Sending Holiday Wishes…
I’ve been the recipient of heaps of holiday and Thanksgiving wishes from well meaning senders. And that has opened my eyes to something. I don’t live in the US and therefore do not celebrate Thanksgiving. I do have some idea of what it’s about but since American history was not something I majored in, my knowledge is limited. I have experienced a slight annoyance, though, in these bountiful messages being sent out to entire lists and so I’m receiving them multiple times.
I got annoyed because it’s not holiday time for me, I don’t need all the extra emails as I get plenty already, and I don’t need the recipes and tips and everything else that’s coming out at this time of year relating to an event I don’t participate in. I’ve simply just deleted in most cases until I received one email via a forum. The sender actually wished a Happy Thanksgiving to all those in the US and a good weekend to everyone else. At last, here’s someone who realises the celebration is only taking place in his country, or amongst his compatriots elsewhere. And his email made me think about why I was feeling annoyed.
Then this thought hit me. How many Christmas and Easter wishes do I send out? I too have been guilty in the past of not remembering that my audience spreads much further beyond those who might have the same beliefs I have, or the same traditional practices. Although I did try to remember that last Christmas period.
I want to encourage you to think about the messages you send out to your audience and to remember to acknowledge that there are many who might not be celebrating the same as you, or even experiencing the same season as you are. How many emails have I received about ‘back to school’ or ’springtime’ specials when it’s been a different season and school period for me in my country? Remember that your audience is global and acknowledge that in your messages. It will help you gain more attention in the things you have written about, rather than being dismissed as ‘not for me’.
Of course, if your listing is purely a group that would celebrate whatever the season is, then by all means that’s not a problem. But if you belong to a list or group, or have a mail list of your own, that is multicultural and global, then please do consider that some of the recipients might not always have appreciation for what you are celebrating or the good wishes that you are trying to send their way.
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