Should you wish your American business partner a Merry Christmas?
In Dutch offices, you’ll often find Christmas decorations and colleagues discussing their plans for their Christmas vacation. In the U.S., the winter holidays go beyond Christmas. While "Merry Christmas" may appear a common seasonal greeting, not everyone celebrates Christmas—and using it, sending Christmas themed cards and presents, might unintentionally alienate your American coworkers, partners, or customers.
These days, it’s better to say “Happy Holidays”, and avoid sending anything with a Christmas theme. This greeting reflects awareness and respect for the various traditions celebrated during this time.
American Holiday Celebrations
In recent years, the phrase "Merry Christmas" has sparked debate. According to the Pew Research Center, 57% of Americans still prefer it over neutral greetings like "Happy Holidays." However, especially in the bigger cities, which tend to be multicultural areas, many Americans observe other holidays:
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights,
Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday honoring African heritage,
Or they might not celebrate holidays at all.
By saying “Happy Holidays,” you acknowledge everyone’s traditions—or their choice not to celebrate—while maintaining the spirit of warmth and collaboration.
Dutch American Cultural Sensitivity
A simple change in how you express holiday wishes can have a big impact. It demonstrates your understanding of and respect for American business culture. By embracing these differences, you develop stronger relationships and create a more harmonious environment with your U.S. counterparts.
Let’s bridge the Dutch American cultural gap together.
Wishing you Happy Holidays and continued success in the new year!
With intercultural greetings,
Annette
Workshop: Doing business with Americans, Successfully
P.S. Want to dive deeper into cultural nuances? Join our workshops or book a one-on-one session with me to strategize your approach to working with Americans. Simply respond to this email.
Top 10 insights for working with Americans
Are you thinking of expanding your business to the US? Are you currently working with Americans, but not getting the results you expected? Download my free guide “Top 10 Insights for Working with Americans” to better understand the American way of doing business and how you, a Dutch entrepreneur, can use these cultural differences to your advantage!
Hi, I'm Annette, owner of Dutch American Connection. With over 15 years experience empowering expats and entrepreneurs to thrive in the US, my mission is clear: to equip Dutch entrepreneurs and Dutch/American teams with the essential tools and insights for successful expansion into the American market. By bridging cultural gaps and leveraging their unique strengths, I guide Dutch companies on how to do business in the USA!