The Great American Christmas Party

When I grew up in France, we didn't have Christmas Parties like Americans do, so this social phenomenon is worth explaining from a newcomer to America's viewpoint.

It displays a lot of elements I'm not fond of, like standing for hours on end with a glass in one hand and also with a plate of nondescript food plus a fork jammed in the other, which is anathema to a genuine French person.

Eating can only be accomplished when seating comfortably, at least that what my forebearers thought!

The next obvious question is what are these parties generally intended for?

For the hosts, it's to show off their home, with its architectural beauty, mountain views, furnishing and an overdecorated Christmas Tree. In other words, all the tangible components that show their status in life.

For the guests, it's one way of free-loading, of splurging on food and booze and of telling self-aggrandizing stories about themselves.

What's the take-away then? A good study in anthropology!