These 8 Social Media Mistakes Will Ruin Your Happy Holiday Season

The holidays bring out our best—and sometimes our absolute worst—on social media. Gift bragging, family drama aired publicly, political hot takes that start comment wars... we've all seen it. Maybe we've even been guilty of it.

Filter your brain and think twice before putting something negative out there, especially during the holiday season. —Caitlin

This isn't about being perfect or bland online. It's about posting with purpose and not letting social media mistakes turn your holidays into a dumpster fire.

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8 Social Media Mistakes to Avoid This Holiday Season

1. Gift Bragging (and Gift Complaining)

Look, we get it. You're excited about your presents. Hashtag blessed, right?

But here's the thing:

Bragging about lavish gifts reads as out-of-touch privilege, even when you don't mean it that way. It triggers envy and broadcasts your financial situation to strangers. And I'd be remiss if I didn't channel my own mother here and remind you that it can even tip off thieves about what's in your house.

Complaining about gifts shows a serious lack of gratitude. That sweater your aunt picked out might not be your style, but publicly roasting it is just tacky.

Instead: Focus on sharing moments with the people you love, not the price tags. Real gratitude doesn't need a receipt to shine.

2. Family Drama Belongs Offline

The holidays are full of love, laughter, and reminders about why you only see Aunt Myrtle once a year.

Family tension is real, especially in the current... um... political climate? But broadcasting it on social media isn't beneficial or respectful.

When you air family conflict publicly, you force your friends to pick sides. You turn temporary tension into searchable, permanent history. And honestly? It never makes the situation better.

What to do instead: If you need support, reach out privately to trusted friends. Ask for advice without naming names or airing specific details. Keep the drama off the feed.

3. Political Hot Takes Can Wait

In person, you can set boundaries and walk away from political conversations. Online, the algorithm rewards outrage.

Here's what most people don't realize: Engaging with bad takes doesn't defeat them—it boosts them.

Every comment, share, and angry react tells the platform "this content is valuable, show it to more people." So that post that made your blood boil? Scrolling past it is often more effective than arguing in the comments. If you have to do something, I like to sing the "Block/Mute/Restrict" song I made up.

Blockity block block block, b*-otch. Blockity block block block.

Instead, save your energy for concrete action and credible resources when it truly counts. Avoid launching hot takes that'll follow you into every family gathering for the next year.

4. Respect All Faiths and Greetings

There are dozens of holidays celebrated between November and January. Not everyone celebrates Christmas. Not everyone celebrates Hanukkah. Some people celebrate multiple holidays. Some celebrate none.

Don't correct someone's greeting. Don't knock other traditions. Simple kindness travels farther than being pedantic about "the right way" to celebrate.

"Happy Holidays" isn't a war on Christmas—it's just being inclusive. And if the word inclusive bothers you? Swap it out for nice. Better?

5. Remember: Your Boss Is Watching

Your employer, clients, and future opportunities all exist on the same internet where you're posting party selfies.

Party photos with drinks, rants about your boss, or anything that signals poor judgment can outlive the moment. Authenticity doesn't require oversharing—it asks for alignment between who you are and what you post.

If you manage brand accounts: Showcase joy without compromising professional standards or privacy. The holiday cheer should enhance your brand, not create HR incidents.

Pro tip: Make the theme on your professional accounts different from the theme on your personal accounts. Do you prefer the dark theme for yourself? Great! That's your personal setting. Now make the light theme your setting for your brand accounts.

6. Handle Invitations Privately

Posting about events publicly risks:

• Hurt feelings from people who weren't invited

• Unexpected guests showing up

• Awkward explanations about why you declined other invites

RSVPs should be private. Responses to invitations—especially when plans change for personal or health reasons—don't belong on your public feed.

And please, if you're going to decline an invitation with an excuse, don't post Instagram stories from the thing you're "definitely not doing instead." Your alibi will out you the moment your Stories go live.

Own your boundaries: A polite decline (no excuse necessary) beats a messy cover story every time.

7. Get Consent Before Posting Photos (Especially of Kids)

This is the big one. Laws like COPPA exist to protect minors online. Many parents choose not to share their children's images publicly—and that's their right.

Always ask first. If someone opts out, respect it. Use stickers to cover faces, crop photos, or just keep the moment offline.

This goes for adults, too. Even positive testimonials and quotes need permission. Sharing someone's words or image without consent erodes trust—even if you meant it as a compliment.

For brands: This isn't optional. Get explicit permission before using anyone's quotes, images, or testimonials in your marketing.

8. Your Feed Should Age Well

Remember, the keys to a professional online presence are authenticity, relatability, and respect for others. —Jenny GK

None of these rules are about killing your joy or making your feed boring. They're about protecting your peace and your relationships during the busiest season of the year.

Share the warmth, the jokes, the music, the quiet acts of care. Build a feed that ages well: generous, thoughtful, and safe.

When in doubt, leave it out. And spend the saved energy on a stretch break, a birthday ritual, or a solo karaoke session that restores your spirit.

TL;DR? Your Holiday Social Media Checklist: 8 Don'ts

Skip these to keep your season drama-free:

1. ❌ Gift bragging or complaining

2. ❌ Public family feuds

3. ❌ Political hot takes that start comment wars

4. ❌ Disrespecting other faiths or holidays

5. ❌ Unprofessional party posts

6. ❌ Public invitation drama

7. ❌ False alibis that your Stories will expose

8. ❌ Photos without consent (especially of kids)

Let us know if you have questions! DM us on IG or send us an email.

Happy posting!

CK & GK

Sources & Mentions

• 10 Things You Should Never Post on Social Media During the Holidays | Reader’s Digest

• Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Social Media Posting | Social Stamina

• 7 Things to Avoid Posting on Facebook during the Holidays That You Will Regret Later | AllWomensTalk

• 11 Photos You Should Never, Ever Post on Social Media | The Healthy