|  HOLIDAY
GREETINGS AND CELEBRATIONS
By Fannie L. Allen
Happy Holidays!
Tis' the season for celebrations--spreading good cheer, goodwill and aspirations
for prosperity and for greeting cards, holiday parties and gift giving. This is
a joyous time of the year. It is a time for families and friends to share love
and happy times. As you prepare for the season - - sending greeting cards, giving
gifts, and planning and organizing parties, I suggest that you remember the cultural
and ethnic differences that may exist. For example, there are Christian, Jewish
and other religious celebrations.
Greeting Cards A holiday
greeting card is a nice way to spread good cheer and, for companies, it is a great
way to send greetings and words of appreciation. It is suggested that cards be
mailed after Thanksgiving and before December 25. Cards to Christians could carry
wishes for a "Merry Christmas" where as a card for other religious or
ethnic group (Moslems, Jewish, etc.) should display good wishes like "Season's
Greetings," "Happy Holidays" or "Happy Kwanzaa." Gift
Giving Gift giving or gift exchange among family, friends and co-workers
during the holidays is somewhat of a tradition. Whether sharing among family,
friends or in the workplace, gifts should be selected with good taste; the gift
may be unique to the person or group. It is a great time of year for companies
to thank staff and clients for their contribution and business. Yes, it is okay
to reject or return a gift. It should be done appropriately. Holiday
Parties Holiday parties can be formal or informal. Whatever the circumstance,
the party should be fun, relaxing and a time to enjoy the camaraderie among friends
and co-workers. In the workplace, a party presents an opportunity to get to know
co-workers better and a time to introduce "you" to upper management.
Consider it a time to build relationships and promote yourself positively. It
is a time for small talk and not business. If you have a special treat from your
President and CEO -- an invitation to a formal dinner with a seven or eight course
meal -- remember which fork to use. I share this quote with you: "A cocktail
party is an excuse to drink for people who do not need any excuse." Allow
them to respect you in the morning! Remember, excessive drinking and misconduct
are unacceptable. It is always the season to show appreciation A
verbal acceptance of gifts is natural and, in many instances, a handwritten thank
you note should follow. An appropriate note captures the type of gift and indicates
how much you like it and may show way(s) you plan to use it. Showing appreciation
fosters goodwill; this should result in a higher employee and client retention
rate. Tis' also the season to remember those that are less fortunate. Consider
adopting a family for the holidays. To do so, contact a local church, non-profit
organization or homeless shelter in your neighborhood. In addition, remember in
a positive and prayerful way our soldiers who are serving abroad. Happy
Holidays! Have a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. Fannie L. Allen
is Director of the Allen Etiquette Institute, 2009 North 14th Street, Suite 706,
Arlington, Virginia 22201. Her telephone number is: 703-566-3270. She lectures
throughout the country on Etiquette and Protocol.
Ms. Allen welcomes
etiquette questions and comments. While she cannot respond to each and every one,
your question and a response may appear on this web site: www.blacksocietypages.com.
You may E-mail Ms. Allen at: faassoc@erols.com
or visit her web site: www.allenetiquette.com.
Copyright ©2002 Allen Etiquette Institute
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