How to Cancel a Christmas Party

How does one cancel a Christmas party? Though most would rather never be put into the position, there are times when a Christmas party simply needs called off. Sometimes, the invitations have been sent and the caterer paid but something holiday altering like an accident, illness, death, work related travel emergency, or financial issue comes up. Other times, it is only assumed that you will be celebrating but there is cause to break tradition and know there are some individuals counting on you to host a holiday event. Whether your reason is financial or health gives cause to need to cancel the annual soiree, here are some tips to knowing how to properly cancel a Christmas party.

Give plenty of notice. Individuals who are simply told the party's off with little time to prepare can be disappointed or even angered by short notice, especially when they chose your Christmas party over another event. Be sure to tell guests that you had to cancel the party with at least two weeks notification. A month or more is best. If an annual party is expected but not planned or announced, simply including the information that there will be no party this year can be included in a short note added to holiday cards.

For example, one might write, "Due to a current scheduling conflict, this year's holiday party will not be held as usual." The first and foremost thing to remember about how to cancel a Christmas party is that it is never advisable to cancel a party less than two weeks before the event. Should the need arise to cancel a Christmas party with very short notice, phone calls to relay the information is necessary. In-person regrets are usually recommended.

Plan a smaller, day event. A luncheon or meeting a group together for brunch may be the answer to a less disappointing Christmas cancel. Rather than being seen as a Scrooge, simply plan for a brunch meet up, a tea (with Christmas cookies) or luncheon and send a change of venue announcement. Often cheaper than a holiday party and with better scheduling possibilities, transforming rather than canceling a Christmas party could be the difference between bumming out guests and refreshing a tradition. Just be sure to personally let each guest know about the changes and apologize in advance for those who can not make the updated event.

Give a tasteful gift. Sometimes a small, thoughtful gift along with regrets is warranted when you must cancel a Christmas party that others are looking forward to. A fun idea is to send a basket of muffins along with a card letting a guest know that although you were looking forward to the party, plans have changed and it must be cancelled.

Plan to Postpone. An after Christmas bash might be a great tension release for those who had an excitement filled holiday season. Though having to cancel a Christmas party may feel like a real disappointment, rescheduling for after New Year's Eve might be a tradition to chase away the blahs of winter without completely surrendering the fun of the holiday season. The best thing to remember about winter parties after the holidays is there doesn't have to be a holiday theme. Ignore the snowflakes with a January Luau. Consider a crystal dance in your favorite colors, sans red and green. Opt for opulence with an old Hollywood bash complete with vintage movies.

When you have to cancel a Christmas party, it can be tough. Knowing how to cancel that party without leaving too much disappointment behind is not too difficult if you know how to do so with respect and care. Have a happy and save holiday!