How to ACTUALLY enjoy the holidays. . . because they are all around us
1. Embrace the Decorations
Channel your inner elf and go all out with the decorations! If your neighbors don’t think you’re trying to summon Santa with your light display, are you even trying? Just remember: the more blinking lights, the better. Bonus points if you accidentally short-circuit the power in the whole neighborhood!
Honestly just put one strand up and once you get a hit of dopamine you'll probably do a little more than you thought you had the energy for. Decorate how it makes you happy. Go nuts or put up a tiny tree and say done! Up to you.
2. Master the Art of Gift Giving
Gift giving can be a challenge, but here’s a tip: if you can’t find a gift for someone, just wrap up a potato. Who wouldn’t want a spud with a bow? It’s the gift that says, “I put in zero effort but still care!” AI wrote that. That's ridiculous. This is why I write all of my own content) See my gift guides on this page and my Amazon curated lists. Here
3. Holiday Food Frenzy
Make ahead make ahead make ahead. Make friends with your air fryer. You can also opt out or change it up I'm throwing low stress gatherings only. Have a nibbles and cocktails party where everyone brings nibbly food AKA 'girl dinner' and something to drink. Make a festive punch or egg nog for extra credit.
4. Family Gatherings
Family time is essential, but it can get a bit chaotic. Prepare for the classic “What are you doing with your life?” questions. Just respond with, “I’m working on my PhD in Netflix Binge-Watching.” It’s a real thing, I swear! Or honestly pull out the games! My family loves scattegories or taco cat goat pizza for the little ones. Guranteed fun and keeps political discussions away. We have a million weird tradiitons and we love our fun quirks like having a parlor sharing songs, stories, etc. after dinner wearing silly hats! Then Salsa dancing (Thanks to our family friend Rocio). Skittles tournaments, and when we were in our 20's the reigndeer games pub crawls where we would walk in the snow to the bars wearing reigndeer antlers to go play darts and shuffleboard etc. (I'm originally from Wisconsin).
5. Holiday Movies
Nothing says “holiday spirit” like watching the same cheesy movies every year. You know the ones! Bonus points if you can quote the entire script of “Home Alone” while simultaneously eating popcorn and arguing about who the best character is (it’s obviously Kevin, right?). We Have a tradition of my Hallmark style movie drinking game. I'll make you all a whole blog about it!
6. Festive Fashion
Don your most outrageous holiday sweater. The uglier, the better! If you don’t get at least one comment about how your sweater looks like a Christmas explosion, you’re not trying hard enough. Just remember: the more sequins, the more festive! I had a sweatshirt as a 90's kid that lit up. I want one again.
7. Avoiding Holiday Stress
When the holiday stress hits, just remember: it’s all about perspective. If you burn the turkey, just call it “smoked” and serve it with confidence. If you forget someone’s gift, just say it’s a gift for New Years! Who doesn’t love a gift that keeps on giving? I like to shop online way ahead of time (even small businesses). Make sure to take breaks, take walks, delegate, feed yourself, and do some fun stuff outside of the house. Some of my favorite times are just driving with starbucks in hand to look at the lights.
8. Reflect and Laugh
At the end of the day, the holiday season is about laughter and joy. So, when things go wrong (and they will), just laugh it off! After all, a holiday mishap makes for the best stories for next year’s family or friends gathering. Also calories don't count at Christmas. I think it's crazy important to have traditions with yourself too! I always watch Love Actually while decorating the tree or the day of. . . I listen to the Nutcracker. I was a ballerina and danced in that ballet for 6 years! I watch a Christmas Carol at least once a year, and bake gingerbread. . . I love my traditons I have created just for me!
Conclusion
So, gear up for a holiday season filled with laughter, joy, and just a hint of chaos! Embrace the madness, enjoy the quirks, and remember: it's all about making memories (and possibly a few questionable decisions) along the way!
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