here is a handy way to decline holiday parties:
I am somewhat sorry to say that I will be unable to attend your haute
holiday gala. I will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and thus compelled to
miss out on the warmth and joy that always fill your parties. Once the
holidays are past I hope to have a good long visit with you and find out
all the party highlights. Please give my sunniest, "Hi there and
hello," to your party guests. My best wishes for a happy and utterly
Norman Rockwellian holiday.
Remember to wear your mittens.
