Christmas party time, and I am feeling fine. 😋😊😁
-Anonymous
When I think of Christmas, I think of Santa Claus, Ho-ho-ho, mistletoe, and lots of gawdy red and green decorations. But what is the worst part of Christmas that you can think of? The answer? A Christmas party that’s awkward, boring and full of disastrous moments that you may never recover from. Dignity is easily lost, but not so easily restored. Of course, not all Christmas parties are created equal. I have been to some Christmas parties over the years that were truly wonderful, filled with delight, happiness and holiday cheer. These parties are few and far between.
Whether you love them or hate them, you can’t avoid Christmas parties, so you might as well make the best of them. So why don’t we devote this article to the truly awful, and sometimes hilarious parties that you and I both have probably experienced more than once. Here are some tips on how to survive and enjoy the holiday season without losing your sanity or your dignity.
The Ugly Christmas Sweater 🎅😶🤣
You show up to the office Christmas party wearing the same ugly sweater as your boss. This could be a great opportunity to bond with your boss over your shared sense of humor, or a disaster if your boss thinks you’re mocking him. To avoid any misunderstandings, try to compliment your boss on his choice of attire and make a joke about how you both have the same great taste.
Another ugly sweater disaster would be when you show up in your best ugly Christmas sweater ever. It is covered with twinkling lights, glitter and looks like your little nephew pasted it together in pre-school. But when you arrive at the party you realize it’s a formal affair. Everyone else is wearing tuxedos and glamourous formal attire. This is something that is hard to live down and will be rubbed in your face for years to come. The key is to know the dress code and the theme of the Christmas party, and to follow it with some flair. If you aren’t sure, carry the Christmas sweater in a bag and wear a festive outfit that will fit in most anywhere.
Too Much Eggnog 🤶🍷🍸🥴
You get drunk and start slurring “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to a handsome man you barely know. This could be a romantic gesture that leads to a frenzied kiss under the mistletoe, or a humiliating rejection that makes you want to crawl under a fluffy Christmas throw. To avoid any regrets, try to limit your alcohol intake at Christmas parties and stick to more neutral songs like “Jingle Bells” or “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. Excessive alcohol intake is a hallmark of the holidays and at parties, everyone imbibes. If you’re smart, you will be the one drinking eggnog sans the alcohol.
Broken Ornaments 🎄💃🕺
You accidentally knock over the Christmas tree during your version of the twist, performed while “Rock Around the Clock” screams loudly across the room. The scattered ornaments smash and roll across the dance floor. Your Christmas party host might laugh this off easily or be heartbroken over the loss of a precious family heirloom. A mishap like this could ruin the party and put you directly on Santa’s naughty list for years to come. To avoid any damage, try to stay away from the tree and any other fragile decorations, and if you do knock something over, apologize profusely and offer to help clean up.
Political No-No-No! ❄️🥱🤔
You get into a heated debate with your brother about politics. This could be a disaster of mega proportions. Before you know it, ornaments are being thrown and the yelling becomes louder than the reindeer hoofs trotting on the roof. Remember the old rule: no politics, no religion and no controversial topic of any kind should ever attend a party! Focus on positive conversations about things like family, food and sports. A Christmas party is for having fun, so put aside politics for another day (like never!).
Unlucky Gift Fiasco 🎁🧧🤐😮
You receive a gift that you dislike, don’t need or already have. This could be a chance to practice your gratitude and diplomacy, so smile and be thankful you were remembered at all. Concentrate more on what happiness you can give to others during this season of love and generosity. Remember, you can always regift, or better yet donate the gift to someone who could really use it.
Another gift catastrophe can happen more often than you might think. Regifting a gift back to the person who gave it to you in the first place can hurt feelings and ruin friendships. If you’re going to regift, make sure you keep track of its origin. There’s no better way to insult someone than to reject their gift this way.
These are just some of the scenarios that could happen at a Christmas party, but don’t let them discourage you from having fun. Remember, it’s not about what goes wrong, but how you handle it. And if all else fails, just Ho-ho-ho! and enjoy the festive spirit.
Here are some ideas that will help you navigate the Holly decked halls of Christmas season:
Tip #1: Bring a gift. Even if the Christmas party is not a gift exchange, it’s always polite to bring something for the host or hostess as a token of appreciation. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate, just something thoughtful and useful. For example, you can bring a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, a candle or a plant. Avoid bringing anything too personal, too controversial, or too weird. For example, don’t bring lingerie, political books, or taxidermy animals.
Tip #2: Mingle and socialize. Don’t be shy or aloof at a Christmas party. Try to talk to different people and make new friends. You never know who you might meet or what you might learn. Of course, you should also avoid being too loud, too nosy, or rude. Don’t dominate the conversation, interrupt others, or gossip about anyone. And don’t drink too much or do anything that might compromise your reputation or your safety. For example, don’t flirt with your boss, dance on the table, or drive home drunk.
Tip #3: Have fun and be yourself. The most important thing is to enjoy yourself and have a good time at a holiday party. Don’t worry too much about what others think of you or what might go wrong. Just relax and be yourself. Show your personality and your sense of humor. Laugh at yourself and at others (in a good way). And don’t forget to thank the host or hostess before you leave.
I hope these tips will help you have a merry and memorable Christmas party season. And remember, no matter what happens, it will make a great story for your blog!
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