An Extrovert’s Guide to the Holidays

I’m a people person. I love people.

My dad always said I was a “party waiting for a place to happen.” So when the holidays come around, I get really excited, because one of the major bonuses of Christmastime is all the parties, and the people, and the fun!

That’s just me, though. I get that a lot of people aren’t necessarily huge extroverts. It’s estimated that introverts make up anywhere from one-third to half of the population.

So what should you do this holiday season if you’re an introvert in an extrovert world of holiday parties, potlucks and social outings?

As a 100% certified extrovert, let me offer some advice.

1. Find a go-to person at every gathering. They can be your “hub” or headquarters while you’re branching out to chat with a few new people. Once you need a breather from the small talk, you can always go back to that one person.

2. Step outside. Sometimes, you’ve just got to embrace the introversion! If you need to get away for a few minutes, then go outside, take a walk, or find somewhere quiet to just sit for a minute. Do what you need to recharge and make the best of the rest of the gathering.

3. Smile! I don’t know how it works, but you actually become happier when you smile—even if you don’t feel happy at the time. Smiling also makes you more friendly and approachable, which will ease some of the anxiety you have while out at a party.

4. Enjoy your family and friends. You might only see some of these people once or twice a year, so take advantage of that opportunity. Show pictures of your kids, share a cup of coffee, and enjoy the moment. It will be over before you know it.

5. Say no. That’s not a misprint. I mean it. Sometimes, you might just have to turn down an invitation or two. If every weekend is filled up with something, you’ll feel run ragged by the end of December. Choose your priorities, attend the get-togethers and parties that you feel most drawn to, and politely decline the others.

As an extrovert, I get a lot of energy from going to parties and being around people. But I know that might not be the case for everyone.

So, hopefully, these tips will help you enjoy the holiday season without any unnecessary stress. You’ve got this!

Now go and have a wonderful, fun-filled, merry Christmas!