Diane Stafford: You gave your boss what for Christmas?

A few years ago, businesses and businesspeople could fairly paper their walls with unabashed Christmas greeting cards. And in some places it was common to see desks and reception counters overloaded with lovely gifts.

Times have changed.

Sensitivity to different religions altered many messages to generic holiday alohas.

In the gift arena, more corporate ethics codes put the kibosh on accepting gifts, especially if they carry much value.

A sincere greeting -- to thank for business or a business relationship -- is never wrong. And there's nothing wrong with using the end of the year to send regards. But workplace etiquette guidance warns of minefields that could blow best intentions awry. That advice usually focuses on scale and relationship.

Scale -- or size of the gift -- is the easiest to address. Don't go overboard in an effort to impress.

The stickiest wicket often involves employee gifts to bosses. It's tough to say just don't do it, but that might be best. Instead, write a brief, preferably handwritten, note of appreciation (if it's true).

Gift exchanges among peers generally won't carry that baggage. But there are impressions at stake there too. An all-comers invitation to participate in a low-priced Secret Santa or other kind of open gift exchange is usually fine. But if a few co-workers want to exchange gifts among themselves, based on friendship or close business ties, it's probably better to do it offsite and after hours.

As we've seen in the heightened tensions about international terrorism, domestic mass shootings and politicians spewing polemics, it's hard enough to keep peace in our hearts and goodwill among all.

To reach Diane Stafford, call 816-234-4359 or send email to staffordkcstar.com.

This story was originally published December 19, 2015 at 7:41 PM with the headline "Diane Stafford: You gave your boss what for Christmas? ."