Holiday Etiquette

Every year I teach an etiquette workshop before the holidays.  It’s usually a sell out and the participants just can’t get enough.  I must admit that they're fun since the wildest, most outrageous questions come up.  

I thought I would post some of the real doozies from the workshop.  Have fun reading and please send me feedback for next year if you'd like!

JanaSecrets on Holiday Cards

I asked the workshop participants to bring in their favorite holiday cards and the holiday cards that ranked the worst.  Here are the results from the workshop.  

BAD Holiday Cards

TMI (too much information)  Holiday Cards – if you send holiday cards please don’t:  (1) fake smiles – we can just tell that you walk around angry all the time (2) wear matching outfits (this is for dancing with the stars) (3) pick up your girlfriend/partner – (it’s not prom night) (4) don’t grab her body parts (seriously…just get a room) 

Professionally Printed Holiday Cards – you know the ones with the creepy “chilly” factor… These cards have been professionally printed and labeled so you don’t need to write anything.  This translates to:  I am just too busy for you or you should be flattered you are even on my mailing list.

All About Me:  this is the holiday card where you send a picture collage of yourself and everything you have accomplished this year.  Including really long captions about each picture and event (while attempting to be funny as well) increases the gag and vomit factor.

GOOD Holiday Cards 

Personal note in pen

Request to get together soon

Animals on the front of the card

Charity Holiday Cards

Smiley faces

Pictures of children to put in scrapbooks

JanaSecrets Holiday Party Tips:

If you RSVP – show up.  No exceptions

If you don’t RSVP – that reveals an even bigger message about you

Always arrive to a party with a little gift

Don’t come to parties super hungry.  Nothing worse than witnessing a party “grazer” who can’t leave the shrimp cocktail platter alone. 

Buffet Line – you are not allowed to begin sampling food off your plate as you make your way down the buffet line.  Finish through the buffet, take a seat, and unfold your napkin first!!