Do you find yourself racing around in a frenzy, exclaiming, “The holidays are upon us! The HOLIDAYS are here!” just days before the chaos of gift-giving and family gatherings begins? You’re certainly not alone. With Hanukkah shifting each year on the Jewish calendar, it can creep up on you when you least expect it. And let’s be honest, even if it had a fixed date, I’d still procrastinate. There’s something exhilarating about that last-minute scramble—it’s where I find my excitement!
Just an hour before my family arrives for what I call a “home-cooked” meal (which is really just takeout served on our finest dishes), I frantically place menorahs and dreidels around the house. When I’m really feeling ambitious, I even tape our dreidel stockings to the mantle and drape our banister in glittering blue and silver tinsel. Classy? Absolutely. (Watch out, Martha Stewart!)
This time of year is truly magnificent. I adore the “Festival of Lights,” the twinkling Christmas lights, and just good lighting in general. As my eyesight seems to be fading, the bright city streets help me navigate my way around. But with the days flying by, I find myself feeling less festive and more frantic as my to-do list grows, expanding like my waistband after indulging in a box of See’s chocolates. There’s so much to do—like figuring out which shows I’ll miss while hosting family and deciding where to order takeout from. Seriously, where are Santa’s elves when you need them?
The holidays can drive you a little crazy, but they don’t have to be overwhelmingly stressful. Here are some lighthearted tips to help ease your burden:
- Tell everyone you’re going on vacation… but stay put.
- Change your hairdresser or nail tech regularly. One less present to buy!
- Hide the scale and opt for comfy, loose clothing.
- Give your holiday cards a funny twist by doodling mustaches on all the cheerful faces.
- Swap out your regular coffee for decaf, but keep the spirits flowing—20% proof, anyone?
- Indulge in chocolate at every meal; it’s a holiday tradition now.
- Make the grocery store your one-stop holiday shopping destination (gift cards work wonders).
- Skip the wrapping paper and holiday cards—go green this season!
- If you’re hosting, make it a potluck affair. Kids, fend for yourselves!
- Aim to stay home from November 26 to January 2. Think of all the gas you’ll save!
- Encourage guests to wear holiday colors that represent their traditions for a lively gathering.
- Embrace your silver hair and tell everyone it’s just tinsel.
- Re-gifting is totally acceptable—just don’t give it back to the original giver. Awkward!
- Laugh often; it’ll all be over before you know it. Drink up; it’ll speed things along!
- If all else fails, add a splash of eggnog to your coffee morning and night.
No matter which holiday you celebrate, just remember it’s that wonderfully chaotic time of year. For more tips on enhancing your holiday experience, check out this related post. Happy Holidays!
In summary, the holiday season brings joy but also a fair amount of stress. By employing these humorous and practical strategies, you can navigate the holidays with a little more ease and a lot more laughter.
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