Gone are the days when coworkers and managers could mindlessly wish someone Merry Christmas while strolling to the water cooler. Many workers avoid the greeting altogether these days in an effort to keep clear of offending fellow employees or clients who may not celebrate the holiday.

Americans aren’t always good at dealing appropriately with people from other cultures or with other traditions and beliefs.

When it comes to other cultures, Americans have a lot to learn. But being politically correct doesn’t have to mean “Bah, humbug” to the holiday spirit. Being sensitive about the beliefs of others doesn’t mean Christmas trees have to be referred to as seasonal shrubs.

Using a common sense approach, it’s possible to enjoy the holiday season without offending anyone. In fact, incorporating holidays other than Christmas can be good for business.

A good rule of thumb is to know the demographics of your workplace, your customers or surroundings. For example, if you have a sizable Jewish or African-American client base, it makes sense to consider acknowledging Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, respectively.

If you’re unsure of your customer base or how the community will react, it never hurts to ask. You could talk to customers informally. For more detailed information, consider sending out a mailer or distribute a questionnaire.

Should you do decide to incorporate some sort of celebration or recognition related to Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, be sure to get it right. Good intentions can easily backfire if they’re misinterpreted as a slap in the face because you exclude a significant element or include one that’s inappropriate.

It might be worth your time to find someone to advise you, who are well-versed in the holiday’s traditions, symbols and history.

Although trying to be inclusive during the holidays is good, it can be overdone. Some customers may not be broad-minded enough to appreciate a business festooned with menorahs or a store awash in the Kwanzaa colors of black, red and green. Even those who honor such holidays may consider it overkill.

What’s a business to do?

A good rule of thumb is, as long as you have fun and don’t go out of your way to insult people, they go along with it. It’s usually a good idea to use religion-neutral holiday greetings in the workplace. Most people won’t be offended if you say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” in the office, but you can avoid the risk that they might by saying “Happy holidays.”

Gift giving represents another potential hurdle but for different reasons. Be careful when giving a gift – especially to a member of the opposite sex.

Obviously, undergarments are off the list, but items such as jewelry and even clothing can create awkwardness because they suggest intimacy that’s inappropriate in the workplace.

It also is important to remember that when you attend business-related holiday parties you represent the firm for which you work. Drink moderately and avoid letting down inhibitions, which could result in saying or doing something unprofessional.

There is no excuse for inappropriate behavior, even at a holiday party particularly, when it could have a detrimental effect on business – and, by extension, your career.

Knowing the proper way to deal with people during the holidays is important in the business world. Be classier than the other company, manners count.