It’s that time of year again when we have to charge up our social batteries in preparation for the multiple Christmas parties that are usually lined up, involving the different groups and even sub-groups that we are involved in.
There are at least three Christmas parties that the average Filipino has to attend during peak Holidays. Unless you work in a family-owned business that also employs all your friends, the 3 would be at work, with family, and friends. And for those who don’t socialize that much, those 3 parties could be a tall order, especially if you consider that most have themes, require exchange gifts, and will also most likely have games, and even group presentations.
Aside from the social aspect, which can be demanding for introverts or the anti-socials, there is also the economic aspect, as exchanging gifts and dressing up to comply with themes also come with a cost. And due to inflation, those costs have been creeping up in recent years, which is something we have to keep in mind, especially those who have a personal or family budget to consider.
Staying within budget may mean having to be a party pooper, which means respectfully refusing to participate in some of the activities like the exchange gift, or finding creative ways to abide by the theme without too much unnecessary spending.
For the socially awkward or introverts, it could also mean finding ways to say “pass” to the group presentations or games, especially if those activities stress you out. The good thing with today’s awareness on mental health is that it is now more acceptable to say no, as long as you find a way to say it properly.
Even the Department of Labor and Employment has reminded companies to respect the beliefs, religion, and personal preferences of employees when holding Christmas parties, pointing out that dancing or any activity cannot be made compulsory if it is not part of the job description. It also reminded that laws such as the Safe Spaces Act protect against such forms of harassment that comes with being forced to participate in activities that employees are not comfortable doing.
The thing about Christmas parties is that it is supposed to be fun for everyone involved. However, the caveat is that everyone’s idea of fun is not necessarily the same. That is something we have long known, but party organizers sometimes get so carried away with their own concept of fun that they forget to consider those who have different personalities or situations from them.
Taking the preferences of everyone into consideration is something that we have started to become better at in recent years, probably after the voices of those who forced themselves to attend the parties in fear, rather than enjoyment, started getting heard on social media.
These days, more people can just go to a Christmas party and just enjoy it according to their idea of fun. There are those who go all out with the themes, look forward to the games, spend hours practicing for the presentations, or simply just show up and soak in the vibe, without having to join all the activities.
If the party has a sponsor, such as an employer, or a generous friend or family member, it’s not just the food that is free, but there are even prizes to take home, which is often used as bait to encourage attendance and participation. After all, only those who participate can have a chance of winning in the games, and it is totally up to the guest to choose their level of participation, according to their preference, with the understanding that it also determines their chances to win stuff. That is the fair trade for getting to choose whether you want to participate or not.
However, those who insist on winning prizes without playing the games should be classified as uncultured cheaters that could give cause to kick them out of the party. After all, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Christmas parties should be fun for everyone involved, and not become opportunities for bullying, harassment, or cheating your fellow man. As party etiquette evolves, both the hosts and the guests should never forget the reason why they are there… which is to celebrate and have fun. As we all try our best not to be a party pooper, everything should be at least fine, and at most great.*
