Accelerations Group

You won’t believe what happened when an executive said, “Merry Christmas.”
Unseen. Invisible.
That’s how a colleague felt during the holidays.

Several years ago, in an executive meeting,
I wished everyone a “Merry Christmas” without thinking twice.

Later, a colleague quietly shared
that they didn’t celebrate Christmas
and that this season made them feel invisible.

That moment changed the way I think about leadership.
It reminded me that inclusion often shows up
in the small, everyday choices we make
and the words we use to greet one another.

A while back, I coached a senior executive
who avoided holiday greetings entirely
because he feared saying the “wrong” thing.

Others interpreted his silence as distance.
He wasn’t warm or approachable.

The truth is, he wanted everyone to feel included
and didn’t know how to express that.

When we explored a few alternatives,
he realized that thoughtful language
doesn’t have to be complicated.
It has to be intentional.

Every December, I see the same pattern.
Some people love the season.
Others quietly carry heaviness, grief,
loneliness, or overwhelm.

That contrast shows something important.
We can never assume
what this time of year means
for someone else.

The holidays can be joyful
and incredibly complex
at the same time.

Employees represent a wide range of
identities, traditions, and experiences.

Not everyone celebrates Christmas.
Not everyone celebrates the same holidays.
And not everyone feels joyful during this season.

This is why your words matter.

I am not saying that
“Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”
should be avoided.

When you know someone celebrates,
those greetings are wonderful.

But in a diverse workplace,
or when we do not know someone’s story,
those greetings can unintentionally miss the mark.

This is why leaders need alternatives
that welcome everyone
without assumptions.

If you are looking for warm, thoughtful, and inclusive options,
here are three simple greetings:
• Season’s Greetings
• Wishing You Well
• Warm Holiday Wishes

Small shifts in your words
help people feel seen, respected, and valued.

And sometimes,
something as small as a greeting
can open the door
to belonging.

As leaders, our words shape whether people feel
welcome
or overlooked.

What greeting do you use that feels inclusive?

Comment down below 👇

This idea is championed by Black Enterprise Magazine, Black Enterprise Women of Power, and Culture Amp, who highlight how inclusive communication strengthens workplace culture.