Words don’t have to be this blatantly offensive to cause offense. Watching what you say isn’t as easy — or even as all-fire important

By Scott Swedenburg

Last year, some nonprofits had a problem with their Christmas — no, I’m sorry — their holiday mailings. Because the subject of “Christmas” vs. “holiday” was so prevalent in the news, nonprofit organizations received calls and letters from donors and prospects alike complaining.

The problem is that the complaints were coming from both sides of the issue. One organization I work with asked its donors to write patients a note of encouragement on an enclosed holiday card and return it with a gift. Many of those donors were upset that “holiday” cards were used instead of “Christmas” cards.