Yay! It is Thanksgiving week! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because my husband’s birthday usually collides with Thanksgiving week giving us a lot to celebrate. During this busy time we also enjoy large family gatherings with family we rarely see and we want to make the most of it.
Who do you visit with during Thanksgiving?
No matter how many times a year you visit with your family, doing so during Thanksgiving is always special. This is why it is important for yourself, and your family, to set basic phone-use rules. Otherwise, your family’s Thanksgiving dinner will look a little more like this:
…except with loaded plates of delicious food.
Phone Etiquette for Holiday Gatherings
What can the hostess do? It is hard to set “rules” for holiday gatherings, but there are a few subtle things the hostess can do to tell her guests what he/she wishes without being overbearing.
- The hostess can display his/her rules on a beautiful chalkboard or stand in a place that will be seen easily. Places like, near the front door and on the wall near the dining table are both great locations.
- Setup your front door as a unloading station. Coats go on the hanger, keys can be placed in a bowl, and cell phones can be left on floating shelves above the entryway table. While greeting guests, tell them where everything goes and lovingly wait for them to comply. If they ask for an explanation, tell them you would like for everyone to leave their cell phones at the door until all of the festivities begin.
- While announcing it is time to be seated at the dinner table ask guests to please keep their phones off during the meal.
What should you do as a guest? The most important thing a guest can do during a holiday meal is be mindful of their habits. If you know you have difficulties leaving your phone tucked away without glancing at it each time it buzzes, vibrates, or dings – consider leaving it in the car or in your bag.
But I want to take pictures! Having a camera on your cell phone is a wonderful convenience but it can also be equally as difficult to ignore. Again, be mindful of your habits AND no selfies at the table unless it isn’t intrusive. If others are waiting on you for blessings, announcements, speeches, etc., that is not the time to ask for their patience to be extended so you can take a selfie.
About the kids… consider removing electronic devices from all children and teenagers during the event. Take them from your own kids, and spread the news to your relatives that you have taken them away from your children so they will be more interactive with the family. This may inspire them to do the same.
What do I do if Grandma won’t put down her phone?
— too bad! We all know what grandma says goes!
Psst. Do you know what happens after Thanksgiving? Black Friday & Cyber Monday!!! The busy holiday shopping season is coming on FAST. This year, you don’t wait until the last minute to get your shopping and holiday planning done. AT&T is the one-stop destination for holiday shopping for everyone on your list. From stocking stuffers to Secret Santa gifts to big surprises for the loved ones in your lives, AT&T has options your friends and family will love. Plus, by shopping at AT&T, customers can rack up awards points through Plenti – which you can use to save tons of money during the holiday season and beyond! In the next few weeks, I’ll be testing out and sharing my favorite devices, gadgets and accessories of the holiday season. ~ Stay tuned!