Party invitations are rolling in this time of year, but if the idea of going to six bashes in a week keeps you up at night, fear not! An Evite is not a court summons. You absolutely can decline a few. So don’t stress over all of those invitations – we can help you determine if it’s pillow time or party time. Here are eight holiday parties you can sleep through without a shred of guilt…
The Enormous Party
If one of your friends has massive gatherings every year, you can definitely get out of attending. The larger the soirée, the easier it is to ditch, since you are one of many invitees. Just be sure to RSVP ‘no’ instead of simply bailing if you want to stay on that massive invite list next year. And remember to include a thank you/happy holidays when you decline. A floating ‘no’ just reads like a diss.
The Kid-centric Party When You’re Kid-less
If one of your friends is up to her ears in littles, it’s understandable that she’s making her party PG this year – and it’s also understandable that you don’t want to go. She’ll get over it. You wouldn’t go to a dog park if you didn’t have a dog!
Your Work Acquaintance’s Soirée
If you’ve never spent time together outside of the cubicle, you don’t need to go to your coworker’s party. But be advised: If you’re the only one from Marketing who doesn’t show up, we all know who they’re going to be gossiping about…
Your Significant Other’s Acquaintance’s Party
If your perfect party involves a couch and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” but your partner is inclined to go to every party/event/opening of an envelope…do not feel obligated to click ‘yes’ on all the Evites he/she forwards. Find a compromise you both feel good about.
Your Family Hanukkah or Christmas
Haha, you wish. You have to go to that one. But the good news is that by going to a family function, you will get a pass for…
Any Other Party on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or the First Night of Hanukkah
You can pass on these invites. The hosts will accept – and probably expect – that most of the people they invite will be tied up on those days.
The Party You Hate
Cousin Julia’s ugly sweater party? Your next-door neighbor’s caroling shindig? If the thought of going to a certain annual bash turns you into a Grinch, try this novel idea: Skip it! This is your life, and you do not have to spend it caroling in an ugly sweater unless you want to!
The Bash Your Ex is Attending
Why put yourself through hell? If there is someone in your life who it’s just too painful – or even just too awkward – to see at the moment, then don’t. The host will understand. And if they don’t, why are you friends with them, anyway?