By Sabrina Samuels – Guest Columnist
As the popular holiday song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of year!” A time to be merry and experience the joy of giving and receiving. But, when it comes to holiday etiquette, would Santa consider you ‘naughty or nice’? Remember, gift giving and holiday encounters should add up to a good time!
Festive family favors
Make the holiday season a rewarding time of year by teaching your children the importance of giving back. Consider spending time at a local charity for a meaningful family outing and a chance to help those in need. Your children might offer one of their toys (that is still in great condition) or shop for a new toy to provide to a less fortunate child; this opportunity will warm their hearts and yours. Teach the value of giving back, and build a feeling of appreciation.
Moms – encourage your children to write a poem for Dad or any loved one. Then frame it, allow them to read their heartfelt words aloud, and surely hugs and kisses will follow! Dads – suggest to your kids that they create a household chores coupon booklet to show mom that they’re willing to lend their little hands to clean the kitchen, vacuum the floor, or other helpful tasks, which will give mom the extra time she desires. Afterwards, make sure your young elves honor this commitment to give and help!
Skip social scrooge status
Gift Giving: Be sure to know your audience when participating in a gift exchange at the office, a party, or a social event. If you are giving to a specific individual (such as a colleague), try to find out what that person likes, respect the suggested monetary guidelines of the exchange, and choose a gift that will illustrate it came from the heart. Or opt for a gift card (always a safe bet) with a personalized message, such as “please shop for the gift that brings you the most holiday joy!” Always make your gift presentable with pretty wrapping paper or a festive box.
Holiday Dining & Parties: You want guests to remember your presence at a holiday gathering, but not for the wrong reasons! Parents, remind your children to be on their best behavior (after all, Santa’s watching); and especially when they are guests, the words ‘please and thank you’ should roll off their tongue often.
Be ready for holiday soirées by practicing good dining etiquette at your own table. During sit-down meals, when dinner is first served, pass food to your right; however second helpings can be handed in either direction. Make sure everyone at the table has been served before you begin to enjoy your meal. Place your napkin in the chair if you have to leave the table for any reason and plan to return. When you have completed your meal, always place the napkin on the table neatly to signal that you are finished eating.
During buffet-style meals, after fixing your plate, you may start eating right away. Enjoy the art of engaging conversation by offering pleasant and positive dinner talk. You may talk with a little food in your mouth, but be careful not to talk with a full mouth, and refrain from using your smartphone during the meal.
Utilize your place setting properly. Forks are to the left, with the soup spoon and dinner knife on the right. Glassware is always to the upper right side of the entrée plate, and the entrée plate sometimes will sit on top of a charger plate, depending on the place setting. The bread and butter plate should be on the left side, above the salad and entrée forks. Finally, the dessert spoon and/or fork are positioned center, above the entrée plate. Dig into your holiday meal (politely) and enjoy the season!
Sabrina Samuels is the Founder and Director of Beckman Etiquette. Visit “The Etiquette Guru” at BeckmanEtiquette.com.
