Two topics today for small business: A focus on ‘Christmas’ vs. ‘holidays’ and then a look at the state of office parties at the holidays. Both can be pitfalls—or opportunities.

PC overcorrecting? Or being more inclusiveness?
‘Merry Christmas’ vs. the more generic ‘Happy Holidays’—and the accompanying decorations, gifts, cards and party themes—isn’t an easy choice for businesses. Despite the escalation of this issue in the media, we don’t think most business owners are trying to belligerently ‘stand up for Christmas’ or exclude anyone.  A lot of how we celebrate holidays has to do with tradition, how we grew up and what we’ve been doing our whole lives.

The U.S. once was predominantly white and Christian. But despite our collective myopia, it’s been changing for decades now. And a changing culture and holidays are all a part of that. No one wants Christmas to go away; it’s just that there’s a lot more going on than only Christmas. 

Maybe it’s time to re-think.

Diversity consultant Simma Lieberman points out that millions of people in the U.S. don’t celebrate Christmas, whether they are non-Christians (Jews, Muslims, Buddhist, Hindus) or have no religious affiliation. It is probably more than a little overwhelming for them to watch the commercial Christmas overkill that begins before Halloween.

For businesses, these are your customers and employees, too.  Ms. Lieberman suggests that we all, businesses included, begin to take steps beyond sending ‘holiday’ cards and having ‘holiday’ parties to try to build real awareness of diverse groups and create an atmosphere of genuine inclusion.

Things like taking the time to learn more about other religions and holidays, getting rid of preconceived ideas and expectations and making a point to acknowledge—and even celebrate if you can—non-Christian holidays are all steps in the right direction to making your customers and employees feel welcome and included.

Ms. Lieberman encourages businesses to give employees time off to celebrate their respective religious holidays. And as far as parties, consider a New Year’s party to celebrate the hard work of the past year and welcome in a new beginning and vision for the next.

Office party? Watch yourself!

On a somewhat lighter note, year-end office parties are apparently back, according to a survey from the Society for Human Resource Management.

That alone is reason to celebrate! But some of the rules have changed, and the stakes are higher than ever. Especially with smartphone capability to instantly capture and transmit images, it’s pretty safe to assume that what happens at the office party won’t stay at the office party.

To help us all get through these parties unscathed, time.com provides an office party survival guide. Good advice here, albeit not entirely new. But it’s probably a good idea to brush up before jumping into some holiday revelry with colleagues and bosses. A few takeaways from Time’s guide:

Everything you do is making an impression. Yes, they’re watching and are more likely to remember missteps—clothing that’s too revealing, too much alcohol consumed—more than good behavior.

It’s an opportunity to shine. Being a great conversationalist and showing you’re a team player can’t hurt.

It will live on to perpetuity. Back to the smartphone…you may never be able to outrun doing or saying something outrageous. Resist the urge.

Be appreciative.  We like this one. Your bosses didn’t have to do this. Thank them.

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net