Etiquette Today: Holiday Tipping
Holiday tipping (really holiday thanking) is traditionally done at the close of year. As we get ready to welcome 2023 who are some service providers who really helped you in 2022?
Holiday tipping is a long-honored tradition in America. During the end of the year holidays, it’s customary to give a gift, tip, or card to the service people in our lives. This is really a chance to say thank you and recognize someone for the work they do that you appreciate throughout the year. Maybe if it had been called “holiday gratitude” or “holiday thank you’s” the sentiment would be clearer and bring less angst. It seems the word “tipping” starts to move the idea of this kindness into fraught territory.
Let us reassure anyone who is feeling the pressure - either on their time or on their finances: holiday tipping is indeed about saying thank you, and, no matter what, holiday tipping should fit your budget.
WHO SHOULD YOU TIP?
There are many people in our lives who might fit the role of service provider, some we think of for holiday tips and others are less commonly tipped. It’s a system that unfortunately doesn’t seem to have much rhyme or reason. Why do you tip the garbage collector or newspaper delivery but not your dry cleaner? Why do we tip a babysitter or nanny but not a nurse? We have some suggestions below but mostly think about the service providers who make a real difference in your life throughout the year, and also consider those you don’t get to see. You might start with just a few people and grow your list as your life grows. Or you might create an extensive list where you give cards to some and gifts or cash to others depending on how your budget and services change over the years. No matter what, when you build your list work within your means both regarding your time and budget. This is not meant to be a burden but something extra to participate in if you can.
Below you’ll find a chart from our latest book Emily Post’s Etiquette - The Centennial Edition to get you thinking about who you might choose for your list. If there’s someone not on this list that you’d like to give to, but aren’t sure about what to give, try to find a similar profession on the list and use that to guide you.
ALWAYS GIVE A CARD
Whether you’re giving homemade holiday treats, a crisp fifty-dollar bill, or a beautifully wrapped gift, remember to include a card for the recipient.
Dear Gaulthier Guys,
Thank you so much for the great service you provide throughout the year. I hope this helps spread a little cheer to everyone at the company! Wishing you and your families a very happy New Year!
Cheers to you all!
Elise
If you’re struggling with the very real demands of inflation this year and don’t have as much to give as you might have had last year. It’s okay. People really do understand that this is a kind gesture and not a contractually guaranteed bonus. We find it’s best to let folks know that this year’s tip won’t be the same with just a light touch.
Dear Gaulthier Guys,
Thank you so much for the great service you provide throughout the year. I recognize that this is not what I’ve been able to give in years past, but wanted to extend my gratitude nonetheless, I am so grateful to you all. Wishing you and your families a very happy New Year!
Cheers to you all!
Elise
If a card alone is what you’re able to do, then a holiday greeting, an expression of your appreciation, and wishing the person, team, or crew well in the new year is the perfect message.
Dear Gaulthier Guys,
Thank you so much for the great service you provide throughout the year. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season! And I am wishing you and your families a very happy New Year!
Cheers to you all!
Elise
TIP & GIFT SUGGESTIONS
Remember the list below is a suggestion and a place to start. Let your own life, budget, and spirit guide you this holiday season.
We hope that however you celebrate the holidays, you are filled with the spirit of generosity and a generosity of spirit and that you receive warmth and kindness from those you meet.
Keep an eye out for the Saturday Sip, for your weekly etiquette tip, recipe from the Emily Post Cookbook, and Emily Post quote!
LAST MINUTE GIFTS
If you’re looking for a last-minute gift we’ve got some great options!
DIGITAL COPY of Emily Post’s Etiquette - The Centennial Edition (and other books from our library!)
AUDIO BOOK VERSION of Emily Post’s Etiquette - The Centennial Edition ready by our very own Lizzie Post (she does Emily’s voice like no other!) Higher Etiquette is also available as an audiobook.
GIFT A SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS SUBSTACK - Our launch promotion will be ending soon, consider the gift that gives all year long by gifting a subscription to this Substack, your recipient will receive the ads-free version of the podcast, a weekly bonus question, access to discussion threads, live calls with Dan and Lizzie and more!
CORPORATE GIFT - A subscription to our Substack is a great way to keep the employees at your organization thinking about consideration, respect, and honesty all year long. It’s not only a work benefit but it will inspire these principles in their personal lives too. Consider a group subscription to our substack and your team will receive the ads-free version of the podcast, a weekly bonus question, access to discussion threads, live calls with Dan and Lizzie, and more! Now offering 10% off!