Three words: Christmas. Corporate. Parties! In the words of Mariah Carey… “it’s tiiiime” (for festive gatherings, fancy frocks, and spicy office gossip).
So, here’s a question for you: are you going, or are you skipping?
This year, I’ve decided to set my RSVP to OOO (out of office)—not because I’m bah humbug, but because I’ve chosen to spend my time a differently.
Lately, I’ve been making lists of all the little things that make me happy and checking them twice. No, seriously, I’ve given a lot of thought to small joys that make life feel grand—the “little” moments I’d much rather honour with my time.
And not to get overly deep about this (who am I kidding?), but time—our most prized commodity—is precious. Too precious to merely spend on filling hours with noise and pretence.
By now, you probably know that I love nothing better than singing at the top of my lungs and dancing like no one is watching. But the whole corporate thing… isn’t really me.
And before you ask: yes, I know the unwritten rules.
1. Have one drink when you arrive
2. Don’t drink again until others are tipsier than you.
3. Hold up. When did fun become this whole strategic affair?
And don’t even get me started on the overthinking that follows the next day.
Nah, it’s not really my scene—anymore.
I’d rather be dancing, singing, or sharing moments with people who uplift me and truly see me—not making small talk with Debbie from Accounts or Derek from Operations (as lovely as they are).
This is actually a big step. I used to RSVP to every party because of FOMO, but maybe getting older is teaching me that joy doesn’t have to be loud, sequinned, or found at an obligatory end-of-year bash.
It’s found in everyday moments.
So, instead of hunting for a “glam-chic” outfit and strategising my drink-to-dance ratio, here’s that list I mentioned of all the things I’ll be holding onto instead—or saving for later (new year soon and all that):
Everyday Delights
- That first whiff of coffee you get in the morning.
- Lighting a candle and watching its delicate flame dance and fill the room.
- Devouring a book because it’s just so damn good.
- Enjoying still moments in the house where the only sound is the tick-tock of the clock.
- Slipping into a clean, freshly-made bed after a hot bubble bath or shower.
- Taking a deep breath of fresh, cold air on a morning walk.
- Feeling the warmth of the sun on your face during an afternoon stroll.
- Sinking into the sofa after a productive day, everything done and tomorrow completely free.
- Finding comfort in a fully stocked fridge or cupboard with lots of treats (hello, Mr Kipling).
- Burrowing into a cosy blanket to watch Dirty Dancing (or another favourite movie).
The Magic of the Seasons
- Seeing the golden glow of fairy lights reflecting in a window on a cold winter’s night.
- Waking up to a dusting of snow or listening to the rhythm of the rain tapping on the window when you’re snug under the covers.
- Watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset with vibrant colours splashed across the sky that demand your attention (Team sunrise here, you?).
- Visiting a Christmas market and feeling the festive buzz in the air (plus my first cup of mulled wine).
- Walking through crunchy autumn leaves on a crisp day.
- Taking photos of beautiful, ordinary moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Moments of Connection
- Belly laughing with the ones who know what you’re thinking before you say a word.
- Creating more memories with Grandma over tea (or whatever else she’s rustled together).
- Exchanging knowing looks with your bestie during a funny moment and trying not to LOL.
- Belly laughs over a board game when someone—usually the sore loser—dramatically flips the board.
- The simple pleasure of sitting with family and sharing stories that don’t need much explanation. Only love and connection are required.
- Watching old family home movies and seeing how everyone has changed.
Unexpected Beauty
- Hearing an old favourite song that takes you back to a time when life seemed simpler.
- Receiving a bunch of flowers, just because someone saw them and thought of you!
- Sitting quietly in a park or outside a café, simply people-watching (not in a creepy way).
- Taking an impromptu adventure or a long, scenic bus ride—like the one I took from London to Folkestone.
- Finding moments of solitude, just staring out of the window.
- Getting lost in deep conversations.
- Exploring an unfamiliar neighbourhood or town and stumbling upon hidden gems.
- Having a stranger smile or wave at you—it restores my faith in humanity.
- Discovering a forgotten note or photo from years ago tucked away in a cupboard.
Activities That Bring Joy
- The quiet satisfaction of making something with your hands, whether that’s a painting, a cake, or a new recipe.
- Planning a random act of kindness, knowing it’ll brighten someone’s day!
- Dancing to 90s/00s music like nobody’s watching because, really, you’re dancing for yourself.
- Singing with wild abandon, complete with a makeshift mic, feeling like a rockstar!
- Writing in a journal and watching the words flow, knowing you’re growing and evolving with each entry.
- Getting into a state of flow (like I was while writing this list).
- Celebrating tiny victories, like perfectly flipping a pancake (because it might just be a fluke).
Nostalgic & Sentimental Moments
- Finding money in a pocket of something you haven’t worn in a while and being reminded that life has its little blessings.
- Revisiting the street or town where you grew up and being flooded with memories.
- Wandering through a bookshop and rediscovering old books you loved as a child.
- Thumbing through family albums filled with memories of people past and present.
These moments are small, but as Sharon Draper beautifully reminds us:
“It’s the little things that make happy moments, not the grand events. Joy comes in sips, not gulps.”
These small joys remind me of what really matters.
Spoiler alert: it’s not the corporate Christmas party—grand spectacle or not!
At the end of the day, it’s about being intentional with time and these small moments of joy and connection nourishes my soul.
And isn’t that the true gift of the season?
So do tell, are you skipping your workdo too, or are you going? (oops! ha) Eitherway, if it brings you joy, I’d still love to hear about it.