ExposedNYC

Oh, that wonderful tradition of getting together in large groups, draping ourselves in variations of red and green, and drinking ourselves into a state of embarrassment. This is what most workplaces and social circles have so lovingly come to associate with the latter half of December.

I embark on my first of these festivities this Thursday night, hosted by one of my favorite newlywed couples. As long-standing members of the nightlife industry, their parties are always a good time. Their invite specified that 9-5ers take Friday off, and late nighters come on by, because the party will be raging.

What it didn’t specify is attire, so I inquired with the host whether I should pull out my red velvet holiday dress, or the reindeer sweater Grandma knitted for me last year. I turns out it’s fairly casual, so I’ll stick to a green V-neck that so thankfully draws the eye to a tasteful amount of décolletage (I love that there is a fancy word for cleavage), but whose lack of cling will allow me to indulge in all of the fruitcake and egg nog I desire. Come to think of it, I don’t like either, but at least I have the option.

Holiday party attire has become almost at the level of scrutiny that Halloween receives. A friend actually had her boss approach her threatening termination if she had cleavage at their extravagant holiday ball (jokingly, we think…). Monster.com and MSN.com discuss the rules of women indulging in revealing attire, once again reinforcing the double standard that women be judged on their looks. And yet, any man willing to rent a red suit and white beard can offer his lap freely and inquire about our deepest desires. Hmm…

The other wide spread concern is that most people overindulge in toasting holiday spirits. Absolutely a valid concern, but it does provide an ease of nerves that holiday parties provoke. At an office party, how do you interact without resorting to talking shop all night? At tomorrow’s party, I’m going solo and am aware that the hosts will be graciously engaged with all of their guests, leaving me to socialize with various others who will be acquaintances at best. And I won’t even begin to tackle family parties.

So tomorrow night, I’m going to aim for tasteful, festive, and reasonably sober by the time daylight rolls around. And, worst case scenario, I’ll have some good stories to tell. Happy Holidays to all that you celebrate!

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