Wow, where has all the time gone? In just a few more days, It’s Christmas once again. I’m sure we’re all busy attending virtual Christmas parties and get-togethers with co-workers and loved ones. Although these events are fun, they can also be very exhausting and stressful for some people, particularly those who are more introverted like me.
Don’t get me wrong. Introverts also love attending parties and other gatherings, either virtually or in person. It’s just that interacting with so many people at once can rapidly drain their energy. To help my fellow introverts carry through these stressful times, here are some tips on how to celebrate Christmas as an introverted remote worker.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say No.
Let’s start this article by pointing out that you should never be afraid to say no to your friends’ invitations. Unless you’ve agreed earlier to attend or you’re required to do so, you’re not required to attend all your friends’ parties. If they’re really your friends, they won’t take your declining of their invitations negatively and understand your reasons for doing so.
That said, don’t just remain in your comfort zone forever. Attending parties is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. This is especially true for company Christmas parties, which allow you to meet your other co-workers. In essence, don’t be afraid to say no, but be open to new experiences as well.
Give Time and Treat Yourself.
Although celebrating Christmas is usually thought of as a celebration with your loved ones, nothing’s stopping you from celebrating it on your own. You can use this holiday season alongside your paid leaves to get a much-deserved rest after a year of working. Doing so allows you to be at your best when celebrating with your loved ones.
Giving time for yourself doesn’t just mean resting and relaxing. Now that you have some free time, why don’t you spend it doing your hobbies or buying gifts for yourself? The holidays are the perfect time to read that book you haven’t had time to read. Or perhaps buy and play that game you’ve been waiting for so long.
Celebrate with a Select Group of Loved Ones.
Another great way to celebrate Christmas if you’re introverted is by celebrating it with a select group of your loved ones. These loved ones could range from your family, some close relatives, or your best friends. Whichever you choose, be sure to give time to them so you can fully enjoy their company this holiday season.
When planning your celebration or get-together, be sure that all of you are free during the agreed date. This ensures that most, if not all, of you can meet each other during the agreed-upon date. These celebrations or get-togethers don’t need to be grand, as long as all of you enjoy being together.
Conduct Your Christmas Parties Online.
As a remote worker, I’m pretty sure you’re already used to virtual meetings by now. And since physical gatherings remain risky due to the new Covid variant, the safest way to celebrate with your friends and co-workers is via virtual meetings. For introverts, the ability to meet and bond with your friends and co-workers without the need to meet them physically is a blessing.
Why so, you may ask? Because online Christmas parties aren’t as taxing to introverts as traditional ones. With online Christmas parties, you can now interact with other people while remaining in your comfort zone. This means you don’t need to put too much effort when socializing with your friends and co-workers anymore.
There’s No Shame in Leaving Christmas Parties Early.
And finally, if you already feel like you’re already drained from the Christmas party, don’t be afraid to excuse yourself from it. Speaking from experience, I also don’t like leaving parties early, as I might miss something important if I do so. But is it really worth staying if you look like you’re already about to fall down at any minute?
When leaving Christmas parties, be sure to always notify your hosts that you are going now. Don’t just disappear into thin air. Let them know that you’re already feeling tired and need to rest. Doing this allows your friends or co-workers to understand why you’re leaving.
Happy Holidays!
Christmas time can be very stressful and taxing for many introverts. Between work and attending numerous Christmas parties and family gatherings, it can be hard to find time to rest. But by following the tips that I have given, you will have a better time balancing socializing with your loved ones and celebrating Christmas on your own.
