Do you ever find yourself racing around, frantically shouting, “The holidays are coming! The HOLIDAYS are coming!” just days before the whirlwind of gift-giving and family feasts begins? Trust me, you’re not alone.
Hanukkah, following the Jewish calendar, has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it—unlike Christmas or New Year’s, which have fixed dates. Even if it were predictable, I’d probably still procrastinate until the last minute; there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a deadline!
Just an hour before my family arrives for a dinner I claim to have “cooked” (let’s be honest, it’s takeout served on fancy plates), I scramble to decorate with a few menorahs, some dreidels, and if I’m feeling particularly inspired, I might even hang our dreidel stockings with a bit of tape. It’s festive, right? (Watch out, Martha Stewart!)
This season truly is magical. I adore the “Festival of Lights,” twinkling Christmas lights, and good lighting in general—especially since my eyesight isn’t what it used to be. But as the days zip by, I feel less cheerful and more frantic, with my gift list growing faster than my waistline after devouring a box of chocolates. There’s so much to do: figuring out how to record my favorite shows while hosting family and choosing a restaurant for takeout. Where are Santa’s elves when you need them?
While the holidays can be a source of stress, they also don’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some light-hearted tips to help you through:
- Tell everyone you’re heading out of town… but stay put.
- Change up your hairdresser or manicurist every time. One less gift to worry about!
- Stash your scale and wear comfy clothes.
- Scribble silly mustaches on all the cheerful faces in your holiday cards.
- Switch to decaf coffee, then to 20% proof drinks—why not?
- Indulge in chocolate at every meal.
- Do all your holiday shopping at the grocery store (gift cards work!).
- Skip the gift wrap and holiday cards—go green instead!
- For gatherings, opt for potluck meals. Heck, make every meal potluck! Kids, you’re on your own.
- Try to avoid leaving the house from November 26 to January 2. Think of the gas savings!
- Encourage everyone to wear festive colors that represent their holiday.
- Save the money and time on hair color—just call the gray “tinsel.”
- Re-gifting is totally fine—just avoid giving it back to the person who originally gifted it to you. Super awkward!
- Laugh often; the chaos will be over before you know it. Drink more; it’ll go by even faster.
- When in doubt, add a splash of eggnog to your morning coffee—make it a holiday tradition!
No matter which holiday you celebrate, remember that it’s the most stressful yet wonderful time of the year! Happy Holidays!
For more insights, check out this post on the importance of planning for the holiday season. If you’re looking into family planning, visit Healthline for excellent pregnancy resources or Make a Mom for guidance on at-home insemination kits. And don’t miss our post on advertiser disclosures for more information.
Summary:
The holiday season can be a whirlwind of stress and excitement, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Embrace the chaos with humor and creativity through fun tips like potluck meals, festive attire, and guilt-free re-gifting. Celebrate the joy of the season while managing the inevitable holiday hustle and bustle.