer the phone. I understand that the person on the other end of the line my find it offencive, but then why do they incist on putting up Christmas decorations, reaves and signs that say merry Christmas. Is not the same? Any Thoughts.
1 response
SplitZip
@SplitZip (1488)
• Portugal
20 Dec 06
I live in a predominantly catholic country, nobody cares. Even the indian restaurant I go to puts up X-mas decorations. You can just say "happy holidays" instead.
bterrier
@bterrier (308)
• United States
20 Dec 06
Thanks for the response, but I am trying to figure out why they enforce happy holidays for the phone but not for decorations? Does merry Christmas on the phone offend some people but not Christmas decorations?
SplitZip
@SplitZip (1488)
• Portugal
20 Dec 06
Well, since we don't have this problem here, I'm guessing that the decorations are a bit different, they are just THERE, while addressing directly to a person is well, personal. If you say "merry xmas" to someone who is, say jewish, they might not like it, even though it's not your fault for not knowing their religion just by looking at them ;) So to be on the safe side, don't address customers like that.
bterrier
@bterrier (308)
• United States
20 Dec 06
Thanks that was what I was looking for! Personally I don't mind saying merry Christmas to someone I don't know. If I offend them I will say "I'm sorry how about happy holdiays" I enjoy this holiday and think you shouldn't keep your traditions in a closet. If someone said happy Haunaka I would say it back, so they can enjoy their holiday. I wouldn't at work. Do think thats a bad way to look at it?