Five Things to Remember This Holiday Season
Retire the Christmas Sweater your mom likes to see you wear for the holidays.
One of the best things about the Holidays is that you see relatives and
friends whom you don't see too often. It's a great time to reconnect and
catch up and you want to leave a great impression on those who don't see you everyday. Make sure your hair looks nice, teeth are clean(white),
and that you don't look like a fool..AKA, that sweater your mom
made you wear when you were 13, even if it still fits, must go. Immediately. You want people to remember you for how charming or funny you are, not for the goofy red sweater with Rudolph on it that you spilt eggnog all over.
Don't Drink & Drive
Although you've been told this a million times, it never hurts to hear it again. Only a raging idiot would drink and drive on a holiday evening where cops are just waiting to pull over those who may have hit the spiked eggnog or champagne a little too hard. Call a cab or call a friend. A few drinks is not worth losing your life, someone else's or your freedom.
Don't Procrastinate with Presents.
In the economic times that we are in now, I'm sure a lot of people are cutting back on the amount of money that they spend on their loved ones for the holidays..however that doesn't mean that when you go to the mall at 8pm on December 24th to go shopping that the shelves and racks will be filled..because they won't. Take the weight off your shoulders and get it out of the way early. My favorites are
http://www.overstock.com/ because they have a great shipping rate and you can almost find ANYTHING for ANYONE, whether its a coffee maker or designer jeans at half price. Be smart and shop early.
Be in the Moment
After my brother recently left for Basic Training for the Marines, it has really made me remember to soak up all the time you have with loved ones. Its too common that we take everyone in our lives for granted, so for this holiday season, instead of being on your cellphone or watching the clock because you made plans for later, just enjoy where you are and who your with. Spark up a conversation with someone you haven't had a one-on-one with in a while, and get to know them all over. Take pictures or play a game that will get everyone involved. By the end you may be asking, "why don't I spend more time with my family?"
Have fun. Relax. And be Merry.
Get Creative
Just because we are known to spend a lot of money on decorations, presents, ect..doesnt mean we neccessarily have to. In times like, well right now, where money is tight, it doesn't mean you need to give tube-socks to your loved ones..unless they want them. (weird..)
Put your thinking caps on and get creative. For my job as an assistant to a genius stylist & interior decorater, I have seen all of the fabulous decorations to use for the holidays this upcoming season. While those are a bit on the highend side, I am finding a way to create my own without breaking my budget. Gold is beauutiful for the holidays, so grab pretty leaves, pinecones and holiday looking plants, and spray paint them gold with perhaps a touch of glitter. Use glitter on the table (lightly) for a glamorous touch. Instead of spending a lot of money on expensive flowers for center pieces, I love the look of a big glass vase with glittery white/silver or gold ornaments, or pretty fruit. Invest in some holiday magazines and try to recreate your own version of what you see in them.
Best of luck,
xoxo
