It’s officially begun. The Holidays. Or, as I like to call it: The Eating Season.
It really doesn’t matter to which faith you subscribe, from now until well after New Year’s, there’s a whole lot going on. It’s easy to feel the pinch of the holiday stress this time of year. Me? I feel it right in between my shoulder blames. Pinch! Feel it? Not only are we rushing around trying to get the gifts purchased, the decorations hung, those homemade coconut mice prepared (don’t ask!), we’re also getting up earlier to make sure the driveway is clear and our kids are adequately squeezed into their snowpants. It’s a drag, and it’s easy to lose sight of this joyful spirit we’re supposed to be immersed in.
Well, my friends. Here are my top ten ways to get holidazed.
Ready? Enjoy yourself.
Don’t Get Scrooged
1. Call your Grandma (or, any elderly relative will do!)
Ask good old Grandpappy to tell you stories of family gatherings when you were just a young pup. Granted, you may have to reserve an hour or two for this conversation but it’s worth it. Snuggle up with a pound of Grandma’s fruitcake from 1957 and get rocking.
2. Do a little holiday baking.
I recommend recipes which require a whole lot of booze. My Dad always made this unbelievably rich and amazing rum cake during the holidays. He always seemed a whole lot happier during preparation time.
3. Send a holiday message via email.
Do you have to mail out holiday cards? Nope. Not necessary. Nobody will bat an eyelash if they don’t get an updated picture of you in your smashingly handsome holiday sweater vest. Sure, I get them too. The perfect family portrait of Mom, Dad, and all five kids posed on the vintage 1940’s sleigh with crisp, white, fake snow drifting all around them. Extra points for the matching cable knit sweaters. If you can’t get it together, get over yourself. Craft a letter telling everyone how fabulous your life is and email it to those nearest and dearest. Better yet, change your facebook profile picture to the Grinch or something equally sappy and update your status to: “Happy Holidays”. Enough said.
4. Play In The Snow
Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m not really a fan of the white stuff. You won’t find me tobogganing down the hills of the Forest City, squealing with delight. The truth is though, the reason I hate the cold so much is because I am NEVER PREPARED. Growing up, I subscribed to the ‘It’s better to look good than to feel good’ philosophy and I could never quite rock the snowpants. I suggest this year you outfit yourself in some head to tow arctic gear and have at it. Get out there with your kids, throw a few snowballs and hurl yourself down a hill or two. Sure, you might look like a giant Snow Geek but I guarantee you’ll have a blast.
5. Smile at every person you see next time you’re in the mall.
Oh, yes, people will automatically assume you’ve gone off your medication but who cares. It’ll make you feel good.
6. Watch a holiday movie
It doesn’t matter if it’s Hannukah - The Festival of Lights or Kwanzaa with the Proud Family. A holiday movie will get you in the mood every time. When the weather outside is truly frightful, pop yourself an enormous bowl of popcorn, grab a mug of hot chocolate and snuggle in.
7. Stroll through the neighbourhood and look at the lights.
I am so fortunate to live right here in London, Ontario where the city comes alive during the holiday season. Victoria Park, nestled right in the heart of the city is brimming with evergreen trees, glistening with multi coloured holiday lights. Bundle up and take a stroll through your own neighbourhood and see what kind of light show they’re putting on. If you’re lucky, your neighbours might invite you in for a cocktail. Goody!
8. Spend some time with children.
Nothing gets you more into the holiday spirit than being around the little ones. Their wide eyed optimism is contagious as they anticipate the arrival of St. Nick. I recommend short little bursts of kid time and never when the child in question is either hungry or tired. You’ve been warned.
9. Take part in your office Secret Santa
Yes, I can only imagine. You’ve successfully avoided the office gift exchange every year but why not give it a try this time around. Keeping secrets is always fun, isn’t it?
10. Drink Heavily.
Yes. That’s my answer for everything.
Enjoy!
