Holiday Tips

by Megan

You may have managed to miss the holiday music already playing on the radio stations around here but I’m sure your “Spidey senses” are tingling with anticipation for the upcoming holidays and parties. As silly as it may seem, whenever I start seeing the Starbucks red cups being carted around I know the season of merriment (and some good, old-fashioned family fights) is upon us! At my ripe old age, I have managed to come up with some advice that make the season much more enjoyable, for me at least. If you’re interested in the teachings of this quarter life guru, read on:

  • Budget, budget, budget: Grab a pen and paper (you know, those archaic things you used before smart phones) and write down everyone you have to buy gifts for and put down exactly how much you are willing to spend on them. Now here’s the trick - stick with that amount. Easier said than done I realize, believe me, when you stumble upon a novelty “Crustache- the Mustache Sandwich Cutter” you’ll want to add it to the already great gift you got for your brother. Resist! It may “only” be $5 but who knows where it will go from there? (Does he then need a mustache mug? Or perhaps the talking key ring mustache?? The possibilities are astonishingly endless.) After you have the family and friend budgets, I usually set aside some petty cash to buy coffee/tea/wine just in case I need an impersonal present later. Bonus points if you remember where you stashed these presents from last year!
  • Plan on being 10 minutes early: Whether it’s work, a party, a sporting event or mass, if you live in a place like Wisconsin you will probably need about 10 minutes to warm up, scrape and defrost your car if it’s not in a garage. Also, roads in the winter require extra time so if you give yourself those 10 minutes you shouldn’t be late to important events.
  • Embrace online shopping: I made this decision about two years ago. I like shopping. I like malls. I do not like shopping in malls during the holidays. The crowds, the parking lot, and the inability for my body to decide whether it’s hot or cold - it makes me crabby. And I don’t like being crabby! Amazon.com and I have developed a great relationship. I may walk around the mall to people watch, but I don’t do it if I have to actually have to buy things.

Alright, enough of the completely original, mind boggling, never before heard of tips - enjoy your holiday season! Try to have some fun and don’t be afraid to bust out your ugliest sweater, if anyone dares make fun of it just call them a Scrooge and wear it proudly!


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