Alternatives to “Merry Christmas” at work
Why it can fall flat
“Merry Christmas”
Sending “Merry Christmas” to a mixed list can leave out colleagues and clients who don't celebrate it. Most people just want to pass on kind seasonal wishes that anyone can accept.
Say this instead
- 01
Wishing you a restful holiday season, and thank you for your support this year. I'm looking forward to working together in the new year.
Boss · Email
Suits a year-end email to your manager because it gives thanks and looks ahead without assuming any particular holiday.
- 02
Happy holidays! Hope you get a proper break and plenty of good food. See you in the new year.
Coworker · Chat
Casual and friendly, which fits a team chat on the last working day before a break.
- 03
Season's greetings from all of us. Thank you for working with us this year. We wish you a peaceful end to the year and a good start to the next.
Client · Email
Polite and inclusive, so it suits a client list where you can't know who celebrates what.
- 04
Thank you for all your effort this year. Enjoy your time off and have a lovely holiday season.
Someone you manage · Chat
Pairing the greeting with real appreciation matters more to a team member than any festive wording.
- 05
Happy holidays, and thank you for your time this year. Wishing you a good break and a great start to the new year.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Professional contacts stay warm here without the message getting too personal or assuming their beliefs.
- 06
Happy holidays from our team! Thanks for being a customer this year. Wishing you a warm and restful season.
Customer · SMS
Short and friendly, this fits a text going to customers from a wide range of backgrounds.
- 07
Merry Christmas if you celebrate, and happy holidays either way! Enjoy the break.
Coworker · SMS
Those who celebrate get their Christmas wish and everyone else is still included, which helps when you're unsure.
- 08
Happy holidays! I hope you and your family have a lovely, relaxing break.
Boss · Chat
A quick, respectful note for a manager when an email would feel too formal.
Examples
Hi Priya, Thank you for working with us this year. We've really valued the way you've kept projects moving and answered our questions so quickly. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a good start to the new year. Best wishes, Dylan
Happy holidays, team! Thanks for all the hard work this year. Hope you all get a proper rest, and I'll see you in the new year.
What to avoid
- Assuming everyone celebrates Christmas is risky, especially on a team or client list you haven't checked.
- A long religious or personal message is best saved for people you know well.
- Tucking a hidden request, like a deadline reminder, into a greeting spoils the gesture.
- Forced jokes about office parties, gifts or drinking can easily fall flat.