Make this holiday season one to remember.
The end of the year is a time of reflection, connection, and goodwill for many people around the world. In English-speaking countries, you’ll often hear seasonal greetings everywhere: in emails, meetings, shops, and most of all in conversations with colleagues, friends and neighbours.
But for many international professionals and English learners, one question comes up again and again:
“What can I say during the holiday season if I don’t celebrate Christmas or if I want to be inclusive?”
It’s a thoughtful question and luckily the good news is that English offers many warm, professional and alternative ways to wish someone well at this time of year.
In this article, we’ll explore inclusive holiday greetings you can confidently use at work, with clients or in everyday conversations.
Why inclusive holiday language matters
English is a global language. People who speak it come from many cultures, religions, and traditions and some don’t observe religious holidays at all or celebrate other holidays than Christmas.
Using inclusive language:
- Shows cultural awareness and respect
- Helps you sound professional and considerate
- Reduces the risk of awkward or uncomfortable moments
- Builds stronger relationships in international and multicultural environments
In many workplaces, especially international companies, neutral holiday greetings are now the norm.
Common holiday greetings in English
Here are some of the most widely used and accepted expressions, with explanations of when and how to use them.
1. Happy Holidays
This is one of the most common inclusive greetings in English.
It acknowledges that there are many holidays at the end of the year, not just one, and doesn’t assume what occasions the other person celebrates.
Examples:
- Happy holidays to you and your family. (informal)
- Wishing you happy holidays. May they be joyful and bright. (formal)
The second works well in emails, messages to colleagues, client communication and social media posts.
2. Season’s greetings
This is a classic, neutral phrase often used in professional contexts.
It sounds polite, formal and inclusive, and is especially common in:
- Business emails
- Holiday cards
- LinkedIn posts
Examples:
- Season’s greetings from all of us at Intrepid English.
- Season’s greetings and best wishes for the year ahead.
3. Best wishes for the holiday season
This phrase is clear, respectful, and completely acceptable for the many different cultures around the world.
It works particularly well when you want to sound thoughtful and professional.
Examples:
- Best wishes for the holiday season and the coming year.
- Sending you best wishes for a peaceful holiday season.
4. Warm wishes or Warmest wishes to you and your family
These expressions focus on kindness and connection rather than any specific celebration.
Examples:
- Warm wishes to you and your loved ones.
- Warmest wishes for a restful end of the year.
They’re ideal for personal messages or for professional and international audiences.
5. Wishing you peace, love and joy this season
This phrase is especially popular in professional settings if you know the other person as it reflects a growing focus on wellbeing.
Example: Wishing you peace, love and joy this season to you and your family.
This works well when you want to sound modern, thoughtful and above all human.
What about “Happy New Year”?
“Happy New Year” is universally accepted.
Many people choose to combine it with a neutral holiday greeting:
- Happy holidays and a Happy New Year.
- Season’s greetings and best wishes for 2026.
This keeps your message inclusive while still looking ahead with positivity.
What to avoid (if you’re unsure)
If you’re not sure what someone celebrates, it’s best to avoid:
- Assuming religious beliefs
- Overly specific references (unless you know the person well)
For example, “Merry Christmas” is perfectly appropriate in many contexts when you know the other person celebrates Christmas, but in international or professional settings, neutral language is often safer.
Inclusive language builds confident communication
Using inclusive holiday greetings isn’t about avoiding tradition. It’s about communicating with awareness, empathy and confidence.
When you choose words that make others feel respected and included, you strengthen professional relationships, reduce communication anxiety, how cultural intelligence, which is a key skill in global English.
At Intrepid English, we believe confident communication begins with clarity and intention, especially during moments that bring people together.
Of course if you do celebrate Christmas…
If you would like to know some more Christmas-themed vocabulary this season be sure to check out our YouTube Short playlist where Kate is sharing a new Christmas themed expression every day in the run-up to Christmas.
A Final Thought
Whether you celebrate Christmas, another holiday, or simply enjoy the pause that comes at the end of the year, the message is the same:
Kindness, reflection and connection matter.