Should greeting passengers “Merry Christmas” in airports be banned?

Few days ago I found a disturbing article from Inquirer:

MANILA, Philippines — Lest they be mistaken for soliciting for tips, gifts or bribes, employees of the Manila International Airport Authority have been instructed not to greet airline passengers “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year” during the holiday season. (Inquirer 12/16/2009)

I think it is possible to have a win-win solution: it is possible to greet passengers “Merry Christmas” or “Happy New Year” and at the same time prevent airport personnel from soliciting tips.  One way is make a policy that those who greet passengers must be the one who shall give something to the passengers for free: a card or something with NAIA and PAL logo, a picture of the Nativity, and a “Merry Christmas!” written on it.  The reason why Filipino passengers return home is because it is Christmas. So let us greet them a Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.