Post Holiday Etiquette

By Deborah O’Connor

The holiday meal was wonderful, the presents have been unwrapped, the relatives are going home and it was another successful and wonderful holiday. Now what? Let’s talk about “post holiday etiquette”.

• First and foremost, write those thank-you notes. Sit down as a family and do it together. You are teaching a lifelong skill that will serve your children for the rest of their lives. Many are tempted to send an email because it is easy and quick and we’re used to doing everything on the Internet. But remember that you are teaching a skill that they will need throughout their lives. Thank-you notes after college interviews, after job interviews, after receiving wedding gifts, are essential. The list goes on and eventually your children will thank you.
• Send friends and relatives a photo or two from the holidays.  Even children can do this electronically and friends and relatives appreciate the effort.
• Buy for next year. This is a great time to take advantage of after-Christmas sales. Giftwrap, holiday cards, decorations, gifts, all are deeply discounted and can be used next year.
• Organization is essential. When you take down decorations, put things away in an orderly fashion and label boxes and bags. Get rid of lights that don’t work and broken ornaments. This will simplify things for next year and make decorating much easier.
• Diet and exercise. Most people make it a point to start a real diet and exercise regime in January. More gym memberships are purchased over the holidays so that everyone can start their health and fitness routine. By February the gym is back to normal, with the regulars that are always there. This year, be more realistic and do some research. Figure out what you can and will realistically do and make a plan. For example, instead of saying I’ll go to the gym everyday and lose fifty pounds, try to form a plan that involves changing your diet slowly and adding exercise to your life 2-3 days per week. Make a schedule that you can stick to. Hire a personal trainer if possible, as it forces you to show up. You have a much better chance of succeeding if you stay realistic.
• Resolutions should be reasonable and do-able. Think abut changes that you would like to make. Perhaps you want to learn to cook or take a class to learn a new skill. Maybe you just want to have more time to take a walk everyday. Think about what you want to accomplish this coming year and make a sensible and well-intentioned list. You might even accomplish most of your goals.

Be kind, empathetic, and follow the golden rule. Wishing everyone a happy and blessed holiday.

Please feel free to send questions to Deborah at: www.successfulimage.biz.

She will answer them in her weekly column.

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz