Tis the season for festivities, social gatherings, and holiday parties. This is an introvert’s guide to the holidays (by a fellow introvert).
Just say NO. Don’t pretend you want to go the neighborhood holiday party if it sounds exahusting. If you’d rather stay home in your jam jams, watching Hallmark movies and drink eggnog, please do that. So just polielty decline the invitation, rather than force yourself to slog through an event. An easy way to make the holidays less stressful is by doing what YOU want, not trying to meet some ideal of what you should do for the holidays.
PREP. Prepare yourself for people. Get into your best mental condition before attending an event make sure you are well rested and your tank is full. This means making sure you have had adequate alone time to fill your tank before going to a holiday event.
Arrive late and leave early. Show up 20-40 mins after the start time of the event and leave early. You can do an Irish good bye, and leave with out saying good bye or send the host a text after you leave thanking them for an excellent time. This strategy will help you.
Always have a way out. Don’t carpool, take your own car or a ride share. If you get overwhelmed or overstimulated, you have a safe way out be it a ride share or your own vehicle. You don’t have to worry about someone not being ready to leave and dragging out the good bye.
Is that a tickle in my throat? No one wants a hacking, puke-y, or snotty guest at their holiday party. No one will be offended or have hurt feelings if you are feeling (or have a family member) who is feeling even slightly ill.
Mostly importantly, from one introvert to another, make sure you are gentle on yourself this holiday season. Go easy and get the rest you need!
