How to survive winter gatherings
I don't know about you but I'm looking at the start of many Winter Gatherings this week.
Friends gatherings, family gatherings, work gatherings, network gatherings.
There's a lot of gathering.
A lot of social anxiety, because what is gathering anymore?! And Omicron.
So, super. Can't wait.
Anxiety provoking? Yep!
What will we wear? What is there to talk about that's not a complete downer? Who will be there? What's the etiquette? How long do we have to stay?
Since this has been on my mind, I’m here to have your back!
As proof that these are real questions for me, the last “Holiday Gathering” photo I could find in my phone is from 2016.
Tips & tricks to survive at winter gatherings:
Plan ahead for small talk!
Think of 2-3 questions you'd genuinely like to ask and share your own answer to. Make them ridiculous in some silly or edgy way to break the ice for yourself and make you laugh! Here are some of my favs:
On a scale of 1 to mashed potatoes, how have you been lately?
I’m looking to up my self-care… What’s the most indulgent, gluttonous thing you’ve done for yourself lately that I can copy?
“Here’s the truth about how I am: (Say something REAL or even embarrassing!). Tell me I’m not alone…?”
Set boundaries.
If you know that this will be overwhelming, but still want to give it a try, create boundaries in advance to give yourself grace. Some examples are:
Choosing your arrival and leave time of events so you feel no pressure to stay longer.
Giving yourself a buffer half hour before or after a social gathering to reset (aka sit in the car in silence)
Saying no to the gatherings that feel completely dreadful - swap your attendance for a nice note to the host!
Get the inside scoop.
A great friend of mine reminded me that there's no need to spend time worrying and wondering about what an event might be like if you don't have to!
Wondering about COVID etiquette? Totally appropriate to email the host and ask
Wondering about vibe? Text someone who's attended in the past or is on the planning committee
Wondering if you'll know anyone? Invite someone to go with you!
PHEW! That's a lot of tips.
Here's the the theme: you deserve to decide how to participate in and plan for yourself to enjoy winter gatherings.
Want more help in doing this? Check out my holiday stress sesh!
This special-offer coaching session will provide you the targeted coaching experience you need to get back to enjoying this season. For $99 you'll receive:
Accountability to invest an hour in yourself and your mental wellbeing right now
Pre-work that helps you identify what's tangled up in that knot in your stomach
Action-oriented resources so that you can stay away from future stressors this season
Claire Becker Coaching Holiday Stress Sesh