The holiday season is arguably the most stressful time of the year. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, there is so much to accomplish in just a few short weeks.
I can’t even begin to name all the work that goes into one holiday. Let’s start with the endless amount of Christmas cookie baking that occurs, or the mountain of dishes you’re left with after making the very traditional, yet daunting, seven fish feast (which is utterly ridiculous, no one should eat that much fish), and don’t even get me started on the cleaning, or the gift wrapping, or the gift buying! My goodness, there are so many gifts to be bought, you have to make sure you get a little something for everyone. Siblings, parents, cousins, your sister’s fiancé, your neighbor, the mailman, your electrician, that man at the grocery store whom you run into only a couple of times a month, yet you have pleasant conversations each time you meet. The point is to buy a gift for everyone.
I never understood how stressful Christmas and the holiday season in general were when I was young. Now that I’ve grown up, I can see why my mom gets manic around Christmas time. Christmas has become a consumeristic holiday that takes the joy out of the holiday season. By the time Christmas morning comes, I am wiped and want to do anything but clean, wrap, or even eat.
However, aside from all the craziness, everyone needs to find some time during the holiday break to relax and unwind, distracting themselves from the chaos. Now I’m sure some of you get stuck on what you want to do with your free time, so here are some enjoyable activities to keep you from getting the Christmas crazies.
Read a Good Book
- Yes, I’m sure you all are thinking “typical”; however, it’s important to take a break from screens and socializing altogether, and one of the best ways to do this is by reading a good book. I personally love romance books, and swooning over a fake romance makes my teenage girl’s heart melt. One of the best romance writers is Sarah Adams. She writes very cute romance books that make time fly by. I loved “When in Rome” and “Practice Makes Perfect.” These books are a great distraction that leave you feeling lighter than air.
Christmas Movie Marathon
- This one is relaxing yet still keeps you in the holiday spirit! I highly recommend getting in your coziest holiday pajamas (or regular ones will do), grabbing your friends or family, a soft blanket, an assortment of delicious snacks, some hot cocoa, and only the squishiest pillows, and ordering some takeout. Watch a whole lineup of cheesy Christmas movies and just chill out. I highly recommend anything on the Hallmark channel: it’s easy to watch and will always leave you smiling.
Learn To Knit
- As the weather gets colder and colder, the need for warm clothes grows. Learning to knit your own cozy sweaters and hats is convenient and fun! This activity will keep your brain activated and will leave you feeling victorious when you see what your hard work has created. I personally cannot knit, but I have made some valid attempts! Who knows, maybe I’ll give it another go this holiday break.
Try A New ‘Do
- This one can go so wrong depending on how you go about it. But c’mon, everyone loves trying a new hairstyle! Plus, you can start the year with a fresh look! I personally don’t recommend trying to cut your hair yourself unless you know what you’re doing, or have a family member who knows what they are doing. I stupidly let my sister give me highlights with box dye from CVS over the summer. They surprisingly turned out great, but I don’t recommend anyone to try the same! Make an appointment at your local salon and go get that bob, girl! You always wanted to see what life as a redhead was like? Well, now’s the perfect time! Go for it! You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will. Regardless, hair grows back.
These are only a few ideas as to what you can do this holiday break! The world is your oyster, so go out and do your thing! Despite what you end up doing, I wish all you readers a very happy holiday and a spectacular new year. I hope you all manage to stay relatively sane during this crazy time of year.