10) Christmas Cards: When sending Christmas cards, remember not everyone under the sun needs to receive one from you. Only people you really love and know should receive a card. And just because you get one from someone doesn’t mean they should get one from you. Remember do you really love and know them & is it in your budget to send the card out. Any hesitation = don’t send.
9) Letters: Keep in mind not everyone needs that “yearly this is what we have been up to letter” tucked into the Christmas card. I’m sure your third removed cousin from your mother’s side doesn’t need reminded that they were not invited to the family reunion again.
8) Christmas Cards 2: Speaking of Christmas cards, again remember you’ll be sending them to others. Not everyone has your sense of humor. Three choices that will always be appreciated are… keep it classic looking, one with Santa’s or Snowmen on it & one that is handmade. Also keep in mind the message should be festive and short. Cards with jokes or so- so pictures are a big no-no. They should never have even made it out of the factory.
7) Fighting /Arguing: No fighting or arguing allowed at the party or dinner table. So don’t invite divorced couples, divorced members of the family & don’t invite your ex. It’s called divorce for a reason people. Plus not every member of your family has to show up either. If all they do is fight or argue with other’s, than let them stay at home.
6) Drunk’s: Guests having way too much to drink? Take their keys and call them a cab. It’ll probability save their lives and a law suit for you. Cab fare or funeral Flowers what do you want to spend?
5) Unwanted Food: When someone’s brings a covered dish that you were not expecting nor want, what do you do? Smile and say I was hoping you bring this. Never hurt anyone feelings during this festive day. And look on the bright side. When you pack up the leftovers, you’ll have even more to take the homeless shelter. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean someone else won’t. Just the opposite they will love it and really appreciate it.
4) Invites: Only invite who you really want to sit across a table from and give thanks too. Just because they are your in laws, sister in laws or a former friend, doesn’t mean you have to ruin your Christmas or theirs. May be next year they’ll get the message and be nicer themselves so they can be re invited.
3) When to buy a Gift: If gift giving with family (close or extended) is getting too expensive just have a grab-bag and stick to your budget limit. Buying for 1 or 2 is way better than buying for 30. When you receive horrible gifts, again smile very graciously and say thank you very politely. It’s not the givers fault that you’re a snob who can’t appreciate a gift in the heartfelt way it was intended. No matter how tacky it is.
2) Re-Gifting: Remember re gifting is a huge no- no. (see previous post on the only reason it is ok, there is only one people ) Think donation to a homeless shelter or a nursing home. Someone there didn’t receive a gift and would appreciate what you don’t want.
1) When to put up the lights: Don’t start decorating for Christmas till after Thanksgiving is over. Why you say. Well for starters Thanksgiving is for giving thanks not for kissing under the mistletoe and 2nd remember the magic of going to sleep after a big turkey day dinner and waking up to a beautifully decorated mall or home? Well we need to get back to that. The magic of the holiday that is called Christmas.
So if you just follow these wonderful, updated, and true etiquette tips. I’m sure they’ll help you get through this holiday season. Not following them could mean that with all that holiday cheer, will come holiday stress and unhappiness. I mean, when you have family dynamics, lengthy to-do lists, crazy family obligations , work pressures & Christmas brain you’ll want to do anything to keep your idea of Christmas merriment just right. Balance is everything and there will be heightened expectations from everyone. Show them & the world you’ve grown up & follow these fabulous tips. You’ll have them all guessing.
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