I'm not representing the opinion of MacRumors here, but this is super ridiculous and really has no place on our forums. Who cares if I say holiday or Christmas? I didn't write this article attempting to avoid saying "Christmas," and I can tell you right now we have no specific policy.
The only time I mention a "holiday sale" is at the bottom of the post and NOT in reference to the App Santa sale that only lasts from Dec. 22 to Dec. 26. I expect discounts to continue not only through Christmas and Hanukkah, but also New Year's, which is why I used "holidays."