It is the season of Christmas – Mariah Carey will soon top music charts and the internet can’t get enough of her annual ‘defrosting’ ritual. All you want for Christmas is the warmth of good company and a few cheerful drinks to celebrate the festive season. Drinking during Christmas is sure fun, and with the right etiquette, it can make your Christmas parties even more enjoyable and memorable. Here’s us guiding you on Christmas drinking etiquette that will surely be helpful for you.
Christmas Drinking Etiquette
- Know Your Alcohol Intake Capacity
- Never Drink While You’re Eating
- Sip, Don’t Gulp
- Don’t Crunch The Ice In Your Mouth
- Avoid Smudging The Cocktail Glass With Lipsticks
- Let The Host Raise The Toast First
- Don’t Pressure People To Drink
- Water Is Your Best Friend
- Keep Non-Alcoholic Drinks Handy
- If You Spill It, Own It
Know Your Alcohol Intake Capacity
Even though it is not technically an ‘etiquette’, it is always recommended to know your capacity before you start drinking. This is especially important when you’re in a social setting, such as an office party or a club. Knowing your intake capacity will help you plan your drinks better and avoid unnecessary overdrinking. If you’re someone who gets drunk easily, you might plan on spacing out your drinks in regular intervals to avoid getting drunk too much too soon.
Never Drink While You’re Eating
Take a drink only when your mouth is free of food, as sipping while still chewing is generally considered impolite. Make sure that you finish what you’re eating and only then go for a sip of your drink. After all, no one would ideally like to see you struggle as you multi-task your way into the party.
Sip, Don’t Gulp
We get that Christmas is an exciting time and the drinks served can be too tempting to the eyes, but a little self-control will do wonders. How? Avoid gulping down drinks in large quantities at once. Drinking in a social setting means pacing yourself to savor and enjoy your drink alongside everyone else. So, when you’re in such situations, or even in general, avoid gulping down drinks. Instead, sip them – this way you appreciate the flavors of the drink and it also lasts longer. And when you sip, you avoid the risk of getting drunk too quickly and save yourself from some blunders such as spilling the drink all over yourself.
Don’t Crunch The Ice In Your Mouth
The Christmas party is now beginning to get more exciting and your favorite drink just popped up on the bar. It’s beautifully made with a combination of your favorite spirit, flavorings, and ice. While we’re all tempted to crunch on that rock-hard ice as we normally do at home, avoid doing that at a party. Let the tempting ice sit inside the glass this time. This rule in our Christmas drinking etiquette guide seems too unnoticeable to even follow, but it would be really embarrassing if someone noticed you crunching on ice.
Avoid Smudging The Cocktail Glass With Lipsticks
This rule is especially applicable to ladies and gentlemen who love a little glitz and apply lipsticks. While we’re not advising you to not apply that tempting shade you always wanted to wear, it is a basic Christmas drinking etiquette that you don’t leave lipstick stains on the glass. For this, you can either put on the lipstick lightly or gently wipe off the lipstick stain in a way that is not noticeable to other guests.
Let The Host Raise The Toast First
This rule is generally applicable to any party or special occasion you attend, including Christmas. If your host is expected to raise a toast, let them do so first. Avoid drinking before they finish their toast. Once they finish it and have a sip of their drink, you are free to sip on your drink. This is an etiquette that shows your respect for the host and honors their toast. If you’re asked to raise a toast, keep it short and sweet and most importantly, end it on a positive note.
Don’t Pressure People To Drink
While its easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit, its important to remember that not everyone drinks alcohol, or they might not drink it as much as you. Always respect their choice – be it for health reasons, religious reasons, or even if they simply don’t want to. Yes, a friendly offer is a kind thing to do, but respect whatever their decision is, even if its a polite no.
Water Is Your Best Friend
While the endless river of eggnog or vodka or whiskey is tempting, it is best recommended to halt in between drinks to catch a sip of good old water. If you know that you might get drunk soon, it is best to drink a glass of water for every drink that you have. This will not only keep you hydrated, but also reduce the chances of waking up with a dreaded hangover.
Keep Non-Alcoholic Drinks Handy
If you’re hosting the Christmas party, make sure that there is something for everyone, and this includes drinks too. When planning the drinks, keep a few non-alcoholic drinks on the menu because not everyone will consume alcohol. And since it’s Christmas time, there’s plenty of decadent non-alcoholic options like hot chocolate, virgin cocktails, mocktails, apple cider, non-alcoholic mulled wine, and many others.
If You Spill It, Own It
Christmas parties are filled with lively energy, lots of leg-shaking, and inviting others to join the dance floor. In the midst of the fun, you might accidentally spill your wine or knock over a bottle. In such moments, it’s best to take responsibility for your mishap, as accidents are bound to happen. Apologize and offer to clean it up. While it may make you feel embarrassed, remember to laugh it out because it is all part of the festive fun.
Summing Up
Christmas drinking etiquette doesn’t mean you have to be perfect at all times, just be respectful, considerate, and have fun without overstepping boundaries. So whether it’s an office party or you’re clinking glasses in the hottest bar in town, remember to drink responsibly and keep the holiday spirit in check. Cheers to a wonderful Christmas season!
FAQs
How Do I Stop Getting Drunk Too Fast?
Avoid drinking too much, too fast to stop getting drunk too quickly. Space out your drinks and drink water at regular intervals between two drinks.
What Is The 1/2/3 Drinking Rule?
The 1/2/3 drinking rule is as follows:
1: Consume no more than one standard drink per hour.
2: Consume no more than two standard drinks per occasion.
3: Do not exceed three standard drinks per occasion.
Which Alcohol Is Least Harmful To Your Liver?
Wines and low carb beer are alcoholic beverages that may be the least harmful. Non-alcoholic drinks, mocktails, or virgin cocktails are also less harmful to your liver than alcoholic drinks.
