Here is a clear, practical guide you can use as an NGO or nonprofit communicator for holiday greetings and inclusive messaging. It ties mainstream best practices to real-world expectations for diverse audiences, and can help you navigate tense cultural landscapes.
Use neutral, inclusive language
NGOs/NPOs walk a thin line between funders and political and social realities. Regardless of what’s happening in the US, it is still not appropriate or “safe” to assume anything. This approach gives you practical steps and sources you can point to when explaining or defending your communication choices. It aligns your messaging with continued respect for diversity, clarity for your audience, and consistency with your organizational values regardless of political trends.
• For broad audiences, prefer “Happy Holidays,” “Season’s Greetings,” or phrases that focus on peace, gratitude, and community. These avoid assuming a specific religious or cultural observance. Even if “holidays” means a sunny vacation in your locale, it it better to err on the side of caution. (Reed.com)
• Avoid religiously specific or culturally narrow language in general communications unless you know individual preferences. (heag.us)
• Check internal policies before publishing greetings, especially if your org has specific brand or cultural guidelines. (TextRanch Blog)
Acknowledge diversity of observances
• Understand that winter season includes many holidays (Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, etc.) and “holiday season” is broader than Christmas. (heag.us)
• When possible, highlight multiple observances in newsletters or social messages to show awareness of your community’s range of traditions. (pta.org)
• If necessary, use calendars or internal surveys to learn which holidays matter to your stakeholders and tailor greetings when appropriate. (Blue Lion)
Tone and context matter
• Keep greetings warm, genuine, and professional. A concise message of thanks and best wishes builds connection without assumptions. (Sobot)
• For personalised messages (to specific donors or partners), you can use the holiday they celebrate if known and appropriate to your relationship. (heag.us)
• Avoid religious language like “holy” or blessings in organisational holiday cards unless the context is clearly faith-aligned. (Reddit)
Visuals and decoration
• Choose imagery that reflects winter or seasonal themes without centering one faith tradition. (Easy Artisan Websites)
• On social media, include visuals that reflect diversity and inclusion instead of content that focuses narrowly on one celebration. (record7)
Navigating sensitive cultural and political dynamics (“woke vs unwoke”)
You will encounter audiences with differing expectations about inclusion and cultural language. This advice helps you stay respectful while aligned to your mission.
Prioritise respectful listening
• Actively listen to stakeholders with different views. When there is disagreement, acknowledging shared values like community support or peace can keep conversations constructive. (The Opportunity Agenda)
• Avoid debating divisive cultural or political issues in holiday greetings; keep the focus on gratitude and community impact. (CuraHR)
Stay mission-aligned
• Your core mission matters more than cultural signaling. Align holiday communications to your mission and values, not to culture wars. That reduces the risk of alienating part of your base. (This principle is broadly supported in stakeholder communication literature.)
• Be transparent about your choices when asked: explain that inclusive language aims to respect diverse community members.
Practical tips for execution
• Draft holiday messaging calendars early. Planning ahead reduces rush decisions that may feel tone-deaf. (Giveffect)
• Create templates that reflect your values and can be personalised per segment (donors, partners, volunteers). (DonorPerfect)
• Review messaging with diverse internal voices before publishing.
Sources and tools
• “7 Ways Financial Aid Offices Can Create a Culturally Inclusive Holiday Environment,” HEAG. Guidance on inclusive holiday greetings and neutral language
• “Top Tips for Writing Customer Holiday Messages This Year,” Sobot. Professional holiday message norms and inclusivity tips
• “Best Inclusive Practices for the Holiday Season,” Inclusiviteasy. Inclusive language and event naming for broad audiences
• “Holiday Conversations Survival Guide,” The Opportunity Agenda. Handling sensitive cultural discussions constructively
• “Season’s Greetings for Everyone,” record7. Branding and visual inclusion for holiday messaging
