5 Annoying Things People Do at the Holidays

The holidays are upon us! And while we're happy about that, we can't help but to notice a few things people do that annoy us this time of year as well.

Go to Someone's House and Then Spend Their Time on Their Phone or Computer

I was so impressed a few years ago when we had a big family gathering and my cousin told his teenage boys as soon as they'd entered the house, "Put your phones away. We're here to visit." The kids participated in the conversation and in the games and it was really lovely. Because they gave us their attention, we got to know them better as the bright young people they are.

But it isn't just kids that rudely whip out their phones or computer devices while you're having a get-together, though. I've seen all ages of folks do this, and it's rude any time you're face-to-face with someone else.

Be Inflexible

Sure, we all like traditions. But if someone wants you to come to their house one year instead of always having dinner at your place, why not do that? Or if someone else wants to make a different kind of dish to pass, welcome it. In short, don't get so stuck in the rut of the holidays that you can't welcome any new ideas. You might just stumble across a new tradition that you really love instead.  

Use the Holidays As a Time to Air Your Negativity

Why do people feel the holidays are a time to have a few drinks and then tell someone what you really think of them or the choices they make in life? Or, to quote Seinfeld's "Festivus" tradition, why "air your grievances"? The holidays are a time to appreciate the fact that you have family (as different from you as they may be), friends, a roof over your head, and food on the table. You might be stressed with money and things may be tight, but there is always someone that has it worse. The holidays are a time to remind you what's really important.

Sign Up for a Gift Exchange and Then Don't Deliver

This seems to happen with gift exchanges related to work and those having to do with charity. Part of it, I'm sure, has to do with being busy and just forgetting. But if you sign up for a gift exchange, you've given someone hope in the form of an expectation. There is an expectation that you will give something to them by a certain date. If you get it to them after the date, forget about it entirely, or give them something lame (because you couldn't think of a thoughtful present), you're letting them down.

The same goes for charity, and why someone would space on this is beyond me. We had this issue with a giving tree people organized for needy families. Some people took tags for items they were supposed to buy, and then never delivered. Perhaps it was easier for them to pretend this wasn't important because they didn't know the recipient personally. This type of behavior is not just annoying, it's downright rude.

Complain About the Holiday Season

Sure, we're stressed. We're busy. We've all got a lot to do. But that's just it: we all have a lot to do. Complaining because you have to buy presents or prepare for guests is very annoying to those that do the same thing without whining about it. What's more, if you complain about the number of guests you have, chances are someone who will be alone this holiday season will hear you and wish they had your problem. In other words?  Be grateful. (Or at least be quiet.)

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