Language, culture and nuance in international communication
Christmas is one of the times of the year when the greatest number of messages are exchanged internationally. Emails, digital cards, social media posts and corporate greetings cross borders with a shared goal: conveying goodwill and a sense of closeness. However, when those messages move between different languages and cultures, a literal translation is not always enough to ensure they work effectively.
In Spanish, two commonly used formulas coexist: “Feliz Navidad” and “Felices fiestas.” The former is direct and clearly religious; the latter is broader and more inclusive, also encompassing the New Year and other celebrations. It is no coincidence that companies and institutions tend to favour “Felices fiestas,” while in personal contexts “Feliz Navidad” continues to carry strong emotional weight.
A very similar situation exists in English. “Merry Christmas” is traditional and warm, whereas “Happy Holidays” is more commonly used in professional and multicultural environments. Choosing between them is not just a linguistic decision, but a cultural one. A literal translation from another language may sound awkward or even inappropriate if the context is ignored.
Looking more broadly, we find a wide range of Christmas greetings: Joyeux Noël in French, Frohe Weihnachten in German, or Buon Natale in Italian. In Dutch, people say Vrolijk Kerstfeest, a less familiar but very characteristic expression, while in Japanese the greeting is メリークリスマス (Merī Kurisumasu), a phonetic adaptation of English that reflects the largely cultural nature of Christmas in Japan.
These linguistic differences go hand in hand with different traditions. Not all countries celebrate on the same days or in the same way, and many Christmas-related concepts have no exact equivalent in other languages. This is where professional translation makes the difference: it is not just about finding words, but about conveying cultural references so that the message works just as well on the other side.
In sectors such as insurance, where trust, accuracy and reputation are essential, paying attention to these nuances is particularly important. Christmas provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen professional relationships through well-crafted, culturally appropriate messages that reflect organisational values. Because even festive greetings remain a strategic element of effective communication.
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