Last year during the holiday season I had written an elaborate post on social media and the holidays. In that article I had written, I had stated that it is a great idea to get engagement going by talking about the celebrations. This is a festive time for the majority of people. This time is also difficult for a lot of people who have experienced losses and hardships over the year. Many are distracted. They have their minds on shopping, cooking, cleaning, friends, family and even vacationing. There is also nothing wrong with people posting their holiday decorations on social media once in a while. Jewish people celebrating Hanukkah have posted pictures of their menorahs with the candles lit. Those who are celebrating Christmas have been posting pictures of their trees and other decorations. That is absolutely fine to do. In fact, I encourage it because you are sharing a part of your life with your connections- however don’t do it too often because there is such a thing as holiday overkill. Once in a while, it is perfectly fine. Remember, they want to know you and feel connected to you. However there is one thing to never do on social media during the holiday season that was not mentioned in the article I had written last year.
If you post a picture of your Christmas tree or menorah if you are Jewish, again that is fine- however never tag any of your connections in that picture. That is unless you know for a fact that all of your connections do celebrate Christmas or are Jewish. Although, if you are a business owner creating a strong online presence, that is highly unlikely. These connections that do not share the same belief as you, or celebrate the same holiday will find it very uncomfortable (and even offensive) if they are tagged in a holiday picture that is not part of their tradition.
However, the good news is, there are plenty of generic holiday themed images that are acceptable for tagging. The picture of the snowman above this post is one. And there is no need to worry about excluding your friends living in the southern hemisphere where it is currently summer. In fact, that is also a way to let them know what is happening in your life. Not to mention, that is a subtle way to remind them to appreciate their warm weather while you are getting the chilly weather and snow (unless you live in a warm climate as well). You can tag your friends in pictures of desserts and nice dishes. A generic holiday greeting is fine as well. If you are unsure of what kind of picture to use if you want to tag your friends- then ask yourself what kind of images make you comfortable and vise versa. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes is always the best way to make that kind of determination. That being said, keep active during the holidays on your social networks, stay interactive and have a happy and safe holiday.
Hi Miriam,
I know what you mean. Never ever tag people with your holiday pics! I do put up my Christmas pics here and there and wish people a “Merry Christmas” if they are celebrating it.
But I also put up “Happy Solstice” to my pagan friends, Happy hanukkah with candles, etc. I love celebrations, even those I’m learning from different origins.
But..I do agree that a generic one is the best way to go!
-Donna
Thanks Donna, and it is good you put your Christmas pics up as your connections need to see what is happening with you. But if you are going to tag, Happy Holidays or something generic is the way to go!
These are good suggestions, Miriam.
I guess the general rule of thumb is that it’s fine to let others know you’re celebrating your Holiday, just don’t overwhelm them with the message. As for tagging, I’m not a big fan of tagging at all for the most part.
I don’t understand anybody being “offended” by hearing that someone else is celebrating a holiday, though. I’m not Jewish, but I’d be fine with someone telling me “Happy Hanukkah.” In fact, I have Jewish friends who know I’m Catholic and they still tell me that, and I tell them “Merry Christmas.” I know there are many folks who are intolerant of others and their beliefs and traditions. It’s too bad they harbor that kind of anger and ill-will, but I guess we have to expect some of everything when we’re online 🙂
Hi David, thanks for commenting. I understand that some people don’t like to be tagged but that is a different issue all together. And as I said it is definitely okay to show others what you are celebrating. They should know what is happening in your life. However, tagging others with it is the issue because it shows up on their walls. I also don’t care if people wish me a Merry Christmas even though I don’t celebrate it either. However, a lot of people who don’t celebrate the holiday that you do may not react well to it. Tagging them in that message may not be the best move as a result.
Hi Miriam!
Your point is extremely well taken. It’s probably best to simply remain generic
with your greeting, and avoid tagging anyone in particular, this way you avoid
experiencing the potential situation that you’re describing.
That is some excellent advice! Thanks for sharing it!
Thanks Mark, have a great holiday and New Year.
Hi Mriam,
I am rarely concerned with being politically correct and, if sharing my faith offends someone, then they do need to move on to someone else. It is rare that I tag others though 🙂
All the best to you in 2015!
Thanks for sharing Rachel.