Treat stores like escape rooms—enter with a plan, grab the loot, and bail before Mariah Carey’s chorus loops again.
Keep a quick list of everyone you’ve already bought for in a phone note. That way, you won’t panic-binge on scented candles.
Stock up on a few generic gift items—candles, wine, fancy tea—so you can be ready for last-minute guests or gatherings without scrambling.
If you’re stuck on gifts, digital subscriptions are great—coffee clubs, streaming services, audiobook memberships. They keep giving all year and don’t require much wrapping.
Before family gatherings, establish a safe word with your sibling or another ally to trigger a swift pivot from invasive questions.
When you need a break from family gossip and political spats, the kids' table tends to have less drama and makes a great refuge.
Schedule some downtime. A cheesy holiday movie and a cozy blanket can reset your stress meter faster than you can say “eggnog.”
If you’re having overnight guests, leaving a few bottles of water and a couple of snacks in their room is a great way to make them a little more comfortable and a little less dependent on you.
Don’t experiment with complicated recipes on the big day. If you’re itching to try something new, plan to make it a day in advance.
Delegate. Wrangle the cousins for ornament hanging, ask siblings to help pick up gifts, or let your partner handle the grocery run. You’re not Santa’s only elf.
Embrace the imperfect. A slightly lopsided tree or a burnt cookie batch can still be charming holiday memories, not festive failures.
When all else fails, crank up the holiday playlist, drown out the nonsense, and dance – the endorphins are good for you.