Christmas Etiquette

There are many aspects about Christmas that require you be on your best behavior, from the cards  to gifts  and more. Below you'll find a variety of topics that you might want to learn more about so that you don't make a major faux pas this holiday season.

Being a Good Guest

Whether you are invited to a Christmas dinner or even a weekend at your beau's house for the first time, it's always good to keep a few things in mind. A gift is always appropriate if you are staying over. Gift baskets,  flowers,  chocolates,  wine,  or other small tokens of appreciation are a nice gesture to show that you aren't just trying to mooch off of your host's hospitality. If this is a simple dinner, keep the gift simple, but not stingy. Feel free to spend up to $50. If you are staying longer, you should opt for something nicer, unless of course, you have a very restricted budget. If you are sent an invitation,  rather than receiving a call, be sure to return the RSVP or call the guest. Email is also a popular form of inviting people nowadays. Regardless of how you are invited, make sure to let the host know whether or not you are coming. When you RSVP, consider asking if you can pitch in for the event in some way. While at the host's abode, offer to help out in other ways too. You may offer to do the dishes,  clear the table, or help prepare the food, for example. Inform your host ahead of time if you have any food issues that might be a problem, such as allergies, religious food issues, or vegetarianism.  Arrive well-dressed and groomed. Remember you want to make a good impression, especially if you are meeting potential in-laws. As always, do be careful of what you say and be polite. Don't gorge yourself and watch how much you drink. If you can, attempt to put on a good show at the dinner table by following protocol (cutting properly, using your napkin,  not burping, etc.). Here's a quick Guide to Dining Etiquette. Be friendly and chat with others.

Holiday Gifting

Bring a gift?  Give a gift? Read the tips below and then see the Christmas Gift guides for ideas. If you are attending a party at someones house, it is nice to bring something. Usually a bottle of wine  or a food item is perfectly acceptable. If you are staying over at a relative's home or at a friend's place for several days over the holidays, it is a nice gesture to give them a gift to show your appreciation. Should you be spending the day of Christmas in someones home, you should bring them a gift, especially if you are bringing gifts for others who will be attending. In the case that a host states "no gifts" on an invitation, it usually means just that. In other words, don't bring gifts. A bottle of wine,  dessert or flowers,  are still acceptable here. If there are kids at a Christmas party, you may opt to get them something. As for giving in the office, check with human resources to see what the policies are for giving gifts and take into account the tone in your office as it may affect whether gifts are suitable or not. Usually as a ground rule, avoid gifts for supervisors, as it can be seen as brown-nosing. If you want to give gifts to coworkers whom you are friends with, you may opt to give a small gift, but try and keep things discreet so that you don't make others feel left out.

Sending Cards

Sending Christmas cards  is something many people enjoy and some people dread. Whether or not you send cards is really a matter of personal preference. However, should you choose to send cards, it's a good idea to buy them towards the end of October, beginning of November so that you can get started writing them as soon as possible. Send them during the first week or two of December so that they arrive on time. This is usually a great gesture to make to friends and family who live far away. Should you be so out of touch that you no longer have people's addresses, consider sending e-cards. It is just as thoughtful when you have no other option. Consider what kind of card you buy if you have friends a varying religious backgrounds. A non-denominational card that says Season's Greetings  or Happy Holidays  is usually more universal than a Merry Christmas  or Happy Hanukkah.  Do make sure to personalize the cards if they are to close friends or family. If the cards are for business associates, some thing more generic is acceptable. Either way, do sign your name on every card and self-address the envelopes.  Check out these helpful Web sites: Sideroad.com -- Greeting card etiquette. Hallmark -- Card sending tips. Design Crafters -- Business card etiquette.

Parties

General Safety Perhaps the number one rule of thumb for any type of party is to watch how much you drink. Having some cocktails in celebration of the holidays is totally acceptable, however, going from classy to trashy in a matter of a few martinis  is not. Whether you are at an office get-together or hosting your own affair, so mind your manners when it comes to boozing. Nobody likes a drunken host/hostess and showing up the day after your boss has seen you stripteasing by the water cooler  is simply embarrassing to say the least. This is not just a matter of your reputation, but also a matter of safety. Besides partying with friends, family, and coworkers, keep in mind that there are many folks you will encounter who are not on your buddy list. Stay safe this season and if you go to bars or clubs, bring along a competent friend or group of pals. This ensures that everyone can keep an eye out for everyone else. Date rape drugs abound and it is not uncommon for people to try and spike your drink. To stay on the safe side, always buy your own drinks unless you see it poured and given to you by the bar staff. Never leave your drink unoccupied. If you suspect anything fishy, tell your friends or someone on staff in the establishment so that it can be reported to the authorities. Never let a stranger care for you, as they could be a potential attacker in the first place.

Tipping

Don't be a scrooge  during the holidays. If you are traveling, eating out, or enjoying other activities that require someone work on Christmas or Christmas Eve, do try your best to be considerate of that fact. Be generous when you can be and show that you appreciate them working hard when they might rather be home spending time with their own families. For a great guide on how to tip and when, see this guide on Tipping Etiquette at findalink.net.