Hello! Christmas parties and events can feel really difficult to avoid. That said there is no reason you have to say why. Preparing some stock answers can be really helpful, things like ‘oh I would have love to come but it clashes with X,’. This can work well for work events. If the parties and events are family based, often a last minute ‘not feeling well’. If you’d rather not use something that doesn’t feel true, “I’m not up for social events right now — I hope you understand.” is a kind, boundaried way of letting someone know. There are more strategies for what we call a ‘soft exit’ if you feel up to attending for a little while, having someone with you who knows what you are going through can feel like a safe and supportive other who can help you leave when you have had enough. Explaining you can stop by for a little while if you can is sometimes a good middle ground safe response.
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