Dodging holiday activities at the office may take some candid and courteous conversations.

Office holiday activities are not for everyone. Does it mean that companies should do away with all holiday customs? I don’t think so. However, it is advisable to remind employees that not everyone wants to be involved. It comes down to respectful and open communication.

Situation: When a coworker declines your invitation to wear a Santa hat, do not take it as an insult, inquire why or try to convince them to wear it. It simply means that they’re too busy or it’s not their thing. And, there’s no need to go blabbing about it.

If you are the one declining or opting out, it can be awkward; it can even produce some guilty feelings. Push through and stick to your decision by being candid and courteous.

Here are 4 common holiday-related activities and strategies on how to opt-out:

1. Secret Santa: They put your name in a hat and they hand you the name of your Secret Santa. Do you reluctantly participate? You could. Another option is to address it on the spot, “Thanks for including me, but I won’t be participating this year.” That’s it.

2. Fundraiser/Donation Requests: It might feel uncharitable to decline buying or donating to help support a school program or a homeless shelter; push through and stick to your decision. An explanation is not required. However, if you feel you need to say something, consider this, “I’ve already committed to other charities.”

Asking for a friend: Why do some people give you the stink eye when you don’t give to their cause or buy what they’re selling. I may be giving elsewhere or just bought tons of wrapping paper from a nephew. Do you ignore the look or pull out the old checkbook?

You can hold on to your personal choice while coworkers hold on to their holiday customs. #workplaceculture

3. Contests/Games: When you want to opt-out of the cookie bake-off, ugly sweater, white elephant gift exchange, best decorated cubicle, etc., simply say, “Enjoy. I’ll watch from the sidelines.” If your personal policy is flexible, participate in only one of the games or activities.

4. Holiday Office Party: Don’t pull a no-show. It’s best to be honest and provide a reason like, “I’ve already got plans” or “I’m focusing on more family time this season.” Express gratitude and acknowledge those that invested their time into organizing the party.

From a professional perspective, you could look at the office party as an extension of work and as an opportunity to talk to key people within the company.

Why someone dodges holiday activities:

We don’t always get to know why a coworker declines to participate in holiday customs. And it is not our place to ask them why.

It could be:

  • a cultural difference.
  • religious practices or secular beliefs.
  • it’s the first year without a loved one.
  • they don’t feel like celebrating this year.
  • they don’t like their coworkers.
  • they can’t afford another expense.
  • they are quiet quitting, doing the bare minimum.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

The holiday season stirs up emotions; joyful to joyless. If you are joyful, spread it, don’t impose it. If you are joyless, seek a trusted and sincere person to discuss your state of mind. Whether you believe in the holiday or not, sometimes joining in just for the fun of it can help build coworker camaraderie and provide a few laughs.

Instead of dodging your coworkers, consider taking vacation time to avoid the office festivities. To show goodwill, suggest getting together for lunch as a post-holiday breather or to kick off the new year .

Communication skills, social skills, picking up on social cues, office gossip…

Contact me to discuss how we can work together by providing a customized workshop for your staff. Workshop are available for college students, community organizations, sales team, actors, athletes attending fundraisers, general professional development, support Code of Conduct, to support implementing new employee standards in 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo source: Pexels