Christmas is one of the most important celebrations around the world, but this year with COVID swirling and families potentially separated it can also be one of the most stressful. Between the crowded shopping malls, waiting for that Amazon box to be delivered and endless hours in your mask it’s a difficult year to grab that holiday spirit.
But try to keep in mind – “it is a wonderful life.”
At its core, Christmas has nothing to do with standing in long lines, drinking too much at those endless work parties we are all missing, or worrying about buying expensive gifts. It's more meaningful and rewarding to think of others. As we all begin to reemerge from COVID lockdown and return to our normal holiday activities its important to remember the top social rules of the Holidays.
Sending Christmas Cards
Most people enjoy receiving Christmas cards, emails, memes, or messages of any kind. You don't have to be wordy, but a nice thought above your signature can show a personal touch. While it's okay to have a holiday newsletter enclosed, keep it brief, avoid bragging and try to be positive. You want the recipient to smile not roll their eyes.
Being a Guest
If someone has invited you for a holiday dinner, party, or overnight, be a gracious guest, take an at-home COVID test, get vaccinated and mind your manners. Don't forget to RSVP and ask their COVID rules to make you and them comfortable. Don’t forget to bring a small gift to than the host for their generosity.
Hosting a Gathering
If you are the host, remember to greet everyone at the door. Set ground rules so everyone knows the social distancing rules. Introduce guests to each other. Have plenty of food and activities for everyone. Don’t forget extra masks and hand sanitizer for those guests who may need them. Keep your windows open if you can to ensure proper ventilation.
Do as much preparation as possible the day before so you can enjoy the party with your guests. Keep an eye on anyone who is drinking alcohol and never let anyone drive if they've had too many. If anyone offers to help clean up, give him or her a single task.
Regifting
If someone gives you something you can't use or don't care for, it's okay to regift, as long as you don't give it back to someone in the same friend circle or heaven forbid - the original person. To prevent this from happening, attach a note with the original giver's name.
Tipping Well
If you choose to go out to a restaurant or bar for your holiday cheer, it's always important to be generous with tips after you receive good service. It's especially important during the holidays. Each man’s life touches so many others.
Attending the Office Party or Zoom
If one is scheduled, have fun at the office party, but don't forget where you are or who is watching. It is never okay to drink too much, tell off-color jokes, or get too chummy even on a zoom call party. Laugh, make small talk, and enjoy getting to know your coworkers on a lighter level, knowing that you'll be back to work or on endless Team calls in a few hours or days.
Seeing Santa
Sadly, it might not be the year to enjoy the Santa tradition. If you do, stand nearby and never take your eyes off your child. If your little angel starts talking too much, removing their mask, sneezing or coughing or says anything you don't want strangers to know (your address and travel plans), don't hesitate to interrupt and say your goodbyes. Make sure your child wears a mask to protect Santa and ensure they learn to thank Santa before you leave.
Sending Thank You Cards
As soon as possible after Christmas, send thank you cards, emails, and texts to anyone who has given you a gift, hosted an event that you attended, or done something special for you. Even if you receive a bad gift or the party isn’t fun, you should still send a thank you message.
Spreading Holiday Kindness
As you celebrate the holidays, put "be kind" at the top of your to-do list. It is a hard time for so many people. Reach out to the friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. There is so much loss and uncertainty, even loneliness this holiday. That is exactly when hope and kindness matters. Not only will you have a more joyful season, but so will everyone else around you. And above all, “Remember no man is a failure, who has friends.”