Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? Balancing Faith and Workplace Expectations

By Angilie Kapoor, Founder, Oversight Global

Connect with Angilie on LinkedIn here

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." – Colossians 3:23

For many, the holiday season brings joy, celebration, and moments of reflection. However, for Christian leaders in the workplace, it can also present a unique challenge: choosing how to greet others at this time of year.

Should you say “Merry Christmas,” staying true to your faith and the reason for the season?

Or should you choose the more culturally neutral “Happy Holidays” to avoid conflict or offending others?

This may seem like a minor decision, but for many Christian workplace leaders, it is much more profound. It concerns living out our faith boldly while navigating the expectations of an increasingly pluralistic society.

When Faith Collides with Workplace Expectations

For Christians, Christmas is not just another holiday; it’s the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. “Merry Christmas” is more than just a greeting—it acknowledges this profound truth. Yet, many of us are caught in a cultural dilemma year after year.

With their focus on inclusivity and neutrality, workplaces often encourage or outright enforce the use of broader expressions like “Happy Holidays.”

While this is meant to respect diversity, it can leave Christian leaders grappling with remaining authentic to their faith without violating workplace norms.

If you’ve felt this inner conflict, you’re not alone.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Yet, as leaders responsible for fostering inclusive cultures, the tension between living out our faith and respecting others’ beliefs is very real.

Finding My Voice as a Christian Workplace Leader

This “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays” question isn’t theoretical for me—it’s deeply personal. As a healthcare manager, I often found myself at the crossroads of cultural expectations and my values.

As you might imagine, healthcare is a highly diverse environment. Employees and patients come from all walks of life, and cultural sensitivity is highly expected.

Organizational policies encouraged us to use inclusive language to ensure everyone felt welcome and respected. We carefully crafted official emails, posters, and conversations, avoiding direct references to any specific holiday.

In this environment, I often felt pressured to use “Happy Holidays” in my greetings to align with the workplace culture. At times, this felt like a small compromise, and at others, it felt like a denial of my faith.

There were moments when I’d greet someone with “Happy Holidays” only to feel a pang of conviction immediately after. I wanted my words to reflect Christ's joy in this season, but I also feared being viewed as insensitive or exclusive.

It was a battle within myself—standing for my faith while being mindful of my leadership responsibilities. Balancing these two priorities was no easy task, but it ultimately helped me see how much we, as Christian leaders, need to rely on prayer, courage, and discernment during times of tension.

Balancing Faith and Leadership

Navigating this issue as a Christian workplace leader requires wisdom and grace. Here are some ways we can rise to this challenge while staying true to our faith and exemplifying Christ-like love in how we lead.

1. Lean on Scripture

The Bible offers countless lessons about interacting with others, particularly in challenging situations. Colossians 4:6 reminds us, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

This verse calls us to communicate with kindness and intentionality, reflecting Christ in our words.

When faced with decisions like how to greet others during the holiday season, remember that our goal isn’t just to assert our faith but to demonstrate the love that is at the heart of the Gospel.

2. Lead with Love

Jesus showed us that love should be central to all we do. Whether you say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” how you approach the conversation matters.

Are your words coming from a place of sincerity and kindness? Are you considering how your words may impact or encourage the person you’re speaking to?

For example, you might say, “For me, it’s Merry Christmas because I celebrate the birth of Christ. Wishing you a joyful holiday season, whatever that may look like for you!”

This approach allows you to honor your beliefs while leaving space for dialogue and mutual respect.

3. Reflect Your Faith Through Actions

“Merry Christmas” is important, but what we do often speaks louder than what we say. Are you reflecting the essence of Christ through joy, kindness, and service to others?

During the holiday season, there are numerous opportunities to live out your faith—from organizing a donation drive for those in need to offering extra encouragement and recognition to team members.

By embodying the spirit of Christ, you’ll communicate far more than any greeting could. People are more likely to understand and respect your choice of words when it aligns with consistently demonstrating faith and love in everything you do.

4. Pray for Guidance

If you struggle to approach this issue, take it to the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Pray for wisdom and courage to make decisions that align with God’s will.

Prayer can also open doors for deeper conversations about faith in the workplace. When colleagues see you living and leading confidently in Christ, they may ask questions about your beliefs.

5. Be Prepared for Opportunities

The holiday season often creates openings to share the Gospel in subtle and impactful ways. When someone asks why you say “Merry Christmas,” it becomes an opportunity to share your faith.

Take time to reflect on how you might briefly and lovingly explain why the celebration of Christ’s birth is central to the season for you.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Your words could plant a seed that God will continue to nurture long after the conversation ends.

Walking Forward with Confidence

Ultimately, this decision comes down to personal conviction and discernment. It reminds us that living out our faith as Christian leaders is rarely without challenges. However, these challenges remind us to lean on God, trust His guidance, and seize moments to shine His light in the workplace.

If you struggle with this decision, know you’re not alone. Many Christian leaders struggle to balance staying true to their faith and being mindful of workplace policies and cultures.

Wherever you land, seek to lead in a way that reflects Christ and inspires others to see the joy and hope that Christmas truly represents.

May your words this holiday season come straight from your heart, guided by the Holy Spirit, and may they reflect the incredible gift of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Merry Christmas!

You can reach Angilie at [email protected].

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