It is time for holidays. The arrival of spring and Easter is a welcome time of joy and celebration. Holidays brings parties, social festivities and gatherings with friends or relatives. With all the joy that holiday brings in; it indeed put forth challenges to seasoned smokers as well as to novice smokers. You have to decide when to smoke and when to delay.Knowing proper smoking etiquette is essential as it is better to be careful about not harming or offending anyone while getting your hit.

Knowing how to behave in a social circle and avoiding bad manner can effectively minimize the dirty looks and judgmental stares you are bound to receive if you go careless with your habit. A few decades ago, it was perfectly acceptable to light up in a crowded restaurant or in someone’s home. But now it is considered as a bad conduct. Especially with the various public smoking bans and restrictions, it is better to know smoking etiquette and skillfully master those strategies.

Here are some guidelines that help you to figure out how to be a good smoker in holiday gatherings.

• Avoid smoking in the presence of non-smokers if possible. If you are in a mixed crowd politely ask permission before smoking. Many people cannot tolerate the smell of smoke. Smoking around children and pregnant women is a strict no.
• Give a little extra personal space while smoking in company and turn your head away when you exhale. This is basic manner which will save you from blowing in someone’s face.
• Even a smoker may not be interested in smoking sometimes, so if they don’t want to do it, respect their decision and don’t pressure them.
• If you are taking an individual smoke break, politely excuse yourself before leaving those you are with.
• Never drop ash where it shouldn’t be. If you are in a house, find a suitable disposal place such as an ashtray or a disposable cup that can be thrown away.
• Avoid smoking in enclosed space. Open windows, and ventilation may not effectively rid the place of smoking residue. Step out and get your hit.
• If you are planning to blow herbs in a smoke party, it is nice bring yourself some and share it with the rest. If you are sick, never venture into such parties as you will end up sharing germs.
• Sharing is caring. Share your herb with the rest of the group by lighting only a small part of the edge of the bowl. This way all can get some green hits rather than a few tasting the ash.
• If you are smoking a bowl or a bong, then it is common courtesy to take one hit and a pass.Handle the bong or hand pipe with care. As pieces like heady glass ones are fragile and unique do not throw it around.
• Rolling a good cigarette need practice. If you are not comfortable with your rolling skills, do not be nervous to admit it.
• You may face a situation when someone might request you to put it out. Be polite to them. Either put out your cigarette or move to another location.
• Take time to clean your breath with a use of a mint, mouthwash, or breathe spray after smoking. There is nothing worse than having conversation with someone with bad breath.

In all, when you plan to smoke around the holidays, you are doing it to enhance joy in the festivities. So make sure you are paying attention to the people around you and be respectful of those around you. Happy holidays!