Christmas and the festive season is a most magical time to be enjoyed with our loved ones. Etiquette at Christmas isn’t about stiff rules; it’s about thoughtfulness, inclusion, and kindness. 

However, there are a few rules to abide by, and thankfully Patricia Maybury of The Etiquette Suite is here to help us navigate the season with decorum, good sense, and good manners.

Christmas Cards: Write and post them in time with the address written legibly. The front of the card is design-and-spine side-up as you place it in the envelope. 

It’s a nice touch to buy cards that support a charity and are eco-friendly. If you are thinking of a digital festive greeting, then personalise
with a text.

Respect diversity: Not everyone observes Christmas; opt for inclusive greetings (‘Happy Holidays’) in professional or multicultural settings.

Gift giving: A lovely thought, but sometimes it poses a difficult conundrum. Materialism is to the fore after all, but to give artisanal products is pleasant, and gives you the chance to support a local, niche business in your area. 

Think thought over cost; a small, meaningful present often carries more impact than something extravagant.

Regifting: We all do it and it can be acceptable when done with care: the item should be new and beautifully presented. 

Courtesy in the Christmas Rush

In shops: Remember that patience is a present too. Speak kindly to staff, as they’re often working long hours under pressure in very busy shops and restaurants.                                              

Queues and crowds: A smile or ‘after you’ goes further than you think.                    

Parking and traffic: Courtesy behind the wheel counts as festive spirit too! Small civility in public spaces has a ripple effect, and a little patience can turn chaos into community.

The Christmas Office Party 

The festive work gathering is a social highlight, but also a potential minefield.                                                            

Dress appropriately: Festive, not flamboyant.                                        

Drink moderately: Pace yourself and remember your boss may be present.                                                        

Manners matter: Thank the organisers, include quieter team members, and avoid gossip.   

Digital decorumg: Ask before posting photos; not everyone wants to go viral in a Santa hat. Good office etiquette ensures you return in January with your dignity (and reputation) intact.

Patricia Maybury of The Etiquette Suite.

Hosting with Heart

A good host sets the mood. Whether it’s a sit-down dinner or a simple drinks party, inclusivity is key, from food preferences to music choices. 

If guests feel relaxed, they’ll remember your warmth, and not your tableware. The gracious host will laugh off any faux pas and keep the ambience warm and endearing

Invitations: Send invitations in time. The level of the soirée will indicate the type of invitation sent. Include an RSVP.

Food choice: Use easy dishes, and include a vegetarian option. 

Alcohol: Include non-alcoholic beverages and minerals also. No need to be overgenerous in case someone imbibes the grape too much, and thereby hangs a tale…

Family dynamics: Observe any seating arrangement to keep potential drama
at bay.

Conversation at the dining table: Safe topics include: weather, sport, travel, local and national events. 

Taboo subjects include: money, politics, religion, relationships, and local gossip.

The Guest’s Golden Rules

The most charming guests are those who make others feel at ease. 

RSVP’s: Accept or decline the invitation within a few days of receiving it. It is so impolite to ‘hold out’ and see if a ‘better’ invitation comes your way. Observe the dress code on the invitation. It is your duty to inform your host if you have now changed your dietary habits. For example, ‘My food choice now is vegan and I am happy to bring a dish to share
with others’.

Gift giving: You always bring a gift to your host

House rules: As a guest in someone’s home, you respect their rules. These might include things like a ban on smoking or vaping, taking shoes off at the door, or abiding by a no-phone policy for the night.

 Digital decorum: If photos were permissible then do not share, tag or post unless seeking permission first of those ‘snapped’

Manners at the dining table: Be gracious and respectful to those in your company. Offer to assist the host by pouring beverages, clearing the table, or doing the washing up. 

Alcohol: Avoid over consumption: festive doesn’t mean unrestrained.

Timely: Never arrive before the start time; ten minutes after is idea. Do not linger late in the evening, and leave as others do. 

Always send a thank you note within the following few days or at the very least, a text.

While Christmas is a wonderful time for a lot of us, for others it may not be so and that is why we should show kindness and respect to others. Say hello, smile, and be genuine.