What do you do if you're stressed out at the Christmas party?

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   lisasuniquevoiceposted 11 years ago

   What do you do if you're stressed out at the Christmas party?
   
   

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   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   I also find these situations stressful, so I do no attend Christmas nor any other type of party. This is understood, so this is what people have grown to except.

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   lburmasterposted 11 years ago

   Normally I get a little stressed out because there are so many people all talking and cramped in a little space so I start feeling closed in... So I pinch the skin on my left hand between my pointer finger and thumb, close my eyes, and do little breathing exercises until I count to ten. It's a combination of two methods used to get rid of stress and calm you down. I've used the method for years and it always helps me. Hope you find something to fit your situation! Good luck!

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   An AYMposted 11 years ago

   Have a drink... imagine everyone in their underwear?

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   kohuetherposted 11 years ago

   I always bring a wine I absolutely love (lately all the parties I've been to only serve white zinfandel!) and then make sure I drink at least two glasses.

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   Giselle Maineposted 11 years ago

   ? I have never been stressed out a Christmas party! But if I was, I would probably just try to focus on the positives (good food, etc) and I would be interested in the people around me and what they do, and how they are feeling.

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   ReneeDC1979posted 11 years ago

   If I'm throwing the party I get stressed out that I will be finished with preparations in time (ie. setting up, cooking, etc.)  If I'm a guest I get stressed I may not have fun.  Either way, I tell myself what doesn't get done was not meant to be, and as a guest I tell myself Renee' just enjoy yourself.  Life is too short!  Live a Little.

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   joanwzposted 11 years ago

   I don't attend most parties. There are a few family parties that I attend. If they get to be too overwhelming, I walk outside for a breath of fresh air. if I know going in, that I'm going to be too overwhelmed to stay for the whole thing, I make arrangements with my husband to leave early. We have have a key word or phrase that we can use as an indicator to the other person that it's time to say our goodbyes and and a ready "excuse" should anyone ask. But it has to sound like a legit excuse. Can't keep saying one of us is not feeling well or something like that. We could always say something like we have another party to attend.

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   annartposted 11 years ago

   Leave!  Not worth the bother if it's stressful.  Can't see me getting stressed though as I let things go over my head if people are annoying or drunk or....

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    LouTucciposted 11 years ago

    Have one drink for every problem that's causing you stress*

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    carolina muscleposted 11 years ago

    me, i would leave. nothing all that interesting is gonna happen, and you'll miss the office drunk doing his usual routine.

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       LouTucciposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       where's the fun in that!

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    Denmarkguyposted 11 years ago

    I generally avoid them altogether, as I typically find them neither "enjoyable," "fun" OR "relaxing." If I do have to attend an "obligatory" party-- work related, for example-- I pretty much have an idea of how long I am going to stay; I arrive, make myself "visible," and then leave.
    
    But I'm an introvert. That doesn't mean I'm antisocial-- I like people just fine... I just happen to like my people ONE AT A TIME.

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    Nellieannaposted 11 years ago

    Go home and enjoy yourself quietly.  Why suffer?

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    Deborah Demanderposted 11 years ago

    First, I take a deep breath and realize that everyone else is probably as uncomfortable as I am. Then, I look for someone standing by themselves to talk to. Asking them about themselves helps to break the ice. Also have a drink and a snack in your hands, it gives you something to do with your hands and something to talk about if the conversation lags.

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       annartposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Great suggestions!

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    Goody5posted 11 years ago

    I just pick all my things up, and go home.

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       duffsmomposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Me too! - that is if I couldn't find a way not to attend at all!  :-)

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