Ask An Etiquette Expert: How Can I Cancel Christmas Plans Politely? |
’Tis the season for gifting, partying, and, well, overcommitting to social plans.
After all, according to clinical trial group MAC, “pressure to socialise, the stress of family gatherings, and the societal expectations surrounding this season can amplify feelings of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges”.
A quarter of us say festive stressors like these worsen our mental health.
But even if Yuletide partying doesn’t affect you that deeply, it can still feel exhausting to keep up with endless plans.
Which is why we asked the founder of Etiquette Expert, Jo Hayes, how (and when) to politely cancel existing commitments.
First, think ahead
Hayes acknowledged that between “work Christmas parties, end-of-year client events, family gatherings and the friendship-circle socials,” not to mention school events and kiddie activities for parents, the season can be tiring.
Still, she said, prevention is the best........