Survive the Holidays With the Etiquette ABC's

By PJ McGuire, Etiquette Expert

A warm smile goes a long way to making everyone’s holiday season less stressful.

Bring a small token of appreciation for the host when attending a holiday party at someone’s home.

Cake (specifically fruitcake) is only an appropriate gift when you know the other person likes them.

Double dipping is disgusting and unsanitary.  If you would like sauce or dip place it on your plate and double dip until your heart (and tummy) is content.

Electronic elves, flashing lights and dancing Santas are best kept at home.  Decorations in the office should be minimal.

Follow proper protocol when giving business gifts; be aware of cultural and religious differences.

Gift cards are impersonal, try to get personalized gifts whenever possible.  If you find holiday gift giving difficult, consider hiring a gift giving service.  They’re inexpensive and can save you time and money.

“Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings” is the appropriate greeting during this time of year because it incorporates ALL religious and cultural holidays.

If you run out of time to send holiday cards you can send Happy New Year cards instead.

Just in case you’re traveling for the holidays, remember to have your mail held at the post office and put your lights on a timer.  Don’t let the thieves know you are not at home!

Know and practice proper dining skills.  If you aren’t 100% sure which side your bread plate or beverage is on, review dining skills by taking an online course or reading it in a book.

Limit your alcohol consumption at business holiday functions.   Being the office drunk is not only embarrassing but can cost you your job.  Yes, I know the alcohol is free but limit yourself to 2-3 drinks.

Martini glasses are prone to spills…order your martini in a low ball glass and your beverage won’t end up on your shirt (or someone else’s).

Naptime should occur at home only, not at holiday office parties or after eating at someone’s home.

Out of office messages can be festive but must be appropriate.  Happy Holidays and/or Seasons Greetings is a better option  than Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa or any other religious holiday greeting.

Please don’t outstay your welcome!  Pay attention to social cues and know when it’s time to say your goodbyes and go home.

Quiet please…don’t blast holiday music at the office.  Be considerate of others and use headphones.

RSVP for holiday parties within 72 hours after receiving the invitation and/or before the RSVP by deadline.

Small talk is an important skill when attending holiday parties and interacting with friends and family.  Review current events and practice small talk so that you will be able to mingle with ease.

Time is of the essence.  Always arrive on time to sit down dinners.

Use this time of year to show your gratitude and appreciation to all of the people who help to make your life a little easier.  Give an extra special gift or tip to people like your hair stylist, cleaning person, doorman, day care providers, etc.

Vacationing in someone’s home for the holidays isn’t the same as vacationing in a hotel…there probably isn’t a maid service.  Always clean up after yourself and offer to help out around the home.

Writing a thank you note is always a nice gesture.  Send thank you notes after receiving a gift and attending a party in someone’s home.

eX’s can be a touchy situation during this time of year. Tread lightly when interacting with the friends and family of your EX during the holidays.

Yield to the second helping if you’re prone to the “lose weight and get in shape” New Year’s resolution.

Zzzzzzzzzzzz…get plenty of rest during this busy holiday season so that you can be courteous and polite to everyone with whom you encounter from department store staff to co-workers.