Happy holidays

You can use it as a greeting when you meet someone. You can also use it as a 'goodbye' when leaving a shop or a meeting. It works perfectly in person, in emails, or over text. Just swap your usual Have a nice day for Happy holidays once December hits. It is like adding a little bit of festive glitter to your daily conversations.

Start using this phrase around late November or early December. It is perfect for that awkward time when you won't see someone until next year. Use it with your barista after buying a peppermint latte. Use it at the end of a professional email to a client. It is also great for social media captions on your festive photos. If you are not sure what someone celebrates, this is your safest and kindest bet.

Do not use this in the middle of July. You will get some very confused looks! Also, avoid using it if you know for a fact someone is celebrating a specific day right now. If it is actually Christmas Day, just say Merry Christmas. If it is New Year's Eve, say Happy New Year. Using Happy holidays on the specific day can feel a bit too general, like giving someone a 'generic gift card' instead of a real present.

In the US and Canada, this phrase became very popular as a way to be inclusive. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, so this makes sure nobody feels left out. It is a way to respect the diverse mix of cultures and religions in modern society. Some people call this the 'Holiday Season.' It is all about the spirit of giving and taking a break from work. It is the time of year when everything slows down and people eat way too many cookies.

• Season's Greetings: This is more formal and usually found on holiday cards.
• Happy Mid-winter: Very rare, but you might hear it in specific communities.
• Happy Christmas: The standard version in the UK, though Happy holidays is growing there too.
• Enjoy the break: A more casual version used among coworkers or students.